VVitamin B12 is a well-known vitamin for heart and cognitive health but it can also help in pain states including TMJ disorders. Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in about 15% of the population and oral supplementation is often an easy solution. The association between TMJ disorders and vitamin B12 deficiency is unclear so it is unlikely a cause of TMJ disorders. Vitamin B12 is essential for nerve regeneration and reducing pain signalling in the nerves. It also helps muscles get more oxygen (by its impact on the blood flow). When it comes to the treatment of TMJ disorders, vitamin B12 can play an important role. I often mix vitamin B12 with Lidocaine or Bupivacaine (or both) for trigger point injections and I find good results. I usually use 1000mcg once a month in the trigger points. While the first injections may provide benefits for a few days, I usually see sustained pain relief over a few weeks after the second injection. A typical protocol is once-a-month injections of vitamin B12 for 3-4 times.
FAQ: Is taking vitamin B12 the same as getting vitamin B12 injections?
In presence of vitamin B12 deficiency, supplementation with vitamin B12 pills can provide significant benefit in TMJ disorders. In my experience, vitamin B12 injections do provide much more predictable benefit in chronic TMJ disorders.
