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 (

Topical Solutions for Pain Management: A Simple Yet Powerful Approach When managing chronic facial or jaw pain, not every solution has to come in a pill. Topical therapies —creams, gels, patches, and mouth rinses—offer targeted, local relief with minimal systemic side effects. For patients with TMJ disorders, myofascial pain, neuralgias, or Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) , these topical treatments can be an important part of a multimodal pain management plan. How Topical Pain R

Jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort are among the most common reasons people seek help from dental professionals. However, not all clinics that manage these conditions provide the same scope or depth of care. Many patients begin their journey at TMJ clinics , where general dentists address issues involving the temporomandibular joint and related muscles. Others may later be referred, or self-seek, evaluation at specialized Orofacial Pain clinics , which are equipped to

When pain disrupts daily life, finding effective, non-invasive options matters. Cold laser therapy, also called low-level laser therapy (LLLT)   or photobiomodulation (PBM) —uses non-heating red/near-infrared light to help tissues heal and calm pain pathways without surgery or daily drugs. Mechanistically, PBM light is absorbed by mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase, increasing ATP and triggering anti-inflammatory signaling, one reason it’s been studied across musculoskeleta

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.

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

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause persistent pain and discomfort that affects daily life. From jaw stiffness to headaches and facial pain, the symptoms can be frustrating and disruptive. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage TMJ pain that can help restore comfort and improve quality of life. This article explores practical strategies and treatment options designed to ease TMJ-related discomfort. Understanding TMJ Pain and Its Impact TMJ pain arises f

The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis for Jaw Pain Jaw pain can be confusing. It doesn’t always mean there’s a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). An experienced, residency-trained Orofacial Pain Specialist can help differentiate between TMJ disorders and other conditions. Many factors can cause jaw pain. These include dental issues, muscle tension, sinus pressure, and nerve-related pain. Understanding the root cause of jaw pain is crucial for getting the right dia

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

We all know how frustrating a bad night’s sleep can be. But did you know that poor sleep can also worsen chronic facial pain, including TMJ disorders, myofascial pain, and headaches? Struggling with sleep deprivation can intensify chronic pain, highlighting the essential link between restful sleep and pain management. Research shows that the relationship between sleep and pain is bidirectional. Poor sleep can increase pain sensitivity, and chronic pain can further disrupt sle