Many people associate Botox as being an injectable treatment that’s used to hide wrinkles and fine lines. After all, some of the biggest names in Hollywood seek Botox for this reason. But thanks to its ability to block signal transmission in the somatic and autonomic systems, Botox is able to do more than just hide wrinkles. Some people even seek it for the treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ; TMJD).
TMJ Defined
Affecting approximately 20-30% of the U.S. adult population, TMJ is an all-too-common condition that’s characterized by pain and/or dysfunction of the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joints. While TMJ isn’t considered life-threatening, it can still adversely affect a person’s quality life. The sharp, shooting pain can make it difficult for individuals to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. And in some cases, TMJ triggers grinding of the teeth, which can further lead to pain as well as other dental problems.
FDA Has Approved Botox for the Following Conditions
The Federal Drug Administration has approved the use of Botox to treat crow’s feet, migraines, and upper limb spasticity. As of yet, however, it has not approved Botox for neither treating nor preventing TMJ. Just because Botox hasn’t been approved for TMJ doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s not a useful tool in relieving the symptoms caused by this condition.
TMJ is a catch-all term used to describe a symptomatic condition in which the individual experiences pain and/or dysfunction (e.g. limited mobility or range of movement) in his or her jaw. There’s usually a root cause associated with TMJ, such as severe headaches for instance. When a person suffers from severe chronic headaches, he or she will have a greater risk of developing TMJ. And as stated above, the FDA has approved the use of Botox for treating migraines, so it may prove beneficial in cases such as this.
A common symptom associated with TMJ is muscle tension in the jaw, which is why some people with this condition grind their teeth at night. Botox may offer relief of muscle tension, as it blocks the neurological signals sent from the nerves to the jaw muscles. Once the liquid is injected into the muscles, it causes them to relax instead of contracting, which in turn may offer relief of teeth grinding.
Of course, you should consult with your physician or cosmetic surgeon for more information on the use of Botox for TMJ. Botox isn’t for everyone, and only a professional healthcare practitioner can offer advice on whether or not it’s a suitable form of treatment for your condition.
