Most new TMJ patients are confused, stressed and overwhelmed from the hundreds of TMJ related treatment options they find online. The first thing anyone does after their diagnosis is scroll through the internet about the ins and outs of the disorder. Amongst all of this, there’s a lot of talk on the internet about the application of Botox for the treatment of TMD. But, is Botox really the magic solution we think it is?
Let’s get into it. First off, what is Botox and how does it work?
Botulinum Toxin Type A or Botox is a neurotoxin which, when injected into any muscle, causes it’s relaxation and prevents its contraction.
In terms of TMJ disorder, some practitioners inject it into your hyperactive chewing muscles like masseter and temporalis which helps relax or ‘paralyse’ this muscle activity for a while. The effect of this injection lasts for a good few months after which it starts wearing off and you need a repeat dose.
However, Botox is causing more harm than good in TMJ disorders. Did you know that repeated injections can change the shape of your face by permanently paralysing your muscles? Plus, the efficacy of the injection also reduces with every dose. Aside from all this, your TMJ Disorder will keep progressing.
Botox is never a solution to TMJ disorders.
TMJ disorders are multifactorial and need a multidisciplinary approach from the right TMJ and Orofacial Pain Specialist who works conservatively on the neuromuscular aspect of the TMJ Disorder.