Pharmacotherapy for Chronic Facial Pain
An Effective Treatment to Relieve Chronic Orofacial Pain Conditions
Medications play a key role in both acute and chronic orofacial pain management. Whether you're dealing with TMJ flare-ups, chronic myofascial pain, nerve-related facial pain, or migraines, the right medication, delivered systemically or topically, can help reduce pain, improve function, and support your broader treatment plan.
Short-Term Medications
Short-term medications are often used during flare-ups, early stages of diagnosis, or to stabilize symptoms before implementing long-term interventions like oral appliances or physical therapies.
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Oral
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NSAIDs: Help reduce inflammation and pain in the TMJ or surrounding muscles.
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Corticosteroids: Used briefly to reduce acute joint inflammation or neuralgia flares.
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Muscle relaxants: Relieve muscle spasms and improve jaw mobility.
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Triptans, Ditans, Anti-CGRPs: Prescribed for abortive or preventative migraines.
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Topical
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Lidocaine patches or gels: Provide localized numbness for myofascial trigger points or superficial nerve pain.
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Topical NSAIDs : Reduce joint or muscle inflammation directly at the site of pain.
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Cooling or menthol-based agents: Soothe irritated muscles and promote temporary pain relief.
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Long-Term Medications
For patients with chronic, neuropathic, or centrally sensitized pain, long-term pharmacologic management may be required—often alongside neuromodulators, physical therapy, or dental devices.
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Oral ​
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Anticonvulsants: These target nerve-related pain and are especially effective in conditions like Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathy (PTTN) or occipital neuralgia.
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Antidepressants: Beneficial in patients with comorbid anxiety, fibromyalgia, or widespread pain.
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Migraine prophylaxis: Prescribed when migraines are frequent or disabling, often coordinated with your neurologist.
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Topical​
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Compounded topical medications: Custom combinations may include NSAIDs, local anesthetics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants at low doses for modulating the nerve pain.
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Integrated and Individualized
We never take a one-size-fits-all approach to pharmacologic care. All medications are recommended based on:
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Your specific diagnosis (e.g., TMD, Migraine, Cluster headache, Neuralgia, BMS, etc)
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Pain severity and chronicity
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Your tolerance, existing medications, and comorbid conditions
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Your preference about the treatment ​
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, dentist, or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site. Treatments discussed, including medications and therapeutic interventions, are personalized based on individual evaluation and may not be suitable for everyone. Results may vary. Use of this website does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency facility.
