4 Common Medications for TMJ

While the symptoms of TMJ can often be improved through stress management and other techniques, there are also times where you will need medication to deal with the pain.

Before you start any TMJ medication, talk to your doctor. Some of these medical interventions come with serious side effects that can interfere with other medications.

1. Painkillers

Your physician may ask you to take an over-the-counter medication before you take prescribed medications. But if the pain in your jaw does not go away on its own, then your physician will move on to prescribed medicine.

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc) can relieve jaw pain temporarily but often does not deal with inflammation.

2. Muscle Relaxers

Muscle relaxers can relieve the discomfort and pain in your jaw due to TMJ. This type of medication relaxes the muscles in your jaw and surrounding areas and also decreases any muscle spasms you might have.

Because muscle relaxers operate as a really strong medication, your physician will likely only have you take them for no more than a couple of weeks at a time.

3. Anti-inflammatory medications

Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) can control inflammation and jaw pain in your TMJ. These medications are also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

4. Corticosteroids

If you have significant jaw pain, your physician may prescribe a corticosteroid for your pain and inflammation. Your doctor will inject the corticosteroid into your joint so that you can get some relief.

For Patients Who Don’t See Results From Medications

If you’re not seeing the results from the most common TMJ medications, talk to your physician about some of these treatments:

• Therapeutic Botox: Botox treatments can treat TMJ-related symptoms. Medical experts believe that botox injections the jaw muscles can ease muscle spasms, improving flexibility and jaw functionality.
• PRP: Injections of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, can help with TMJ symptoms. These injections can relieve symptoms for up to one year. PRP can act as a great option for those who want to avoid surgery or steroids.
• Stem Cell Treatments (Regenerative Injection Therapy): Studies have shown that stem cells can significantly repair your TMJ. A physician will inject stem cells into the injured joint. They then safely work with the body to initiate a healing process, reducing pain and improving functionality. Using stem cells to treat your TMJ issues can be a great way to avoid invasive surgery.

Contact AZ-TMJ Today

When you have TMJ, everyday activities such as eating can become an excruciating affair. You don’t have to live in pain for the rest of your days. If you have pain when you chew or experience toothaches, cracking joints, or muscle spasms, seek help right away. If you suffer from TMJ pain and live in Arizona, call Dr. Farrell for a consultation at 480-945-3629 today.