Trigger Point Injections

Trigger Point Injections

Trigger point injections in the musculature of the jaw, head, and neck can be an effective way to relieve chronic headaches and TMJ. In the office, an anesthetic such as lidocaine or mepivacaine is injected into the area; this numbs the site and reduces referred pain for a few hours. The real benefit, however, can last days to months due to the needle disrupting painful knots and modifying pain fibers.

Botox Injections for TMJ, Clenching, and Facial Pain

For longer-lasting relief, trigger point injections may need to be followed by botox. A neurotoxin, botox weakens taut muscle fibers by causing them to contract (Soares, 2014), and modifies nerve signals that transmit pain. Ultimately, botox relaxes the trigger point, thereby suspending the stimulation of pain receptors and reducing any referred pain, such as headaches and TMJ.