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Management, Causes, and Symptoms of Chronic Orofacial Pain
Considered to be persistent discomfort in the face, mouth, or jaw spanning more than three months, chronic orofacial pain (COFP), temporomandibular joint diseases (TMD), trigeminal neuralgia, myofascial pain syndrome, nerve traumas, or dental-related problems are only a few of the several ailments that could cause it. Stress, poor posture, and behaviours such as bruxism, or teeth grinding, can exacerbate the symptoms.
Although COFP causes many symptoms, they usually consist of dull, agonising pain, burning feelings, or sudden, electrical shock-like discomfort. Patients could have jaw tightness, trouble eating, headaches, ear pain, or facial muscle sensitivity. Unlike acute pain, COFP is complicated and cannot always have an evident source, which makes the diagnosis difficult.
Treatment usually entails a multidisciplinary approach and relies on the underlying illness. Muscle-related pain can be reduced with physical therapy, jaw exercises, and stress management strategies. Medications that assist in controlling nerve pain could be low-dose antidepressants, anticonvulsants, or muscle relaxants. Sometimes dental procedures, including mouthguards or bite corrections, help to ease jaw tension.
To stop flare-ups, long-term management emphasises lifestyle changes, posture corrections, and behavioural therapy. Reducing pain and restoring normal functioning through early intervention and a customised treatment plan will greatly enhance a patient's quality of life.