

Facial pain afflicts about 15 percent of the American population. People with facial pain suffer from such things as headaches, earaches, neck pain, and jaw tenderness.

It can be caused by a wide array of factors, including sinus problems, an infected or impacted tooth, or other problems with the jaw or facial muscles.

Another cause of facial pain could be a disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jaw to the skull on both sides of the face, near the front of the ear.

TMJ problems are sometimes related to stress, but can also be the result of arthritis, bruxism (teeth grinding), or a traumatic injury.

Treatments may include over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or an appliance designed to stop teeth grinding.