Facial Muscle Pain & Tightness

Conditions We Treat

What is causing my facial muscles to be sore and tight?

Facial muscle pain and tightness can often stem from myofascial pain syndrome, which affects skeletal muscles, particularly in the jaw, face, and neck regions. Myofascial pain is marked by trigger points or muscle knots that cause significant pain and discomfort and can affect movement. These trigger points emerge within skeletal muscles due to various factors like trauma or repetitive muscle use. They stimulate pain receptors, causing referred pain to adjacent muscles, structures or even teeth.

What can be done to help?

Treatment for myofascial pain encompasses a range of strategies tailored to individual needs. Unlike some jaw conditions where rest is recommended, patients are encouraged to engage in specific stretching exercises. For instance, stretching the lower jaw into a wide-open position, akin to yawning, can offer relief if the temporomandibular joint isn't inflamed. Alternatively, a variety of exercises targeting specific movements and muscle groups may be employed.

A comprehensive clinical examination is the initial step in treating myofascial pain, essential for distinguishing it from ordinary toothache or other orofacial pain conditions. Manual palpation of the head, neck, and jaw is often employed to identify trigger points and their referral patterns, facilitating targeted treatment approaches. These may include massage therapy, trigger point injections, and the use of oral appliances. Collaboration with healthcare providers such as physiotherapists and acupuncturists is also common to alleviate pain and restore muscle function.