I Got Botox Injected For TMJ, A Week After My Master Muscle Is In So Much Pain Than Before! Any suggestions?

Question

I grind & clench my teeth, so I developed some TMJ Issues, which was mostly ear problem, tried alot of things, nothing really worked, then I got botox last year June & really helped me & improved everything overall. I started to grind again so I thought to go get another botox to stop the grinding, a week later and now my masster muscle is in so much pain & I can't even move, I never complained from pain even when I grinned, and before the botox, so what happened, was I injected wrong and what can I do?

Melissa Doft, MD · Answer

Botox is a wonderful medicine to ease muscle pain from TMJ.  Often there is little pain after the injection.  It is possible that you have a small bruise from the injection which is causing pain.  This will go away.  You may want to consider using an over the counter pain medication like motrin to help with the pain.  I would also check in with your doctor.  Feel better!

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

The masseter is a very large muscle and requires a lot of material for the result to be effective so it is not unusual to have some discomfort for a week or so after the injection. it should go away by itself

Jesse E. Smith, MD, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual to have some muscular soreness after Botox injections into the muscles of mastication.  However, severe pain is uncommon, and might herald a small hematoma, especially if you are experiencing this on one side only.  I think you should make a follow up appointment with your treating surgeon.  In the mean time try alternating ice for 15 minutes, followed by moist heat for 15 minutes.  Best of luck.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

This not normal at a week. It could be due to many reasons and a clinical examination by your dermatologist or surgeon is a must. Haematoma needs to be excluded, parotid duct disruption as well (possibly due to haematoma), infection and also compensation. If one does not hit all the bellies of the muscles, one belly on the other side may compensate. This is common for the temporalis muscle to do the same, hence one needs to target all areas. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

I Got Botox Injected For TMJ, A Week After My Master Muscle Is In So Much Pain Than Before! Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: Unusual reaction - see your surgeon or dermatologist who did this procedure.

Answer: Unusual reaction - see your surgeon or dermatologist who did this procedure.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for TMJ

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I Got Botox Injected For TMJ, A Week After My Master Muscle Is In So Much Pain Than Before! Any suggestions?

Answers (4)

Answer: Unusual reaction - see your surgeon or dermatologist who did this procedure.

Answer: Unusual reaction - see your surgeon or dermatologist who did this procedure.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox for TMJ

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.