Botulinum Toxin for the Pain Management in Musculoskeletal and Temporomandibular Disorders

Dear Colleagues,

Orofacial and musculoskeletal pain represent a rapidly growing clinical and research challenge, affecting millions of patients and significantly limiting quality of life, functional capacity, and psychological well-being. Across rehabilitation medicine, pain medicine, dentistry, aesthetic medicine, and maxillofacial surgery, there is increasing interest in innovative, mechanism-based strategies capable of addressing the complex interplay between muscular hyperactivity, peripheral and central sensitization, and dysfunctional motor patterns. Among these strategies, botulinum toxin (BoNT) has emerged as a uniquely versatile therapeutic tool with expanding evidence supporting its role not only in neuromuscular modulation but also in peripheral and central pain modulation. Originally applied for focal dystonias and aesthetic indications, BoNT is now recognized for its capacity to target pathophysiological mechanisms underlying chronic myofascial pain, neuropathic conditions, and movement-related dysfunctions. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and evidence-driven platform for both scientific researchers and clinically active physicians who conduct research in the field of pain management. It seeks to deepen understanding of the biological foundations, clinical applications, and emerging frontiers of botulinum toxin in the treatment of orofacial and musculoskeletal pain.

Key topics of interest of the Special Issue include the following:

• Temporomandibular disorders, bruxism, and orofacial myofascial pain;
• Chronic headaches, cervico-cranial pain, and postural dysfunction;
• Focal spasticity and muscle overactivity within the rehabilitation setting;
• The use of BoNT in aesthetic medicine when analgesic or functional effects are clinically relevant;
• Peripheral neuropathic pain and neuralgias involving the cranial and cervical regions;
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes of the spine, shoulder, and extremities;
• Ultrasound-guided and anatomy-guided injection techniques to improve precision and safety;
• Optimized dosing strategies, treatment algorithms, safety profiles, and long-term outcome data;
• Translational research on the cellular, molecular, and neurophysiological mechanisms of BoNT-mediated analgesia.

This Special Issue, “Botulinum Toxin for the Pain Management in Musculoskeletal and Temporomandibular Disorders”, welcomes a broad range of contributions, including original research articles, clinical trials, translational studies, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, technical notes, and educational or methodological papers that support clinical decision-making. Submissions focusing on innovation—such as novel formulations, alternative injection techniques, multimodal approaches, and integration into rehabilitation pathways—are particularly encouraged. By gathering insights from multiple specialties and promoting dialogue between basic scientists and clinical researchers, this Special Issue seeks to enhance the understanding and clinical utility of botulinum toxin as a therapeutic option. Ultimately, it aims to support the development of more effective, personalized, and mechanism-oriented treatment paradigms for patients suffering from orofacial and musculoskeletal pain.

Dr. Martina Ferrillo
Dr. Alessandro de Sire
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a double-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Toxins is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• botulinum toxin
• pain management
• musculoskeletal pain
• headaches
• muscle overactivity
• analgesic
• injection
• neuropathic pain
• temporomandibular disorders
• bruxism