Botox for TMJ Relief in Arlington, VA

“TMJ” refers to the temporomandibular joint, the complex sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. When this joint is healthy, you can speak, yawn, and chew with ease. However, when dysfunction or inflammation occurs, it develops into a condition known as TMD (temporomandibular disorder).

For many patients, the root cause of this pain isn’t actually the bone, but the jaw muscles, specifically the masseter. This is one of the strongest muscles in the body, primarily responsible for the motion of chewing. When stress, anxiety, or habit causes you to engage in constant clenching or grinding (bruxism), the masseter becomes overworked and enlarged.

This hyperactivity creates a ripple effect of discomfort. The tension rarely stays in one place; instead, it radiates, leading to chronic jaw pain, facial soreness, and stiffness. For some, the referred pain is intense enough to trigger severe tension headaches or debilitating migraines, making daily life difficult to manage.

Botox injections work as a neuromodulator. When injected into the specific muscles responsible for jaw movement, Botox blocks the nerve signals that tell the muscles to contract.

In the context of TMJ treatment at our Arlington office, we aren’t trying to “freeze” your jaw. You will still be able to speak and eat normally. Instead, the goal is to weaken the force of the contraction.

By injecting Botox directly into the masseter and temporalis muscles, we induce muscle relaxation. This prevents you from unconsciously clenching your jaw with extreme force, especially while you sleep.

Once these overworked muscles are allowed to rest, the inflammation subsides. The cycle of spasms and pain is broken, offering you a profound sense of relief that other treatments, like night guards, may not fully achieve on their own.

Because TMD symptoms can vary from person to person, it isn’t always obvious that the jaw is the culprit behind your discomfort. You might be treating headaches with painkillers without realizing they originate from your jaw tension.

You may be a good candidate for this treatment if you regularly experience:

At Cusumano & Stuver, we pride ourselves on making every patient feel welcome, safe, and informed. We know that the idea of injections can be intimidating, but the process is quick, minimally invasive, and highly effective.

During your appointment, we will first assess your jaw function and discuss your history of TMJ symptoms. If we determine that Botox for TMJ relief is the right path for you, the actual procedure takes only about 10 to 15 minutes.

Using a very fine needle, we administer small amounts of Botox into the identified muscle groups. Most patients describe the sensation as a small pinch or a bug bite—the discomfort is minimal and fleeting. There is no downtime required; you can return to work or your daily activities immediately after leaving our office.

Your health and comfort are our top priorities. We approach TMJ treatment not just as a procedure, but as a way to restore your well-being. We combine professional expertise with a friendly, empathetic approach because we know that living with chronic pain is difficult.

We are here to answer your questions, alleviate your fears, and provide a treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and symptoms.