Exploring Craniofacial Pain

Exploring Craniofacial Pain: Understanding and Management from A Whole-Patient Perspective

Craniofacial pain encompasses a range of discomforts and disorders affecting the head, face, and neck. It is a complex condition often involving multiple factors, including muscle tension, nerve issues, and joint problems. Effective management of craniofacial pain is crucial for improving quality of life and functional abilities. Craniofacial pain refers to any pain experienced in the facial region, including the jaw, forehead, temples, and neck. This pain can range from mild discomfort to severe debilitation and may be chronic or episodic. A range of conditions involve craniofacial pain:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD): Pain and dysfunction of the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face.
Headaches and Migraines: Often related to tension in the craniofacial muscles.
Myofascial Pain: Pain related to muscles and connective tissue in the face and neck.

Symptoms and Prevalence

The prevalence of craniofacial pain in the general population highlights the importance of early detection and proper management. Identification of joint and muscle dysfunction, dental issues, or neurological conditions is paramount to addressing pain. These contributing factors often lead to:

Persistent Headaches or Migraines: Often exacerbated by jaw movement or tension.
Jaw Pain and Discomfort: Difficulty in chewing, clicking and popping, or locking of the jaw.
Facial Muscle Tension: Stiffness and soreness in facial muscles.
Ear Pain and Tinnitus: Sometimes related to TMJ disorders.
Neck and Shoulder Pain: Often associated with chronic craniofacial tension.

Diagnosis and Treatment

BreatheWorks implements an integrated, whole-patient approach by leveraging the expertise of many healthcare professionals.

Comprehensive Assessment: Medical, dental, and imaging studies (including MRI or CT scans) to determine possible neurological, dental, or musculoskeletal causes.

Multidisciplinary Care Team: Leveraging the expertise of physical therapists, bodyworkers, and dental professionals to identify muscle, nerve, or structural contributors.
Pain Management: Medication for pain relief, such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants.

BreatheWorks’ Approach

Our approach to managing craniofacial pain is comprehensive and patient-focused:

Whole-Patient Assessment: Conducted by a Speech-Language Pathologist, we take a detailed case history to get a clear picture of your body’s story and assess the function of the speech, swallowing, and breathing mechanisms. We will observe how the muscles perform tasks like speaking, chewing, swallowing, clearing your teeth, and breathing and identify the contributing factors that may relate to your symptoms.
Collaborative Expertise: Engaging dentists, orthodontists, primary care providers, physical therapists, pulmonologists, sleep specialists, and nutritionists to provide comprehensive care.
Individualized Treatment Plans: Tailored to address the specific causes and symptoms of each patient’s pain.
Continued Care: Progress monitoring and regular follow up to encourage lasting, long-term effects of treatment.
Education and Support: Empowering patients with knowledge and techniques to manage their pain effectively.

Preventive measures include:

Regular Dental Check-ups: Early detection and treatment of dental issues that could lead to pain.
Ergonomics and Posture Training: To reduce muscle strain in the neck and face.
Stress Management: Techniques to lower stress levels, which can be a significant contributor to craniofacial pain.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, to improve overall health and reduce pain risks.

Conclusion

Craniofacial pain is a multifaceted condition requiring a nuanced understanding for effective treatment. With a multidisciplinary approach that includes pain management, physical therapy, dental interventions, and patient education, individuals suffering from craniofacial pain can achieve significant relief and improved quality of life. BreatheWorks is committed to tailoring treatment to each patient’s specific needs to encourage successful management and enhanced quality of life.

Take our screener and see how you do. We’ll tell you what we think based on your responses

Many people from infancy and into old age suffer from undiagnosed disorders that could be fixed. You don’t have to suffer, we’re here to help, we see you, we’ve got you.

Got Questions?

Get answers!

How much does therapy cost?

BreatheWorks accepts most major insurance plans as well as out of pocket rates. Please see our insurance and benefits page for details or give us a call and we can help you understand your benefits.

How long does therapy take?

This is specific to each patient, their needs, and how often they are practicing their exercises. We see faster progress with patients who are in weekly sessions and practicing exercises daily. In some cases patients can complete the in person/teletherapy phase of treatment in 4-12 sessions. Our phase 1 of treatment is typically weekly with our in-home program that typically lasts between 3-6 months. Phase 2 treatment which involves remote monitoring and in many cases less need for more in-clinic based treatments takes between 8-12 months depending on individual progress.

Do you have teletherapy?

Yes, we offer teletherapy services through Breatheworks virtual therapy platform. This option gives our patients the flexibility to receive high-quality, patient-centered care when and where they want it. Our teletherapy ensures our patients receive the same level of care as our in-person services, tailored to fit into any lifestyle. Teletherapy has many benefits like increased scheduling flexibility, easier follow-ups, and in many cases improved outcomes, all while contributing to a healthier environment by reducing travel related emissions. Whether from the comfort of your home or on the go, we’re here to support your health journey every step of the way.

I've heard about OMD and MYO, what are they and can they help?

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD)

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) refer to a group of conditions characterized by abnormal patterns of muscle function and incorrect habits involving the face, mouth, and throat. These disorders can affect various aspects of oral function, including speech, swallowing, breathing, and facial development. Examples of OMD include tongue thrust (where the tongue pushes against or between the teeth during swallowing or at rest), open mouth posture (habitual mouth breathing with the mouth consistently open), and incorrect tongue resting position. OMD can contribute to dental malocclusions, speech articulation difficulties, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and other orofacial issues.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT or MYO)

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is a specialized form of therapy designed to address and correct Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD). It focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to achieve proper resting posture, swallowing patterns, and speech articulation. OMT involves a variety of exercises, techniques, and behavioral modifications tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals. The goals of OMT include improving orofacial muscle strength and coordination, correcting abnormal swallowing patterns, promoting nasal breathing, and enhancing overall oral function and health. OMT is typically provided by speech-language pathologists or therapists trained in orofacial myofunctional therapy techniques.

Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) can be highly beneficial for individuals with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD). By addressing underlying muscle dysfunction and promoting proper oral habits, OMT can help improve speech clarity, correct swallowing patterns, alleviate breathing difficulties, and optimize facial development. However, the effectiveness of OMT depends on various factors, including the severity of the OMD, the individual’s commitment to therapy, and consistency in practicing exercises and techniques. OMT is often recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as dentists, orthodontists, and ENT specialists, especially when addressing complex orofacial issues.

How long do I have to wait to get an appointment?

We hold space in our clinicians’ schedules for new patients because we know that early intervention is the best approach. We like to see new patients in less than 2 weeks and typically schedule phase one treatments during the first visit. We can see you virtually or in person. Get started now.