Injections into Jaw Joint

So Im having problems opening and biting with my joints in my jaw. I have major issues in the neck and when im feeling worse so does the jaw. I have seen a specialist, diagnosed with tmj, but the mri showed normal. My jaw clicks and hurts on hard things and i can barely open it. So now Im going of to a specialist that injects into the jaw. I'm wondering if anyone has had this and how painful and invasive is it? Please let me know of the options and what has worked and what has not.

I too have TMJ and use Pain Killers and a Mouth Guard (at night) to help ease the awful pain that comes with this medical problem and while I have not had injection in my jaw I have had injection in my neck for pain relief... the shot had a slight sting to it going in but was over quickly and working great in no time.

Hi Lorna,

You wrote this some time ago, so I don't know what happened. You may have already made a decision about your treatment by now. I had an injection into my TM joint many years ago. I had very severe problems in both jaw joints. We tried quite a lot of things to treat the joint, including physical therapy (including treatments at home), different kinds of oral splints, various medications, and more. The injection was partway through the process. It was a little painful but it wasn't bad. I've definitely been through worse procedures in my life. Unfortunately, in my particular case, I can't say that it helped that much. Other people may have had better success with it. I ended up having surgery on my jaw joints, and I also continue to wear an oral splint as my situation was quite complex.

Some other things help, and I don't know if the doctor has discussed this with you. Sticking to a soft diet is helpful, Using heat on the joints can help - ask your doctor about that. I used a TENS unit very successfully on my TM joints, and that was one of the things that helped me greatly.

These days I understand that they don't do surgery that often, and I think that's for the best. One way or another, I sure hope you will be feeling better soon!

Take care,
ErinBear

What kind of injection is it - cortisone? I would try wearing a mouth guard and applying ice and moist heated -what ever helps best. Figure out it your teeth are in alignment and visit a physiotherapist who will teach you gentle stretching exercises. Concentrate on keeping your jaw relaxed and be aware of your posture. Most people keep alot of tension in their jaw during the day. Take note of what foods trigger the attacks. I had alot of problems with TMJ and had to have braces and jaw surgery. I only get it occasionally now. I also have this accupuncture device which sends a battery operated stinging sensation and it helps tremendously in relaxing the muscles of the jaw.

You were all very helpful to me and I'm thankful. It was suggested trigger point injections first and if that doesn't work to do Botox injections. I do use a mouth guard, I have had physical therapy and Ultrasound, accupunnture and massage of that area. I still have oppening issues and pain on my face on both sides. I will give the trigger point injections a go. I didn't think of the tens device on the face, that is a good suggestion I will try . I love how everyone here is so nice and helpful. Lorna

Lorna, if they do trigger point injections, that will be done in the muscles of the region - not into the joint itself, and that is a different kind of a procedure. That may help free up your jaw if it is hard to move it because the muscles have become very tight, for instance. I have had trigger point injections in various parts of my body and they went okay, although I haven't had them for my face before. I haven't had Botox injections before.

The injection I had was inside my jaw joint, and that sounds like it is a different procedure than was recommended for you.

Good luck - I hope you feel better soon!

Thinking of you,
ErinBear

I am going forth with the injections. l hope its the physiatrist cause I tust him the most. Wish me luck cause I'm not a fan of needles, will take the taxi, I lilkly won't drive home

If it's the TMJs then I hope they also give you the good exercises to do to help alleviate the problem ((((hug)))) (Don't look at what they're doing!)

the injections they are gonna try are trigger point and if that doesn't work botx. I have tried a lot, massage, accupunture, laser, ultrasound etc.