Trigger Point Injections vs Botox: What’s Best for TMJ and Myofascial Pain?

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 muscle-related jaw and facial pain are Trigger Point Injections (TPI) and Botox. While they may seem similar, they work in different ways and are used for different reasons.

Why we often recommend Trigger Point Injections first?

• Addresses the root cause: TPI breaks the pain cycle at its source — tight, painful muscle knots — rather than just masking symptoms.

• Supports rehabilitation: Muscle function improves quickly, allowing you to start jaw stretches, posture correction, and physical therapy sooner.

• Safe and reversible: No long-term paralysis or side effects. It's often diagnostic too — if you respond, it confirms myofascial pain as the cause.

Why Botox Isn’t right for everyone

• Botox weakens muscles, which may interfere with your ability to do exercises essential for recovery.

• It’s not a cure — pain may return when the effect wears off.

• It’s more expensive, and most insurances don’t cover it for TMD.

• It’s typically reserved for chronic or complex cases that haven’t responded to more direct muscle-based treatments like TPIs.

When is Botox right for you?

In select cases, Botox can be helpful, especially if you have:

• Long-term myofascial pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments

• Severe, damaging bruxism (teeth grinding)

• Co-existing chronic migraine or facial dystonia

But even then, it’s used as part of a broader treatment plan, not as a stand-alone fix.

Let Advanced TMJ personalize your Treatment Plan for TMJ or Myofascial pain

Every patient is different. During your evaluation, we’ll determine whether Trigger Point Injections, Botox, or another therapy is best for you — based on your symptoms, history, and treatment goals.

Call us today to schedule a consultation!