What is Orofacial Pain?
Orofacial pain encompasses various conditions that cause discomfort in the head, face, and neck regions. There are many potential causes for this discomfort including previous dental surgeries, sinusitis, neurological conditions such as neuritis, Bell’s palsy, TMJ and jaw injuries, etc.
Orofacial symptoms can include pain or numbness in the mouth, throat, ears, eyes, neck, jaws of face, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), dizziness, fullness in ear, eye strain, congestion, headaches, muscular incoordination, or itching/tingling in the face, head and neck region.
What is Sinusitis?
If you suffer from sinusitis, you’re likely familiar with the discomfort it brings – facial pain, pressure, nasal congestion, and headaches. Sinusitis occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed, often due to infection, allergies, or structural nasal issues. This inflammation can lead to blocked sinuses and buildup of mucus, nasal drip, hoarseness in your voice, throat irritation, and worsening symptoms. Discovering the root cause of your sinusitis is key to developing an effective treatment plan, which can include manual therapies to promote sinus drainage, alleviate pressure, and restore normal function.
Why Choose Progressive Rehab?
At Progressive Rehab our therapists work closely with your dentist and medical doctor to decrease pain and restore normal function. Many of our therapists have completed CRAFTA® (Cranio Facial Therapy Academy) continuing education; focused on assessing, treating, and managing orofacial pain. Treatment strategies can include:
- Manual therapy to reduce pain, restore muscle and joint mobility
- Craniofacial specific analysis and muscular assessment
- Stability and strengthening exercises for hyper mobile joints
- Craniofacial manual techniques to restore muscle balance and reduce spasm
- Motor control exercises to restore normal function
- Neurodynamic testing and mobilization techniques
- Cranial nerve testing and treatment
- Education on stress reduction, proper eating and sleeping habits
- Education and home exercises to equip patients with tools to manage pain effectively
- Education on lifestyle modification and prevention strategies to avoid re-current flare-ups
- Acupuncture – neurofunctional and electroacupuncture
- Gunn IMS
- Ultrasound
- TENS
Symptoms of orofacial pain can be mild or quite severe. They can progress to the point that patients have a difficult time eating solid food, experience frequent headaches, or feel constant pain or numbness in the face. Some common symptoms that patients experience when dealing with orofacial pain include:
- Pain in the face
- Sinusitis
- Headaches
- Facial numbness
- Drooping of muscles in the face
- Clicking, popping or grating sounds when opening/closing the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, taking or yawning
- Locking of the jaw
- Tinnitus (ringing in your ears)
- Numbness, tingling or swelling in the face
- Tightness, pain, and spasm of the jaw muscles
- Dizziness or nausea
- Difficulty concentration
- Neck and/or shoulder pain
- Difficulty opening your mouth wide
- Tired feeling in your face
- Dental problems including occlusal disturbances and unexplained toothache
- Trigeminal neuralgia or post-zoster pain
- Migraines, tension-type headaches, and whiplash-associated disorders
- Increased anxiety
- Eye pain, sensitivity to light and/or blurry vision
- Pain behind the eyes, temples and/or base of head
- Pain and pressure in the head
- Ear or throat pain
- Bell’s Palsy – partial facial paresis, numbness, and pain
Orofacial pain can be complex and multifaceted, but with the help of a trained CRAFTA® therapist available at Progressive Rehab, patients can find relief and improve their quality of life. We provide thorough assessments and tailored treatments to address the underlying causes of pain, working collaboratively with other healthcare providers to ensure holistic care.
For more detailed information about the training required please visit CRAFTA® FAQ page.