What is myofascial pain?
Myofascial pain is a chronic pain disorder that affects your fascia, which is the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. It causes you to develop sensitivity in specific places on your body. You might also experience prolonged muscle contractions and spasms.
Myofascial pain is common in the temporomandibular joint and the facial muscles. It may cause a popping of the joint or facial pain when chewing.
When you visit Brite Dental Spa, your dentist consults with you, gives you a thorough exam to understand how myofascial pain affects your mouth and head and offers you a personalized treatment plan.
What causes myofascial pain?
Many different factors can cause myofascial pain. Brite Dental Spa often treats patients with myofascial pain that stems from:
- Overuse of muscles
- Injury
- Bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching)
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Poor posture
- Fatigue
- TMJ disorder
- Misaligned upper and lower teeth
When you see your dentist, you can talk about your lifestyle choices that might be affecting your condition. Getting to the root cause can help you avoid myofascial pain and also know how to treat it.
How is myofascial pain diagnosed?
At Brite Dental Spa, your dentist performs an exam and evaluates your oral health. They may take a 3D image of your jaw to assess for TMJ or other abnormalities, like misaligned teeth or bite. They also examine your teeth for signs of grinding.
How is myofascial pain treated?
Your treatment for myofascial pain depends on the underlying cause. Your dentist may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from the effects of bruxism while providing a cushion for your jaws, which can reduce tension.
They may also recommend physical therapy or injections to release trigger points that may contribute to your pain.
Botox® injections can also help with myofascial pain. The injections relax the muscles in the jaw, which can relieve the tension that contributes to pain, bruxism, and even headaches. Botox injections can relieve myofascial pain for up to four months. Brite Dental Spa creates a treatment plan, so you know when to have injections to keep your myofascial pain at bay.
To consult with a dentist about treatment for your myofascial pain, call Brite Dental Spa, or book your appointment online today.
