Led by Drs. Ivan and Allan Stein, Headache and TMJ Center of New Jersey is committed to providing innovative solutions for relieving TMJ discomfort. One of their newer offerings is trigger point injections for TMJ.
The Role of Trigger Points in TMJ
Trigger points, often nestled within the complex musculature around the jaw, play a significant role in the manifestation of TMJ disorder symptoms. These are essentially knots or tight spots in muscles that, when pressed, cause pain and discomfort both locally and in distant areas, known as referred pain.
In the context of TMJ, these trigger points typically develop in the muscles of mastication (chewing) due to factors such as stress, poor posture, dental misalignment, or chronic jaw clenching. The presence of these trigger points can exacerbate the pain and dysfunction associated with TMJ disorders, leading to a cycle of pain, muscle tension, and decreased jaw mobility that can significantly impact daily life.
What Are Trigger Point Injections?
Trigger point injections represent a targeted therapeutic intervention specifically designed to treat the pain and discomfort caused by trigger points within the jaw muscles. This procedure involves the direct injection of a therapeutic solution into the trigger points. This solution is usually comprised of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, and may include a corticosteroid to help reduce inflammation around the affected area.
The primary goal of these injections is to “deactivate” the trigger points, providing relief from pain and facilitating muscle relaxation. Over time, this treatment can help interrupt the cycle of pain and muscle tension, allowing for improved jaw function and a reduction in TMJ-related symptoms.
Benefits of Trigger Point Injections for TMJ
- Targeted Relief: By focusing directly on the trigger points, this treatment can provide significant relief from pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders.
- Quick and Effective: The procedure is quick, often taking just a few minutes, and many patients experience relief shortly after the injection.
- Minimally Invasive: Trigger Point Injections are less invasive than surgical options, with no need for incisions or extended recovery times.
- Improved Functionality: By relieving muscle tension and pain, these injections can improve jaw movement and function, enhancing overall quality of life.
Trigger Point Injection Procedure Details
To begin, your dentist conducts an examination to identify the precise locations of the trigger points. This may involve palpation of the jaw and surrounding areas to pinpoint the exact spots that elicit pain or discomfort.
Once these trigger points are identified, your dentist cleans and sterilizes the overlying skin to prevent infection. Your dentist then carefully inserts the needle into the trigger point. The insertion of the needle itself can elicit a “twitch response” from the muscle, a sign that the trigger point has been accurately targeted. The injection process is quick, usually taking only a few minutes, and may be repeated for multiple trigger points if necessary.
Following the injection, patients may experience immediate relief from pain, although some may feel temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site. This is generally mild and short-lived. Most individuals can return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure, with healthcare providers often recommending gentle stretching or massage to enhance the treatment’s effectiveness and prevent the recurrence of trigger points.
Contact Us to Better Manage Your TMJ Pain
Our clinic is renowned for treating TMJ disorders with a patient-centered approach. We utilize the latest techniques and treatments, including trigger point injections, to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care. If you’re struggling with TMJ pain and looking for effective treatment options like trigger point injections in New Jersey, please call 855-865-3627 today.
