Facial Pain and Headaches Treatment In San Antonio, TX

At Freedom Spine & Pain Center in San Antonio, TX, our team, which includes two board-certified anesthesiologists, specializes in providing comprehensive care for those suffering from facial pain and headaches.

Whether you’re dealing with persistent migraines, tension headaches, or nerve-related facial pain, our staff is dedicated to diagnosing and providing comprehensive treatments for the root cause of your discomfort. We aim to help you find effective, lasting relief and regain control of your life.

What Is Facial Pain?

Facial pain is discomfort or pain felt in any area of the face, including the eyes, nose, mouth, jaw, cheeks, or forehead. It can range from mild to severe and can be sharp, throbbing, or dull, depending on the underlying cause.

Facial pain may be chronic or acute. In some cases, it can also be a symptom of a more serious medical condition. Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and pain relief.

What Are Headaches?

Headaches are a common form of pain in any part of the head, including the scalp, temples, or neck. They can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration, ranging from mild, dull aches to severe, throbbing pain.

There are several types of headaches, such as tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, each with different symptoms and triggers. Proper diagnosis helps identify the right treatment for effective pain management.

Common Causes of Facial Pain and Headaches

Some common causes of facial pain and headaches include tension, sinus infections, and nerve-related conditions.

• Tension headaches: These can result from stress, muscle strain, or poor posture. They can cause pain in the forehead, temples, or around the eyes.
• Sinus infections or inflammation: These issues can cause pressure and pain around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead. Sinus infections and inflammation are often mistaken for headaches.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: This nerve disorder causes intense, sharp pain in the face. It’s often triggered by simple activities like chewing or speaking.
• TMJ disorders (temporomandibular joint dysfunction): TMJ disorders affect the joint connecting the jaw and skull. They can often cause jaw and facial pain.
• Migraines: Migraines are characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head. They may also include facial pain.
• Dental issues or injuries: Oral health problems can often cause or contribute to facial pain and, in some cases, headaches.

What Treatments Are Available for Facial Pain and Headaches?

Treatment for facial pain and headaches will be unique to each patient, depending on the severity of their symptoms. Some treatments for facial pain and headaches can include the following:

• Over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen
• Acupuncture
• BOTOX® injections
• Biofeedback therapy
• Surgery

How Can I Prevent Facial Pain and Headaches At Home?

With the right care, facial pain and headaches can be prevented at home by doing the following.

For facial pain:

• Apply a hot compress to the affected area for 10-20 minutes.
• Change your sleeping position and ensure your bed and pillows are comfortable, as sleeping in awkward positions can lead to facial pain.
• Take a hot shower or bath.

For headaches:

• Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. Dehydration can often cause headaches, so proper hydration is key.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Get a good amount of sleep each night.
• Avoid foods that are high in histamine.
• Give your eyes a break from digital screen time.
• Eliminate stressors in your environment, such as loud noises.

FAQs

How Can I Distinguish Between a Sinus Headache and a Migraine?

A sinus headache is often associated with sinus infections or inflammation. It can lead to pressure and pain around the cheeks, forehead, and eyes. It’s often accompanied by symptoms like:

• Nasal congestion
• Thick mucus
• A feeling of fullness in the face

Sinus headaches usually worsen when you bend forward or lie down.

In contrast, migraines are more intense, throbbing headaches that often occur on one side of the head. Migraines may also cause:

• Nausea
• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances (auras)

Unlike sinus headaches, migraines are not directly linked to nasal issues and may not improve with decongestants. Understanding these distinctions helps to determine the best treatment approach.

Is Facial Pain Always Related to a Nerve Issue, or Could It Be Muscular?

Facial pain isn’t always linked to nerve problems. It can also be muscular.

Tension in the facial or jaw muscles can lead to discomfort. This is especially common in cases of stress, clenching, or teeth grinding (bruxism). Myofascial pain syndrome, a chronic condition where trigger points in muscles cause pain, can also contribute to facial discomfort.

Nerve issues, such as trigeminal neuralgia, generally cause sharp, shooting pain. However, muscular pain tends to feel more like a dull, aching sensation. Both nerve and muscular causes of facial pain should be evaluated by professionals.

How Do TMJ Disorders Contribute To Facial Pain?

TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. They commonly cause facial pain and often lead to discomfort in the jaw, temples, cheeks, and around the ears.

TMJ disorders can result from stress, teeth grinding, misaligned teeth, or arthritis. The pain may worsen when chewing, talking, or yawning. In some cases, clicking or popping sounds in the jaw may also occur.

Addressing the underlying issue with treatments like physical therapy, mouthguards, or medications can help alleviate the pain.

Can Facial Pain Be a Symptom of a More Serious Medical Condition?

Yes, facial pain can be a symptom of more serious conditions.

For example, trigeminal neuralgia causes intense facial pain due to nerve dysfunction. Conditions like multiple sclerosis can lead to similar nerve-related issues.

Infections, such as shingles or severe sinus infections, can also cause facial pain. In rare cases, facial pain might indicate underlying issues like tumors, vascular disorders, or neurological conditions.

If facial pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to rule out serious health concerns.

Why Choose Freedom Spine & Pain Center?

At Freedom Spine & Pain Center, our expert team includes two highly qualified medical doctors: Dr. Rajesh K Sharma, who is board-certified in anesthesiology and pain management, and Dr. Vrunda H. Pandya, who is board-certified in anesthesiology by the ABMS.

We believe that effective treatment starts by identifying the root cause of your pain. Our physicians take the time to thoroughly understand your symptoms within the context of your life. This allows us to create treatment plans for your unique needs. Choose us for compassionate, individualized care that prioritizes your well-being and long-term relief.

Schedule a Consultation at Freedom Spine & Pain Center in TX

If you are experiencing facial pain or headache symptoms, call (726) 200-3332 or click here to schedule your first consultation with us today.

With three convenient locations in Boerne, Kerrville, and San Antonio, TX, the highly experienced Freedom Spine & Pain Center team is dedicated to providing high-quality treatment that relieves patients from chronic pain.