Treatment Options

1. Prevention

Migraines and tension headaches can be prevented to a certain extent by reducing stress, getting enough sleep, drinking water, reducing your caffeine intake, and limiting your screen time.

2. Medication

Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen, can help relieve the pain, and prescription medication can help reduce the symptoms of illnesses. 

3. Hold or cold therapy

Ice helps reduce inflammation, and heat can help relax tense muscles.

Symptoms

• TMJ disorders: stiffness in jaw muscles, jaw pain radiating to face, head, neck, decreased jaw mobility
• Constant aching or burning sensation on the face
• Severe stabbing or throbbing pain on the face
• Unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth
• Swollen face
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• A painful or loose tooth

Diagnostic Tests

If your face pain worsens or doesn’t improve with treatment, seek medication attention. A medical professional will conduct a physical examination of your face and ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also order imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI scan, or X-ray to help determine the cause of your facial pain.

Types

• Dental Pain: pain related to problems with your teeth and gums
• Neuralgia: conditions affecting the facial nerves
• Temporomandibular (TMJ) pain: pain related to the TMJ joint and jaw muscles
• Vascular pain: pain related to issues with your blood vessels and blood flow

Causes

• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Abscess
• Damaged TMJ joint
• Dental issues: toothache, oral infections
• Headaches: migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches
• Injuries: accidents, falls, blunt force trauma to the face
• Herpes (HSV-1): can cause painful cold sores
• Nasal issues: deviated septum, sinusitis
• TMJ Disorders
• Trigeminal Neuralgia

Facts

More than 15% of adult Americans live with some form of chronic facial pain.