OROFACIAL PAIN
UNDERSTANDING COMPLEX FACIAL PAIN
Orofacial pain refers to pain originating from the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues of the
face, mouth, and jaw that is not always caused by a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
Symptoms may include persistent facial pain, burning or aching sensations, muscle tenderness,
sensitivity to touch, pain around the cheeks, temples, eyes, or jaw, and symptoms related to
irritation of the trigeminal or facial nerves.
Some individuals develop orofacial pain following dental procedures, facial trauma, prolonged muscle tension, or periods of increased stress, while others experience persistent symptoms without an obvious injury. Because many conditions can produce facial pain, a comprehensive evaluation is essential to identify contributing factors and determine which interventions are appropriate.
Our providers specialize in evaluating the complex relationship between the muscles of the face, jaw, neck, and upper cervical spine, as well as movement patterns, posture, and breathing that may contribute to ongoing facial pain. Treatments include gentle manual therapy to reduce muscle tension, improve soft tissue mobility, restore normal movement, and decrease irritation of sensitive tissues surrounding the face and jaw. Therapeutic exercises, postural retraining, and neuromuscular re-education are carefully selected to improve movement patterns and reduce mechanical stress that may perpetuate symptoms. When signs suggest that another condition may
be contributing to your pain, we work closely with your physician, dentist, or other healthcare providers to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
Persistent facial pain can also be influenced by an overactive nervous system, prolonged muscle guarding, stress, and habitual clenching or tension in the muscles of the face and neck. Our treatment approach includes techniques to calm overactive facial muscles, improve diaphragmatic breathing, reduce protective muscle guarding, and help regulate the body's response to pain. Education plays an important role in helping patients understand their symptoms and identify daily habits that may be contributing to discomfort. By combining
evidence-based manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, pain neuroscience education, relaxation strategies, and individualized home exercises, our goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and help you return to speaking, eating, smiling, and enjoying daily life with greater comfort and confidence.
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