Facial pain is a common problem that can be caused by a variety of factors. The pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain that affects daily life.
Causes of Facial Pain
Facial pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): TMJ is a condition that affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. This can cause pain in the jaw and face.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. Trigeminal neuralgia can cause severe, stabbing pain in the face.
- Headaches: Certain types of headaches, such as migraines, can cause pain in the face.
Facial Pain Treatment
The treatment options for facial pain will depend on the underlying cause of the pain. Common treatments include:
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help to manage mild to moderate facial pain. In more severe cases, prescription medications may be necessary.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can be helpful for TMJ and other conditions that cause facial pain. A physical therapist can develop an exercise plan to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.
- Injection therapies: Corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks and trigger point injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options can include repairing or replacing the joint in the case of TMJ, or removing damaged tissue in the case of trigeminal neuralgia.
Most interventional pain procedures are done at the onsite procedure suite.
Don’t let facial pain keep you from living your life. Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate care to help you achieve pain relief and improve your overall well-being. Call Lakeshore Pain and Spine Center or book an appointment online today.