If you’ve been told you need jaw alignment surgery or bi-jaw (bimaxillary) surgery  but are worried your TMJ pain could become worse, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Many patients with TMJ pain or TMD's share this exact fear AND for a good reason. Let’s clear up the myths and explain what clinical experience may actually be like. Model showing upper and lower jaw alignment before surgery What Is Bi-Jaw Surgery vs Single Jaw Surgery? Bi-jaw surgery, also known as bimaxillary osteotomy,

Trigeminal Neuralgia vs Trigeminal Neuropathy Facial pain can be confusing and distressing, especially when it involves the trigeminal nerve, a major nerve responsible for sensation in the face. Two conditions often mistaken for one another are trigeminal neuralgia and trigeminal neuropathy. Although both affect the same nerve, their causes, symptoms, and treatments differ significantly. Understanding these differences can help patients and caregivers recognize the condition

Muscle knots on your jaw, face, and neck can lead to headaches, facial pain, ear symptoms, and even dizziness.  These knots are clinically called myofascial trigger point , a common but often overlooked source of pain, especially in patients with TMJ disorders, chronic headaches, or neck strain. Two commonly recommended treatments for these muscle knots are dry needling and trigger point injections. While they may look similar, they are not the same, and choosing the right ap

A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Childhood Headache Disorders Headaches are surprisingly common in children—and they can be just as disabling as those experienced by adults. Whether your child complains of head pain, stomachaches, or a mix of symptoms, understanding the type of headache and its impact helps you get them the relief they deserve. This guide explains the different kinds of childhood headaches, why they happen, and how specialists assess and treat them, includin

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, affects many people, often without them realizing it. This involuntary behavior can lead to various symptoms, such as jaw pain, headaches, and even dental problems. If you suspect you might have bruxism, understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective treatments is vital. In this post, we'll explore the details of bruxism, equipping you with the knowledge to manage and treat this common issue effectively. What is Bruxism? Bruxism refers to the gr

When pain strikes in the jaw, face, or head, it can disrupt every part of daily life. Finding a solution that targets the root cause rather than just masking symptoms is crucial. One such approach gaining attention is trigger point therapy. This method focuses on releasing tight knots in muscles that cause pain and discomfort. But what exactly does it involve? And how can it help those struggling with TMJ disorders, facial pain, headaches, or sleep apnea? Let’s dive into the

Botox® (onabotulinumtoxinA) and Xeomin® (incobotulinumtoxinA) are Neurotoxins that have become a widely recognized treatment for jaw tension, clenching, and facial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). For many patients, it can offer significant relief by relaxing overactive jaw muscles and reducing headaches or pressure around the temples and jawline. However, not everyone experiences the same level of success. Some patients find that Botox for TMJ didn’t w

If your jaw sometimes “slips” or feels like it’s momentarily stuck open before popping back into place, you may be experiencing a jaw subluxation . This condition can be uncomfortable, alarming, and, when recurrent, a sign of underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) instability . Understanding why it happens and how it’s treated can help you prevent further episodes and protect your jaw health. What is Jaw Subluxation? Jaw subluxation occurs when the temporomandibular joint (

Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment method that has gained significant attention for its ability to alleviate pain and promote healing. This non-invasive therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues, stimulating cellular processes that aid recovery. But what exactly makes therapeutic ultrasound so effective? And how can it be applied to conditions like TMJ disorders, facial pain, headaches, and sleep apnea? Let’s dive into the world of therapeutic ultrasound uses

Chronic jaw pain, TMJ disorders, and headaches often go hand in hand—and poor sleep can make them even worse. In this post, I share how lifestyle changes, evidence-based therapies, and a multimodal approach can break the pain cycle and restore lasting comfort.

Mindfulness Strategies to Relax the Jaw, Improve Posture, and Reduce Headaches Living with jaw pain or frequent headaches can feel exhausting. These symptoms often go hand-in-hand, especially if one clenches or grinds their teeth, has TMJ issues, or experiences tension-related headaches. While medical and dental treatments address the physical causes, mindfulness can be a powerful tool to reduce daily discomfort and improve quality of life. What Is Mindfulness? Mindfulness i

Exploring how fibromyalgia, a spectrum disorder, can trigger facial and jaw pain—and the treatments that bring relief While fibromyalgia is a whole-body condition, it's conditions can mimic neuropathic pain or TMJ pain Fibromyalgia (FM) is a challenging condition affecting millions of people across the globe. It leads to widespread pain, fatigue, and various other symptoms that can disrupt daily activities. One often overlooked aspect is its connection to facial pain, which c

Some people are naturally more flexible—able to touch their thumb to their forearm or bend joints beyond the usual range. While this is often considered benign, for many, joint hypermobility is linked to chronic musculoskeletal pain, including temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A woman showcases how hypermobile joints affect orofacial structures, emphasizing the potential for heightened pain and discomfort. What Is Joint Hypermobility? Joint hypermobility occurs when joints m

Jaw and facial muscle pain can be an uncomfortable and sometimes debilitating condition. Understanding your options can help you get the personalized care you need. A woman receives an injection in her jaw area, a minimally invasive procedure aimed at providing relief from TMJ and myofascial pain. At Advanced TMJ, Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we use evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments to relieve pain and restore function. Two commonly discussed options for mus