Hi there, I have a consultation at BMC for the treatment of symptoms associated with TMJ (nerve pain). Bangkok medical seemed to be the only senter that did not just treat it as a dental problem, but have not given me any costs. Does anyone know the price of botox for this kind of treatment? I would not want to go to a general botox practicioner because I dont think they would know the right muscles to target and treat any other causes.

Thanks,

Andrea

Hi Andrea,

I've had TMJ for over 30 years. Treated with various methods, the pain would go away and then eventually come back harder. 5 years ago I decided to go for the surgery, booked an appointment with the surgeon (after appropriate pictures). After an examination, he said he would prefer not to do the surgery, because he thought I would be on the short end of the 50% success spectrum. Instead, he referred me to a physiotherapist for massage treatment. I was skeptical, but went. Initially, the treatments were ridiculously painful, and would only go on for a minute or so. Eventually, the pain of treatment diminished, and longer treatments helped even more. By the end of three months, I was pain free, with a fully mobile jaw and no clenching. I am so grateful to him and to the surgeon who referred me.

Then I moved to Thailand. Before I left, the physio instructed me in how to do self-massage when I felt the TMJ returning, and that has been successful.

This physio was in New Zealand, and there were only a handful trained in that technique. It might be something you could pursue in Thailand. I've never been much of a fan of botox but my main concern is that if the doc injects too much, you'll be taking your meals through a straw until it wears off.

I wish you all the best. TMJ is no fun at all.

Hi Andrea,

I've had TMJ for over 30 years. Treated with various methods, the pain would go away and then eventually come back harder. 5 years ago I decided to go for the surgery, booked an appointment with the surgeon (after appropriate pictures). After an examination, he said he would prefer not to do the surgery, because he thought I would be on the short end of the 50% success spectrum. Instead, he referred me to a physiotherapist for massage treatment. I was skeptical, but went. Initially, the treatments were ridiculously painful, and would only go on for a minute or so. Eventually, the pain of treatment diminished, and longer treatments helped even more. By the end of three months, I was pain free, with a fully mobile jaw and no clenching. I am so grateful to him and to the surgeon who referred me.

Then I moved to Thailand. Before I left, the physio instructed me in how to do self-massage when I felt the TMJ returning, and that has been successful.

This physio was in New Zealand, and there were only a handful trained in that technique. It might be something you could pursue in Thailand. I've never been much of a fan of botox but my main concern is that if the doc injects too much, you'll be taking your meals through a straw until it wears off.

Thank you so much for your advice. So you don't think botox for the jaw? I have had physio that helped a little. I am thinking more of getting it in the facial nerve and behind the skull...lord knows I don;t need botox on my face, I am really blessed there! I don't think it will help the clenching but maybe the migraines (others I have researched said that really worked). I am also under the impression that they can check out the damage to nerves in my neck and back? They also seem to have more tests (for less than australia). I went to a 'specialist' here that cost a fortune and made me a useles splint for $1000. I guess they will also be able to tell if the chronic pain is a result of lupus or tmj both etc? Incidentally- do you have any other conditions related to TMJ?

I wish you all the best. TMJ is no fun at all.