Jaw Pain, Headaches, and Facial Tension: How TMJ Syndrome Is Treated in Pain Management

Millions of Americans experience jaw pain, facial tension, and headaches that affect their ability to chew, speak, and complete everyday tasks. While some people attribute these symptoms to stress, poor posture, or clenching their jaw, the reality is that in many cases, temporomandibular joint dysfunction, also known as TMJ syndrome, is to blame. 

TMJ often responds to lifestyle changes and over-the-counter pain medication, but when symptoms persist, interventional pain management may provide a better approach.

At Palm Beach Pain Institute in Delray Beach, Florida, board-certified pain management physician Marcie Merson, MD, specializes in treating TMJ. Read on to learn what TMJ is, how interventional pain management may help, and what to expect during treatment.

What is TMJ syndrome?

TMJ syndrome occurs when the temporomandibular joints — two hinge-like joints that connect your jaw to your skull and assist with speaking, chewing, and yawning — become irritated or inflamed due to arthritis, muscle tension, or joint dysfunction. 

Though most cases of TMJ are mild, for some people, symptoms last for weeks or even months, making it challenging to eat, laugh, or have a conversation. Jaw pain and headaches are two of the most common symptoms, but TMJ can also cause:

• Clicking or popping sounds
• Ear pain
• Neck pain
• Facial tension

If you experience any of these issues and at-home treatments don’t offer relief, contact us about interventional pain management. Minimally invasive therapies can develop from conservative treatments and help keep symptoms at bay.

How does interventional pain management help with TMJ syndrome?

Interventional pain management uses non- and minimally invasive therapies to target the root causes of TMJ syndrome. Instead of simply masking symptoms like pain medications, it addresses the source of your discomfort, such as arthritis or jaw misalignment. This approach relieves uncomfortable symptoms while helping prevent the underlying cause from worsening. As a result, many people experience ongoing pain relief.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Merson reviews your health history and inquires about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs, its nature, and whether specific activities exacerbate it, such as eating or speaking. She also completes a comprehensive exam and may order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI to check for arthritis or underlying TMJ-related issues.

After identifying the cause of your headaches, jaw pain, or facial tension, Dr. Merson makes personalized treatment recommendations.

Interventional pain management for TMJ syndrome: What to expect

No two interventional pain management plans are exactly alike, but Dr. Merson often uses similar therapies to provide ongoing TMJ syndrome relief. Depending on the cause and your symptom severity, she may suggest:

• Targeted trigger point injections to reduce muscle tension
• Temporomandibular joint injections to ease inflammation
• Botox® injections to reduce muscle spasms or overactivity
• Specific jaw exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles
• Wearing a splint or nightguard to prevent teeth grinding
• Osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) to improve jaw mobility

When administering injections, Dr. Merson utilizes imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to ensure precision and safety.

Many people benefit from several types of treatment. Dr. Merson monitors your symptoms at regular checkups, adjusting your plan as needed to support lasting pain relief.

We can help manage your TMJ syndrome

TMJ syndrome can take the pleasure out of daily activities, such as eating and talking with friends, but you don’t have to suffer. Schedule an appointment today to explore potential treatment options. Book online or call our office at 561-499-7020.