Facial Pain

What causes facial pain?

Facial pain can vary depending on the person. You might experience a full and throbbing feeling or an intense, stabbing pain or even burning.

You might experience facial pain due to changes in nerve signaling to the brain. These nerves can become extremely sensitive and the signals going to the brain might not switch off properly.

Pain that starts in the face could be the result of a nerve problem, an infection, or an injury. 

Other causes of facial pain include:

• Abscessed tooth
• Cluster headache
• Herpes zoster (shingles) or herpes simplex (cold sores)
• Sinusitis
• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
• Teeth clenching
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Tendon and ligament inflammation. 

Facial pain can also begin in the neck and radiate through the jaw and face.

Myofascial pain

Myofascial pain happens when the nerves connected to your muscles become irritated and small nodules form. This causes your muscles to become painful and bunch-up in areas called trigger points. 

Myofascial pain in the jaw muscles can be associated with other symptoms, such as dizziness, eye twitching, ringing in the ears, and tearing. Tension headaches in the temples are typically the result of myofascial pain within the temporalis muscle (the jaw-closing muscle).

Trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia involves sudden attacks of pain on one side of the face. The pain comes and goes suddenly. Some people might be free from pain for many months or years while others experience more frequent flares. This pain can be very severe and debilitating. 

Trigeminal neuralgia is more common with aging and in women, and it’s often caused by impingement in the nerve by blood vessels. Dr. Pehling collaborates with neurologists and neurosurgeons for treatment as well. 

Atypical trigeminal neuralgia and chronic regional pain syndromes

These refer to continuous pain that is aching to throb or burning. There can also be a sense of numbness or redness associated with them. They can be a result of some type of nerve injury.

When should I see a doctor about my facial pain?

If your facial pain is persistent and getting in the way of eating, talking, and daily life, you should visit TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center for an evaluation and treatment. Dr. Pehling works diligently to get to the root cause of your facial pain and provide the most appropriate solutions.

Dr. Pehling devises a personalized treatment plan to treat the underlying cause of your pain, give you relief, and protect your oral and musculoskeletal health.

What are the treatments for facial pain?

Dr. Pehling provides testing, such as X-rays and an array of other effective treatment options to reduce pain and inflammation. Some of the available treatments include:

• Massage, stretching, and specific facial exercises
• Medications, such as nerve stabilizing drugs. 
• Botox®, nerve blocks, and other effective medical injections
• Dental work when necessary

Don’t just try to tolerate your facial pain. Find relief and innovative treatment methods at TMJ Orofacial Disorders Center. Call or click to schedule today.