Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Injection

A TMJ injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain and inflammation in the temporomandibular joint — the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. Pain in this joint can lead to jaw stiffness, headaches, ear pain, and difficulty chewing.

A TMJ injection delivers medication — usually a combination of a local anesthetic and a steroid — directly into the joint to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve jaw function.

Your provider may recommend a TMJ injection if you have:

• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) causing chronic jaw pain
• Jaw clicking, popping, or locking
• Facial pain or headaches associated with TMJ dysfunction
• Limited jaw movement
• Failure to improve with conservative treatments like medications, mouth guards, or physical therapy

The goal of the injection is to reduce inflammation, relieve discomfort, and restore normal jaw movement.

The procedure is performed in an outpatient setting.

• You will be seated or reclined comfortably.
• The skin over the jaw area is cleaned and sterilized.
• A local anesthetic may be used to numb the skin.
• Using careful anatomical guidance or imaging support, a fine needle is inserted into the TMJ.
• A small amount of corticosteroid and local anesthetic is injected into the joint space.
• The procedure usually takes about 20–30 minutes.

• You may experience immediate pain relief from the local anesthetic, but this may wear off after a few hours.
• Steroid medication usually starts working within 2–5 days.
• Mild soreness, swelling, or jaw stiffness at the injection site is normal and should resolve quickly.
• Apply ice packs and follow gentle jaw exercises as recommended by your provider.
• Most patients experience improved jaw function and reduced pain for weeks to months after the injection.

TMJ injections are generally very safe. However, potential risks include:

• Temporary jaw weakness or numbness
• Facial swelling or bruising
• Infection at the injection site (rare)
• Allergic reaction to medications (very rare)
• Increased pain for a short period after the injection

We take every precaution to minimize your risks and ensure a smooth recovery.

Call Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah if you experience:

• Severe jaw pain or locking
• Signs of infection (fever, chills, redness, or warmth at the site)
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Facial weakness or drooping

Prompt communication helps us address any concerns quickly and appropriately.

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah for TMJ care because we provide:

• Board-certified pain management specialists
• Expertise in TMJ anatomy and joint dysfunction
• Precision-guided injection techniques
• Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care plans
• Patient-centered approach focused on long-term relief and function

We are committed to helping you restore comfort and regain jaw function safely and effectively.

For more information about TMJ disorders and treatment options, visit:

• Spine-health.com – TMJ Disorders Resource