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Q.

I have stabbing pain along my cheekbone, to the jaw and upper section of my teeth. Is it that common in fibromyalgia?

Related Topics: Fibromyalgia, Cheekbones, Jaw, Tooth, Pain
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Answers From Experts & Organizations (1)

Mark J. Pellegrino, MDMark J. Pellegrino, MDSUCCESS!
Mark J. Pellegrino, MD
Fibromyalgia
32 Answers
1,027 Helpful Votes
19 Followers
A.

Facial and jaw pain is common in FM. Several structures including the head (scalp and brain), neck, TMJ, and facial/jaw muscles all have nerve branches to the face that can lead to pain, numbness, and altered sensations (called dysesthesias).

If the pain comes and goes in relationship to another area of pain, i.e. TMJ, jaw, neck, then it may be referred pain from myospasms or TM joint, etc. If it comes spontaneously and feels like shocks or stabs, then it could be more neuralgia-mediated, like trigeminal neuralgia.

Rarely in someone with FM, a different cause such as MS, Bell's palsy, acoustic neuroma, or even a viral infection (cold) can cause face and jaw pain. But these other conditions are usually evident by additional symptoms or a different clinical course that your doctor can determine by evaluating you.

I try various treatments on my patients with facial pain including meds that block nerve pain (i.e. anti-seizure meds, SNRIs [serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors], tricyclics) and topicals with helpful meds (patches, compounded cream). Therapies including TNS trail, or injections, or bite splints or other treatments can be tried depending on the individual's cause of pain.

As usual, I can't provide specific advice for anyone here but I encourage you to work together with your doctor for your symptoms.

This answer should not be considered medical advice...down arrowThis answer should not be considered medical advice and should not take the place of a doctor’s visit. Please see the bottom of the page for more information or visit our Terms and Conditions.up arrow

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