Facial pain can be frustrating to live with, especially when it affects everyday activities such as eating and speaking. For some people, pain around the jaw, temples, cheeks, or the side of the face may be linked to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the muscles around it.
Thankfully, there are many treatment options for TMJ, and some are less invasive than people assume. For instance, Botox® can be beneficial when muscle tension or overactivity is contributing to symptoms. Although many people associate botulinum toxin with cosmetic treatments, injections can also be used in carefully selected cases to relax overactive muscles.
For patients with TMJ-related pain, Botox® can help reduce discomfort and improve day-to-day life. At Elledge Surgical, we regularly see patients with facial pain, and treatment is always based on a thorough assessment because it can have multiple causes.
Common Causes of Facial Pain
Several different problems can cause facial pain. In some cases, it might be linked to the jaw joint itself. In others, it might be connected to the muscles around the jaw.
Commonly, problems with the TMJ and the associated muscles are referred to as temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Symptoms include pain around the jaw, facial aching, jaw locking, crunching and grinding, limitation of mouth opening, and discomfort when chewing. Some patients also experience headaches or pain that spreads around the side of the face.
Since these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, it’s important not to assume that all facial pain is caused by the same problem. An initial consultation helps identify whether the pain is likely to be muscle-related, joint-related or caused by something else. This is especially important before choosing any treatment.
How Muscle Overactivity Contributes to Pain
The muscles around the jaw are used constantly throughout the day for talking, chewing, swallowing and other facial movements. When they’re overactive or tense, they can become more of an issue than the joint itself, a condition often referred to as myofascial pain.
For some patients, this can occur due to habitual clenching or grinding. Others may hold tension in their jaw without realising it, especially when they’re concentrating or stressed. Over time, this repeated muscle activity can lead to aching, tightness and tenderness around the face.
This is where treatment like Botox® might be recommended. By targeting specific muscles, treatment can help reduce excessive muscle activity and relieve pressure throughout the area.
How Botox® Works for Facial Pain
Botox®, or botulinum toxin, is best known for smoothing out wrinkles in cosmetic treatments. However, it can also be used to treat TMJ-related facial pain by paralysing the muscles and relaxing the tension around the jaw.
Unlike other treatment options, Botox® can be carefully injected into chosen areas that might be contributing to symptoms. Most often, it’s injected into the masseter and temporalis muscles, and the procedure takes only a few seconds. In some circumstances, injections are also recommended for the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles in the neck to target tension that contributes to cervicogenic headaches.
For patients whose facial pain is linked to jaw clenching, grinding or muscle tightness, this type of TMJ treatment can help break the cycle of tension and discomfort. However, it should always be carried out by an experienced clinician with an understanding of jaw function. The face has many important muscles, so accurate assessment and treatment planning are essential.
At Elledge Surgical, Mr Elledge uses different types of botulinum toxin (Botox® and Dysport®) for TMJ and muscle-related symptoms, and injections are given in an outpatient setting.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate?
Botox® for facial pain is usually suitable if you have predominantly myofascial pain and haven’t responded to other management techniques, such as exercises, analgesia, and occlusal devices. Sometimes, a low-dose tricyclic antidepressant might be recommended, or a hard bite-raising appliance, and in other cases, botulinum toxin injections are more suitable.
If you experience jaw tightness, facial aching, or pain that appears to be connected to repeated clenching, Botox® can provide impressive results. However, it isn’t suitable for everyone. For instance, if symptoms are caused by problems with the joint itself, such as internal derangement or degenerative diseases like arthritis, more advanced treatment may be required.
This is why a consultation is such an important part of the process. TMD is multifactorial in its underlying causes, so treatment is often multimodal. Mr Elledge will find out more about your symptoms and medical history before suggesting treatment. He also offers minimally invasive diagnostic techniques, if required, to learn more about your condition.
Expected Results and Duration
As with all treatment options, patients should have realistic expectations. Botulinum toxin can help reduce muscle-related discomfort, but it’s not a cure for every TMJ disorder.
While a small minority of patients don’t notice much difference after Botox®, Mr Elledge has had significant success with it. In his practice, he sees a 70-80% resolution in symptoms, with some patients describing it as nothing short of miraculous in resolving muscular pain.
It’s important to note that the results of Botox® for facial pain can be temporary. Treatment is designed to relax targeted muscles for a period of time, helping to reduce tension and discomfort. The duration of results can vary from patient to patient. As the effect gradually wears off, muscle activity returns. Some patients choose to have repeat treatment if they respond well and it’s still clinically appropriate.
It’s also important to understand that results aren’t always immediate. Botulinum toxin usually takes time to start working, and the full effect develops gradually. During an initial consultation, patients will be advised on what to expect, how long results might last and whether further treatment could be useful.
When Botox® Isn’t the Right Treatment
As mentioned above, Botox® isn’t suitable for everyone with facial pain. Ultimately, if the pain isn’t caused by the muscles around the joint, relaxing these muscles might not address the underlying cause. For example, some patients may have symptoms more closely linked to the jaw joint itself, whether due to internal derangement or degenerative diseases.
In these cases, Botox® might not achieve the desired outcome, and an alternative treatment might be recommended. This is why it’s important to see a specialist who can assess the jaw joint, facial muscles and wider symptoms together. Mr Elledge’s experience in facial pain and jaw joint surgery allows patients to receive guidance that’s specific to their situation.
The aim is to always choose the most appropriate option for the patient, rather than offering a treatment simply because it’s convenient.
Contact Elledge Surgical
If you’re experiencing TMD that might be linked to muscle overactivity, Elledge Surgical can help you understand your treatment options. Mr Ross Elledge regularly sees patients with facial pain and is one of only a handful of surgeons in the United Kingdom to offer the full remit of treatments for TMJ-related symptoms.
To learn more about Botox® injections for TMJ and muscle-related facial pain, get in touch with us today. You can arrange an appointment to get some tailored advice about treatment.
