TMJ dysfunction can be debilitating and interfere with normal life activities. The muscles of the jaw and temples can be a major source of the pain, and the muscles can be overactive and hypertrophied causing clenching/grinding. Botulinum toxin works by relaxing these muscles, reducing their ability to over-clench, and alleviating the muscle pain and discomfort. For many patients, Botox treatment relieves the symptoms altogether. For others, Botox treatment can offer patients the comfort they need to live normally.
Migraines, cluster headaches and tension headaches may cause several components of pain. One major source of pain comes from the muscles of the jaw and around the temples. When these muscles become involved, patients feel like a vice grip is crushing their head. This is partly true since the muscles are hyper-contracted and can’t relax. Botulinum toxin works by relaxing these muscles and removing the muscle aspect of the pain. For many patients, this eliminates migraines, cluster headaches or tension headaches altogether. For other patients, once the muscle aspect of the pain is alleviated, the patients feel comfortable enough to carry on their normal daily life activities.
