TMJ Treatment – Delray Beach, FL
Long-Lasting Relief
from Jaw Pain
TMJ disorder, also known as TMD or simply TMJ, is a problem that afflicts millions of people. It occurs when the joints that connect the mandible to the rest of the skull become damaged or stressed. These joints, called the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are somewhat delicate and complex, and in some cases, they require professional orthopedic treatment . If you are looking for long-lasting relief from jaw pain and related symptoms, TMJ treatment from our Delray Beach team may be able to help.
Why Choose the Institute of Non-Surgical Orthopedics for TMJ Treatment?
- Conservative, Effective Care
- BOTOX Injections for Fast Relief
- Highly Knowledgeable & Skilled Team
Diagnosing TMJ Disorder
TMD is sometimes misdiagnosed because it can cause dozens of symptoms, some of which do not seem to be directly related to the functioning of the jaw. In our practice, we have on-staff experts who can thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and help to determine whether or not TMD is their cause.
You may need to be evaluated for TMD if you struggle with any of the following:
- Persistent jaw pain
- Difficulty chewing
- Popping or locking sensations in the jaw
- Sore facial muscles
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Neck aches, back aches, and shoulder aches
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Treatments for TMJ Disorder
There are a number of different treatments that may be able to provide effective relief from symptoms of TMD. After a thorough evaluation, we might determine that you are a candidate for:
- BOTOX injections. Strategically placed BOTOX injections can limit the movement of muscles around the TMJs. In turn, this can allow them to relax. As a result, you may experience a significant reduction in pain and other symptoms. BOTOX can last for several months, and it is often used in conjunction with other treatments that aim to address the root cause of TMD.
- Cranial osteopathy . Cranial osteopathy is a specialized type of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) that focuses on intentional manipulation of the head and spine. This type of therapy has proven to be an effective way to relieve TMD symptoms in many patients.
- Other treatments. Depending on the specifics of your case, we may recommend other treatments. For example, we might teach you some exercises that can stretch and strengthen your jaw. In some situations, we refer patients to other specialists so they can receive the care that would be most beneficial for their unique case.
How Can Orthopedics Help?
There are a few different branches of the medical community that offer TMJ treatment. For example, many dentists and chiropractors are able to help patients find relief. However, orthopedic care is often highly beneficial because orthopedic experts are committed to understanding the nuances of how the musculoskeletal system works. We always seek to provide effective care in a manner that is as conservative as possible and that works with your body’s natural processes.
Are you eager to learn more about the TMJ treatment provided at the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics? Get in touch with our talented team today!
TMJ Treatment FAQs
Can TMD Be Cured Permanently?
Some treatments for TMJ disorder are designed to provide fast pain relief. For example, BOTOX can relax aching muscles and reduce or eliminate your symptoms. However, it is usually not a long-term fix. Often, it should be paired with other treatments that aim to address the root cause of the TMD. In many cases, patients are able to find long-term relief from their symptoms with the right combination of therapies.
Of course, even after successful treatment, there is still the chance that TMD can recur, especially if there is a new injury or other factors that could exacerbate the condition.
Is TMJ Treatment Safe?
Each TMJ treatment comes with its own list of pros and cons. Generally speaking, though, TMJ therapy is quite safe. For example, the options we offer in our office are gentle and non-invasive, so they carry very little risk of severe adverse side effects.
Surgery is the highest-risk treatment for TMD, which is why we only refer patients to surgeons in the rare cases where more conservative approaches prove to be insufficient.
Is BOTOX for TMJ Safe?
Because BOTOX is a diluted form of toxin, some patients have questions about its safety. There is no need to worry. When it is properly administered by a trained expert, it is generally a very safe way to treat TMJ disorder. Our team always puts patient safety first, and we do not recommend any treatments unless we believe the potential rewards far outweigh any risks involved.
Of course, it must still be admitted that some patients experience side effects after BOTOX injections. Redness, bruising, soreness, headaches, and nausea are all possible. Such symptoms are usually mild and tend to wear off relatively quickly.
How Long Does It Take for BOTOX Injections to Work for TMJ?
Most patients notice a reduction in their pain levels within a few days of their BOTOX injections. Before that point, though, there might be some mild bruising and swelling that temporarily increases discomfort. BOTOX usually takes full effect within a couple of weeks, and its results tend to last for 3 – 6 months. If necessary, you can receive additional injections as the results of your first treatment start to wear off.
