Treatment · Muscle Pain
Trigger Point Injections for Jaw and Facial Muscle Pain
Trigger point injections calm tight, tender knots in the jaw, temple, and neck muscles that send pain to the teeth, ear, eye, or head.
They are used when your evaluation shows that muscle is a main source of your pain. Dry needling, which uses a fine needle without medication, is an alternative for some patients. Both are part of a wider plan, not a stand-alone fix.
What Trigger Points Are
A trigger point is a small, tight band in a muscle that is tender to press and often refers pain somewhere else. That is why muscle pain in the face so often feels like a tooth, ear, or sinus problem.
- Masseter (cheek muscle): pain in the jaw, back teeth, and in front of the ear
- Temporalis (temple muscle): temple headache and pain in the upper teeth
- Lateral pterygoid (deep jaw muscle): pain in the jaw joint and ear area
- Neck and shoulder muscles: pain at the base of the skull, temple, or behind the eye
Who They Can Help
Trigger point therapy is considered when the exam finds active trigger points that reproduce your usual pain.
- Myofascial pain of the jaw and face
- Tension-type headache with a jaw or neck muscle component
- Muscle pain linked to daytime clenching or night-time grinding
- Muscle pain that continues despite home exercises or an oral appliance
Injection or Dry Needling
A trigger point injection usually places a small amount of local anesthetic into the tight band to help it release. Dry needling uses a very thin needle with no medication and works by a similar local effect.
The choice depends on which muscles are involved, how sensitive you are to needles, and how the muscles respond. Your specialist explains the options, the benefits, and the possible side effects before any treatment.
What to Expect
Trigger points are confirmed during your evaluation. The procedure itself is brief and done in the office. The treated muscle can feel sore or bruised for a day or two; gentle stretching and warmth usually help.
Most patients need a short series rather than a single session. Progress is tracked against the milestones in your written plan, so it is clear whether the treatment is working.
Part of a Complete Plan
Trigger point therapy works best alongside manual therapy, a home exercise program, habit changes for clenching, and an oral appliance when needed. If muscle overactivity keeps returning, Botox therapy may be discussed as a longer-acting option.
Jaw or facial muscle pain that keeps returning? The first visit confirms whether trigger points are the source. No referral needed · Help filing with medical insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Trigger Point Injections: Common Questions
Do trigger point injections hurt?
Most patients feel a brief pinch and a short, familiar ache as the needle reaches the trigger point. The muscle may be sore for a day or two afterwards.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Many patients need a short series, spaced out, while the rest of the plan — exercises, habit changes, or an appliance — takes effect. Your progress is reviewed at each visit.
What is the difference between trigger point injections and Botox?
Trigger point injections release specific tight bands in a muscle. Botox relaxes an overactive muscle more broadly and lasts longer. The right choice depends on what your evaluation finds, and some patients use both at different stages.
Does insurance cover trigger point injections?
Coverage depends on your plan and diagnosis. The practice is out-of-network; our team prepares the superbill and helps you submit the claim to your medical insurance for possible reimbursement.
Related
No referral needed · Help filing with medical insurance · $650