CALL US REQUEST APPOINTMENT TMJ Specialist Louisiana Pain Specialists Our Services TMJ Tweet Louisiana Pain Specialists Pain Management & Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation located in New Orleans, Kenner, Baton Rouge, Marrero, Laplace, & Metairie, LA Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders cause ongoing pain in 5-12% of all adults. However, women have double the risk of developing TMJ pain compared to men. The experienced team at Louisiana Pain Specialists has helped many patients get relief from TMJ problems. If you have jaw pain or your jaw clicks, don’t wait to seek an evaluation. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices in Kenner, Metairie, Laplace, Baton Rouge, Marrero, and New Orleans, Louisiana, or book an appointment online today. REQUEST APPOINTMENT TMJ Q & A What is TMJ disorder? You have two temporomandibular joints, one on each side of your face where your lower jaw connects with your skull. These joints allow you to open and close your mouth and enable side-to-side movement in your jaw. TMJ disorder occurs when a problem develops in one or both joints. What causes TMJ disorder? TMJ problems fall into three basic categories: Muscle problems You may develop pain when the muscles controlling the TMJ develop trigger points. Teeth grinding while you sleep also stresses the muscles. Structural problems Several structural problems can arise in the TMJ. The disc between the jaw and skull can move out of place, you may suffer a joint injury, or your jaw could be misaligned. Teeth out of position, teeth grinding, and a naturally crooked jaw contribute to jaw misalignment. Degenerative and inflammatory disorders Like any other joint, your TMJ is susceptible to arthritis and degenerative disc disease. Inflammation can develop in any of the soft tissues, including the nerves, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. What symptoms develop if I have TMJ disorder? TMJ disorder primarily causes pain in your jaw, but it can involve your neck, back, teeth, and temples, as well. You may also experience: Sore jaw muscles Jaw clicking or popping Muscle spasms Ringing in your ears Recurrent headaches Earaches Dizziness In severe cases, your jaw can lock, making it hard to open and close your mouth. How is TMJ disorder treated? Treatment for TMJ disorder may include exercises to stretch your jaw, relaxing the joint, and taking anti-inflammatory medications to relieve your pain. In addition, some people need to wear dental appliances to protect them from teeth gliding and jaw clenching. In severe cases, you may need surgery. The team at Louisiana Pain Specialists offers several nonsurgical options that can effectively relieve your TMJ-related pain. They may recommend: Botox® injections Botox relaxes tight jaw muscles. Steroid injections Steroids reduce inflammation and relieve the pain associated with arthritis and inflamed nerves and other soft tissues. Trigger point injections These injections quickly relax tight jaw muscles. Regenerative injections Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and prolotherapy injections accelerate healing in damaged TMJ tissues. Nerve blocks Nerve blocks such as a sphenopalatine ganglion or mandibular nerve block stop pain messages from reaching your brain. If you need help with TMJ disorder pain, call Louisiana Pain Specialists or book an appointment online today. REQUEST APPOINTMENT Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Accessibility Notice Contact Us Louisiana Pain Specialists, Kenner, LA Phone (appointments): 504-276-7330 Phone (general inquiries): 504-754-2334 Address: 231 West Esplanade Avenue, Suite B, Kenner, LA 70065 Louisiana Pain Specialists, Metairie, LA Phone (appointments): 504-276-7334 Phone (general inquiries): 504-754-2334 Address: 3434 Houma Blvd, Suite 301, Metairie, LA 70006 Louisiana Pain Specialists, Laplace, LA Phone (appointments): 504-276-7338 Phone (general inquiries): 504-754-2334 Address: 1700 Cannes Drive, Laplace, LA 70068 Louisiana Pain Specialists, Baton Rouge, LA Phone (appointments): 504-276-7350 Phone (general inquiries): 504-754-2334 Address: 4580 Bluebonnet Blvd, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 Louisiana Pain Specialists, Marrero, LA Phone (appointments): 504-276-7396 Phone (general inquiries): 504-754-2334 Address: 4520 Wichers Blvd, Suite 205, Marrero, LA 70072 Louisiana Pain Specialists, New Orleans, LA Phone (appointments): 504-276-7406 Phone (general inquiries): 504-754-2334 Address: 3439 Prytania Street, Suite 501, New Orleans, LA 70115 See All Our Locations 4.85/5 (13 reviews)