Hello everyone, Does anyone else have facial pain? It's not quite a spasm but it sord of feels like what lock jaw might feel like.

[Blackbutterfly74]

[lupus-support1 Administrator]

There are a number of reasons for facial pain such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction or TMJ.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) refers to a group of disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles and the associated structures.These disorders share the symptoms of pain, limited mouth opening and joint noises.

Temporomandibular joint symptoms are relatively common. Symptoms of TMDs occur in approximately 6-12% of the adult population.[2] TMDs may occur at any age but are more common in women and in early adulthood.

TMJ disorders are thought to have a multifactorial aetiology, but the pathophysiology is not well understood. Causes can be classified into factors affecting the joint itself, and factors affecting the muscles and joint function. The American Academy of Orofacial Pain has also produced a diagnostic classification.

Factors affecting muscles and joint function - myofascial pain and dysfunction

This type of TMJ problem is most common. Often it is difficult to determine a single cause, but contributing factors may be:

Chronic pain syndromes or increased pain sensitivity.

Psychological factors: these may contribute (as with other chronic pain syndromes).

Muscle overactivity: bruxism (grinding of the teeth and clenching of the jaw); orofacial dystonias.

Dental malocclusion: this was formerly considered to be an important factor; indeed TMJ dysfunction was often considered as a dental problem. However, the evidence does not support this, and TMJ dysfunction is now seen as a multifactorial problem rather than a dental condition.

Symptoms

The three cardinal symptoms of TMJ disorders are: facial pain, restricted jaw function and joint noise.

Pain

My advice is for you to see your doctor to determine the cause of your facial pain.

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I look forward to talking with you more!

Sometimes we need to talk to people who understand and who are not family or friends.

Be well!

Ros

[stephaniemae]

Hi Blackbutterfly... I really sympathise as it sounds similar to what I have.

One of the very first symptoms I had before being originally diagnosed with MCTD was facial pain. It was so bad at times that I used to half-joke I'd even haul my own teeth out with a pair of pliers to stop the pain if I had to! It didn't quite come to that thankfully!!

I have read a lot about TMJ and I believe this is probably what I have although this has never been confirmed. However I have had quite a bit of success taking Gabapentin as now I only feel the pain when I'm having a lupus flare or if I'm run down or stressed.

I'm not sure what else I can recommend unfortunately but I really just wanted to say that I do understand how frustrating and awful facial pain can be. I wish you heaps of luck in finding some relief from it! xx

[Blackbutterfly74 in reply to stephaniemae]

Thanks so much Stephaniemae i really appreciate the support. My rheumy told me it wasnt related to the lupus but i truly believe its linked. Well wishes to you as well!

[Whathappned]

Hi

I have had pain in one or the other jaw for a few years now and it was when i first noticed my connective tissue symptoms. I also get ear ache which I have associated with it as there was no infection or wax. I know it's coming on as my jaw starts to click and causes problems chewing. I have also started to develop a very very slight tingling which feels like you have had an injection by the dentist and all the numbness has just about gone. These symptoms have come and gone in the last 2-3 yr. I do have raised muscle enzymes which they say indicates I could be evolving in to myositis and/ or Lupus which may play a part.

My knowledge is very limited though and I am just guessing that it is connected but symptom wise. It's a yes I have similar problems as for what to do originally I just took ibuprofen. Now I have progressed and I am on the usual mixture of drugs to dampen down the disease.

Take care x

[2dogs in reply to Whathappned]

I was diagnosed in 05 with Lupus, 2007 Sjogrens, 2013 Fibromyalgia... its been a real journey. But I too have facial pain and ear pain when an "episode" comes on. Cutting sugar from my diet helps, but being a sugar junkie, its difficult.