Calming the muscles behind tension headaches and tight shoulders by a dentist who knows the anatomy.
Getting Tight Muscles to Finally Let Go
The pattern many patients recognize
Tight jaw, tight neck, tight shoulders and a severe headache by the end of the day. If you’re reading this, you get it. The muscles of the head, neck, and upper traps are deeply connected, and when one is overworked, the rest tend to follow.
What the treatment looks like
Botox is injected into specific points in the head, neck, and trapezius muscles to calm the muscles that are over-firing. The placement is precise and based on dental and head-and-neck anatomy. Most appointments take about 20 to 30 minutes. There is no real recovery most patients go right back to their day afterward.
A dentist’s perspective on these muscles
Dentists train extensively on the anatomy of the head and neck these are the same muscles we have been studying for years. As Dr. Tatum says, “this is our domain.” When the source of the headache is muscular, treating those muscles is often the missing piece. We will look at the whole picture, including your bite, before recommending treatment.
What is Botox for headaches and neck tension?
Botox for headaches and neck tension uses precise injections into muscles of the head, neck, and upper shoulders to relieve the muscle tightness behind tension headaches and shoulder pain. At Tatum Dentistry, we offer it alongside TMJ Botox for patients whose tension extends beyond the jaw.
Does it hurt?
The injections are small and quick most patients describe them as a brief pinch. We use the smallest needles available and place them precisely. There is no real recovery. Some patients feel a little tenderness at the injection sites for a day; that fades quickly.
How long until I feel a difference?
Most patients start to feel relief within three to seven days, with full effect at about two weeks. The benefit typically lasts three to four months, similar to TMJ Botox, before gradually wearing off. Many patients schedule a maintenance treatment a few times a year.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I get Botox from a dentist instead of a doctor?
Dentists spend years studying the muscles and nerves of the head and neck — the same anatomy involved in tension headaches and TMJ pain. As Dr. Tatum puts it, this is our domain. We’ve had patients come see us after not getting relief elsewhere and we often find they are being undertreated. We can fix that here.
Can this be combined with TMJ Botox?
Yes — and often it should be. The jaw muscle, the temples, and the neck and shoulder muscles work as a system. Treating one without the others can leave the cycle unbroken. We will assess all of the muscles involved and treat the ones that are actually contributing to your symptoms.
Is this the same as Botox for migraines?
There is overlap. The muscles treated and the goals are similar, but the exact treatment is mapped to your specific symptoms — tension headaches, jaw tension, or shoulder tightness. If you have been diagnosed with chronic migraines by a neurologist, we will coordinate with your physician.
Is it safe?
Botox has a strong safety profile when administered by a properly trained provider who knows the anatomy. Dentists are uniquely qualified for the head and neck region. We use FDA-approved Botox products in measured, documented doses.
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