What is Facial Pain?
Facial pain is incredibly common, can have many causes, and often doesn’t require medical attention.
If facial pain suddenly occurs without any reason or occurs following an injury, seek medical attention. The most common cause of facial pain is temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJDs).
Symptoms of Facial Pain
- TMJ disorders: stiffness in jaw muscles, jaw pain radiating to face, head, neck, decreased jaw mobility
- Constant aching or burning sensation on the faceSevere 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
Treatment Options for Facial Pain
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.
If your face pain worsens or doesn’t improve with treatment, seek medication attention.
At The Pain Experts of Arizona facial pain patients will be examined by a medical professional who will ask about your symptoms and medical history after examining your face. 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 of Facial Pain
- 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 of Facial Pain
- 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.
