Are you experiencing chronic facial, neck or head pain? If you are, then you might be suffering from craniofacial pain. And the most common condition associated with craniofacial pain is temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction (TMD). To help you gain a better understanding of your craniofacial pain, here is some background information to consider.

What are the causes of TMD and craniofacial pain?

Craniofacial pain might mean frequent migraines, headaches, earaches, facial-muscle stiffness and fatigue, neck and upper back tension, “lock jaw,” dizziness or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Each of these symptoms can interfere with living fully and enjoying your life.

There are many factors that can lead to TMD and other craniofacial pain. This can include bite problems, habitual teeth-clenching or clicking, and overall anxiety. As a result, these factors can complicate potential effective treatment moving forward. It is important to know that you don’t have to “just live with” the pain. There is a solution available.

What craniofacial pain treatment options are available?

The first step to treatment is exploring the cause of your craniofacial pain–whether it is TMD or something else. Understanding the specific nature of your symptoms will help Dr. Mayoor Patel find the best treatment option for you. And while discussing your condition, we will also need to know any medications and therapies you might have tried in the past to relieve your pain.

We will first take a look at your bite. Often, when you are experiencing craniofacial pain your bite will say a lot more than you realize. If your bite is misaligned, we can work toward a solution that can improve your condition. Together we will create a customized, multidimensional treatment plan that will address your immediate pain, as well as any other underlying or coexisting conditions that might be causing or aggravating your symptoms.

Some treatment options might include physical therapy, oral appliance therapy, meditation for stress reduction or even meditation for stress reduction. It all varies and we will work together to ensure the success of your treatment.

At Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia, we will work with you on an individual level to help you return to your best health.