Trigger Point Injections

TMD pain can be especially acute in specific areas.  In some instances, the pain is driven by myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic pain disorder characterized by tight muscle fibers.  These cases can be effectively treated with a trigger point injection, which offer fast relief from acute pain.

While the root of pain related to TMJ disorder is in the nerve running through the temporomandibular joint, this pain can manifest in other areas and in other ways.

Trigger points are sensitive areas of hyper-tense muscle.  At times, trigger points can cause persistent pain across the muscle, which is known as myofascial pain.  In the case of TMJ disorder, trigger points can manifest in a range areas, including across the jaw and neck.

If trigger points are causing severe pain, a trigger point injection may be the optimal treatment.  A very fine needle is inserted into the muscle for 30-60 seconds, after which local anesthetic is applied to provide pain relief.  This helps the muscle fibers in the trigger point to relax and release, resulting in quick pain relief.