Contributing Author: Kirsten Snellenburg, LMT, MPT, DPT, Physical Therapist, Vestibular and Visceral Specialist
What is “craniofacial pain” and what does it entail?
Craniofacial pain is a term that is often used to describe any chronic facial, neck or head pain you might be experiencing. The most common form of craniofacial pain is temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). It may include migraine headaches, earaches, facial-muscle stiffness, neck and upper back tension, and even fatigue. These symptoms can often interfere with activities of everyday life.
What causes craniofacial pain?
Causes of craniofacial pain vary from person to person, but a Physical Therapist can assess some of the more common causes. For instance, factors might be involved in causing TMD and other craniofacial pain can include bite problems, habitual teeth clenching or clicking, and overall anxiety, all of which can make effective treatment complicated.
What to expect in a physical therapy visit for craniofacial pain:
Your initial visit will review the onset of your condition, the specific nature of your symptoms, and the overall status of your health. Measurements of active range of motion of your cervical spine and jaw will be taken. Your postural alignment will be assessed, as well as the strength of your neck and jaw.
Once your custom physical therapy plan of care is created, you will receive manual therapy, exercises, self care techniques, and cutting-edge technology to reduce your pain levels. These may include scenar, deep tissue laser, Neufit and Bemer.
If you experience craniofacial pain, or temporomandibular dysfunction, let our physical therapy specialists help you address the potential root causes with our cutting-edge evaluation and treatment techniques. Contact us to schedule your free consult. We offer a wellness-focused & supportive environment that can help you achieve your goals. Be sure to check our social media and blog updates for regular wellness inspiration, information, offers and support.
The Back 2 Normal blog is an educational resource written by Back 2 Normal employees and professional associates. Back 2 Normal bloggers are professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
