Experience Much-Needed Relief from Myofascial Pain
That persistent, nagging ache in your jaw, neck, or shoulders and those tight, knotted headaches that never seem to leave have a name, and you can treat them. They’re often signs of myofascial pain, and instead of treating the symptoms in what feels like an ever-repeating cycle, we use minimally invasive therapies to give you the relief you need, right at the source.
What Is Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial pain is more common than you might think, and it affects the connective tissue covering your muscles (the fascia). It originates in sensitive, tight spots within your muscles known as “trigger points.” Think of these as small, hyper-irritable knots that can cause significant discomfort, sometimes in a completely different part of your body. These trigger points are interconnected with different muscles and nerves in what you can imagine as a network, and when one part of your body suffers from these small knots, another part of your body starts to feel that constant ache and tension you’re used to.
Common Signs & Symptoms
- A deep, aching pain in your jaw, face, neck, or shoulders
- Persistent or recurring tension headaches or migraines
- A stiff jaw or reduced range of motion
- Unexplained earaches or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Pain or discomfort when you chew or yawn
What Causes Myofascial Pain?
Myofascial trigger points can develop for a number of reasons, and a few of them happen subconsciously: → Chronic teeth grinding or clenching, even in your sleep (bruxism) → Muscle tension caused by stress → Direct injury to the jaw or neck → Poor posture that strains neck and shoulder muscles
How We Treat Myofascial Pain
We take a targeted approach to managing myofascial pain, focusing on releasing the trigger points and relaxing the muscles that cause them to give you much-needed relief and treat the problem right at its source.
Trigger Point Injections
This is a highly effective treatment where we inject a local anesthetic (like lidocaine) directly into the muscle’s trigger point. Your muscle immediately releases the tension in the knotted muscle and often gives you instant relief. With the knot gone, you’ll notice an increased range of motion almost right away.
BOTOX® for Muscle Tension
For chronic cases, BOTOX® is a powerful therapeutic tool we can use to give you long-term relief. BOTOX® works by relaxing your overactive jaw and facial muscles that repeatedly create these painful trigger points, and significantly reduces the intensity and frequency of the uncomfortable symptoms you’re experiencing.
Low-Level Laser Therapy
This gentle, non-invasive therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate soft tissue. It helps reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote your body’s natural healing processes at a cellular level without the need for any injectable treatments.
Myofascial Pain vs. TMJ Disorders
There’s a great deal of overlap between TMJ disorders and myofascial pain, and knowing which one’s affecting you makes all the difference in getting the treatment you need. While a TMJ disorder (TMD) involves the jaw joint itself (the “hinge”), myofascial pain is rooted in the surrounding muscles (what “moves” the hinge). They’re often not mutually exclusive, and one can even cause the other.
What to Expect at Your Visit
- A Thorough Consultation: It all starts with a conversation, where we listen to your thoughts and concerns and build a complete picture of what you’re experiencing.
- In-Depth Diagnosis: We assess your jaw joints, bite alignment, and muscle function to pinpoint the true source of your discomfort, completely non-invasive. When we need even more detail, we use low-radiation digital X-rays and 3D scans to get an in-depth view of what’s above and beneath the surface.
- Personalized Treatment Plan: You’ll receive a care plan that’s tailored to you, taking into account your lifestyle, habits, and most importantly, your time. We’ll walk you through every option, and as a side effect of getting the answers you need, you’ll also feel confident in your next steps toward relief.
An Expert Approach to Pain Relief
At Dental Studio SF, pain management is thoughtful, evidence-based, and always centered on you. Dr. Jarrod Cornehl brings advanced training in orofacial pain and a deep understanding of joint, muscle, and bite relationships to every case. We combine leading-edge therapies to create a personalized, lasting path to relief.
Myofascial Pain FAQs
How is myofascial pain different from TMJ pain?
TMJ pain is typically centered on the jaw joint itself, while myofascial pain comes from knots in the surrounding muscles. Because the symptoms are so similar and often occur together, a professional diagnosis is the best way to identify the source.
Is the treatment painful?
Treatments like trigger point injections are quick, and the area is numbed beforehand. Therapies like BOTOX® use a very fine needle, and laser therapy is completely painless. We also offer sedation options for your peace of mind.