Most people who know about Botox will probably tell you it’s a purely cosmetic procedure. And yes, Botox is great at rejuvenating your face and making fine lines disappear.
But did you know it’s also used to treat headaches and TMJ? Check out this short blog post to find out more about how it works.
TMJ is a type of joint disorder that causes pain, stiffness, and a popping sound when you open your mouth. The condition can be caused by several things, from genetics to arthritis or even an injury.
Moreover, TMJ can also cause headaches. Many people with the disorder tend to clench their teeth and jaw tightly, which can lead to tension headaches. Overall, the condition is quite uncomfortable.
But Botox could provide some much-needed relief. The injections are carefully made directly into the jaw muscles, causing them to weaken. This can therefore prevent clenching and give your jaw a break from all that tension.
The effects can take a few days to kick in, and unfortunately, it’s not a cure for TMJ. It will wear off in around a year, but you can get subsequent injections if necessary.
Let’s say you’re dealing with migraines but don’t have TMJ. Will Botox work for you?
Yes, it will! Botox can be injected around the pain fibers that lead to migraines. It helps prevent the body from releasing certain chemicals that signal the presence of pain, so your brain doesn’t pick up on those signals anymore.
In a way, Botox may help stop a headache before it even begins. However, it’s only approved for people with chronic migraines. If you only deal with headaches now and then, getting Botox injections is unnecessary, and you are better off opting for alternative treatments.
If you're looking for Botox injections in Colorado Springs, Dr. Paul Effinger can help. It might seem strange to see Botox at a dentist’s office, but even if you’re getting it for cosmetic purposes, you’re in good hands.
Dentists are experts when it comes to oral and facial muscles, so they are more than qualified to treat migraines and TMJ pain with Botox injections.
If you want to learn more about Botox and whether it will work to manage your pain, we recommend scheduling a consultation as soon as possible.
TMJ and chronic headaches both affect your quality of life. Come meet our Colorado Springs dentists to discuss your options and see if Botox is the right solution for you.
Call us at (719) 955-4023 today to schedule a Botox consultation.
If you have more questions about Botox injections or our other services, reach out to the Alliance Family Dentistry team online!