Managing TMJ Symptoms with Corticosteroid Therapy
If you’re dealing with ongoing jaw pain, stiffness, or limited movement, it could be a sign of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. At the Headache & TMJ Center of New Jersey, you can access comprehensive care that focuses specifically on relieving TMJ symptoms. One of the most effective options available is corticosteroid therapy—a targeted treatment designed to reduce inflammation and restore comfort. Choosing a dedicated TMJ specialist ensures that your care plan is personalized, and your results are long-lasting.
Understanding TMJ Dysfunction
TMJ dysfunction affects the joints and muscles surrounding your jaw, often leading to pain, clicking sounds, headaches, or restricted jaw movement. These symptoms may result from arthritis, jaw injury, teeth grinding, or chronic stress on the jaw muscles. When conservative measures like lifestyle changes, bite splints, or physical therapy aren’t enough, corticosteroid therapy can provide significant relief.
How Corticosteroid Injections Work
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that are injected directly into the TMJ. The treatment works by suppressing the body’s inflammatory response in the affected joint. This can reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and improve jaw function within days of the injection. It’s typically performed in-office using imaging guidance to ensure accuracy and effectiveness.
What You Can Expect During Treatment
Your provider will begin with a thorough and personalized assessment of your TMJ symptoms, including a physical examination of your jaw, a review of your medical history, and possibly imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans to evaluate the condition of your temporomandibular joint. This careful evaluation helps determine whether corticosteroid therapy is the most appropriate course of action based on the severity and cause of your symptoms. If corticosteroid treatment is recommended, the injection process is typically quick, precise, and minimally invasive. The injection is usually administered directly into the affected joint using a fine needle, often under the guidance of imaging tools to ensure accurate placement.
To enhance your comfort, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area prior to the injection, minimizing any discomfort during the procedure.
Benefits of Corticosteroid Therapy for TMJ
This therapy is especially beneficial if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent TMJ pain that interferes with daily activities
- Inflammation that hasn’t responded to other treatments
- Acute flare-ups from arthritis or trauma
By reducing joint inflammation, corticosteroid therapy can help you regain normal jaw movement and decrease the need for more invasive interventions like surgery.
Find Lasting Relief in New Jersey
If you’re ready to address your TMJ symptoms with expert-guided care, reach out to the Headache & TMJ Center of New Jersey. Located in New Jersey and led by TMJ specialists, the practice offers effective solutions tailored to your needs. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call 855.865.3627 today.
