Unveiling the Connection Between Fibromyalgia and Facial Pain: Relief Strategies for Sufferers

Exploring how fibromyalgia, a spectrum disorder, can trigger facial and jaw pain—and the treatments that bring relief

While fibromyalgia is a whole-body condition, it's conditions can mimic neuropathic pain or TMJ pain

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a challenging condition affecting millions of people across the globe. It leads to widespread pain, fatigue, and various other symptoms that can disrupt daily activities. One often overlooked aspect is its connection to facial pain, which can appear in forms such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Recognizing this link is vital for anyone looking for effective relief options.

In this post, we will examine the relationship between fibromyalgia and facial pain. We will also offer practical strategies to help manage these symptoms more effectively.

Understanding Fibromyalgia and Its Symptoms

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder that impacts the muscles and joints. Common symptoms include fatigue, sleep disruptions, cognitive issues, and emotional challenges. Although the exact cause of fibromyalgia is not fully understood, it is thought to arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological influences.

Many individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience heightened sensitivity to pain, a condition known as allodynia, where even gentle touches can feel painful. This sensitivity can extend to various body areas, including the face, leading to discomfort in the jaw and surrounding regions.

Fibromyalgia Is a Spectrum

Fibromyalgia is not a black-and-white diagnosis—it exists on a continuum of symptom severity.

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2016 criteria recognizes that FM symptoms exist on a continuum. On the lower end, you may have intermittent, mild symptoms; on the higher end, you may meet the criteria for an official diagnosis. Symptom flare-ups can temporarily push someone over the diagnostic threshold.

How FM Is Diagnosed

Fibromyalgia diagnosis uses two scoring tools:

1. Widespread Pain Index (WPI) – counts the number of painful body areas (0–19)

2. Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) – rates fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive issues, and other symptoms (0–12)

You meet FM diagnostic criteria if:

• WPI ≥ 7 and SSS ≥ 5 OR

• WPI 4–6 and SSS ≥ 9AND symptoms are present for at least 3 months without another disorder explaining them.

The Link Between Fibromyalgia and Facial Pain

Research indicates that a significant number of people with fibromyalgia also suffer from facial pain, particularly associated with TMJ disorders. The TMJ connects the jawbone to the skull. When it malfunctions, it can cause pain, clicking sounds, and challenges with movement. Studies suggest that about 30% to 75% of fibromyalgia patients report symptoms consistent with TMJ disorders.

The connection between fibromyalgia and TMJ issues likely stems from overall heightened pain sensitivity that characterizes fibromyalgia. Additionally, stress and muscle tension, which are prevalent in these patients, can worsen TMJ symptoms. This creates a painful cycle that is difficult to break.

How Fibromyalgia Can Cause Facial Pain

While fibromyalgia is often thought of as a “whole-body” condition, facial pain is common and can mimic other disorders like Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) or neuropathic pain. Here’s why:

1. Central Sensitization – In fibromyalgia, your brain’s pain “volume knob” is turned up. This means even mild pressure in facial muscles or jaw joints can feel intense.

2. Myofascial Pain – Tight, tender muscles in the jaw, temples, and neck can refer pain to the face, teeth, or behind the eyes.

3. TMJ Dysfunction – Fibromyalgia patients may clench or grind teeth due to muscle tension, worsening jaw pain.

4. Nerve Sensitivity – Some experience trigeminal nerve hypersensitivity, leading to sharp, burning, or electric-like sensations.

Signs Your Facial Pain Could Be Linked to Fibromyalgia

You might suspect a connection if:

• Pain occurs on both sides of the face or jaw

• Discomfort spreads to neck, shoulders, or scalp

• You have other fibromyalgia symptoms (fatigue, widespread pain)

• TMJ treatments help only partially or temporarily

• Weather changes, stress, or poor sleep trigger flare-ups of face, neck or jaw pain

  
  

Effective Relief Strategies for Fibromyalgia and Facial Pain

Managing fibromyalgia and facial pain typically involves a comprehensive approach. Below are some effective strategies to relieve symptoms:

1. Aerobic Exercises & Physical Therapy

Physical exercises can play a crucial role for those with fibromyalgia. You can start with low-level aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling. A Physical therapist can teach exercises that strengthen neck muscles and enhance flexibility, and alleviate pain.  A study indicated that individuals with fibromyalgia who exercise regularly report a 30% reduction in pain levels. Water-based therapy can help keep your joints safe while improving your strength and reducing the pain.

2. Stress Management Techniques

Since stress can worsen both fibromyalgia and TMJ symptoms, it is vital to incorporate stress-relief methods. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help lower tension levels and improve overall mental health. Evidence suggests that regular mindfulness practice can reduce stress-related pain by 23% in chronic pain patients.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold to painful areas can offer immediate relief. Heat therapy can diminish muscular tension, while cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and numb pain. You may want to try out which one makes your pain better. Most fibromyalgia patients would prefer heat therapy to cold. This is because Fibromyalgia can sometimes be associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon, where cold or stress triggers reduced blood flow to fingers and toes, causing color changes and discomfort.

4. Medications

At Advanced TMJ, we help patients manage their FM with prescription medications including muscle relaxants or specific fibromyalgia medications for symptom control. Research supports FDA-approved medications can improve fibromyalgia symptoms in approximately 50% of patients.

5. Dietary Changes

Some people find that certain foods can trigger or worsen their symptoms. Keeping a food diary can assist in identifying potential triggers. Common offenders include processed foods, sugar, and gluten. Making dietary adjustments based on this awareness can lead to symptom improvements.

6. Alternative Therapies

Many individuals find relief with alternative treatments for managing both fibromyalgia and facial pain. These methods can facilitate relaxation and help relieve muscular tension, enhancing overall well-being.

• Trigger Point Injections

  Tight, knotted muscle bands can radiate pain to the jaw, temples, neck, or shoulders. Our precise, in-office trigger point injections help release these muscle knots, restore blood flow, and reduce both localized and referred pain.

  
  

• Dry Needling

  For deep-seated myofascial pain, dry needling targets muscle trigger points using fine needles to relieve tension, improve range of motion, and reduce pain sensitivity.

  
  

• Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

  This non-invasive light therapy works at the cellular level to speed up healing, reduce inflammation, and ease both muscle and nerve pain, without medication or downtime.

  
  

• Botox® for Chronic Muscle Pain

  While FDA-approved for chronic migraine, Botox® can also be highly effective in easing persistent muscle tension and spasms in the head, face, and neck, thus helping reduce the intensity and frequency of pain episodes.

  
  

• Oral Appliance Therapy

  Custom-made oral appliances gently reposition the jaw, ease strain on the TMJ, and protect teeth from clenching or grinding, habits that can aggravate FM-related jaw and facial pain.

  
  

• Therapeutic Ultrasound

  Using gentle, deep-tissue heating, therapeutic ultrasound improves circulation, loosens stiff muscles, and supports faster recovery from painful flare-ups.

  
  

• Cupping Therapy

  We teach our patients to use static and dynamic cupping techniques that can be used at home to boost circulation, release muscle adhesions, and promote relaxation in sore or overworked muscles.

  
  

Lifestyle Modifications for Long-Term Relief

To enhance long-term relief from fibromyalgia and facial pain, consider implementing these essential lifestyle changes:

1. Regular Exercise

Engaging in regular, low-impact exercise is vital for improving physical health and alleviating pain. Activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling can provide significant benefits without overly straining the body. We can help navigate the symptoms and help you find different techniques that help you recover faster and regain your life.

2. Sleep Hygiene

In fibromyalgia, sleep studies often show alpha–delta sleep intrusion, reduced deep sleep, and frequent arousals, contributing to unrefreshing rest and heightened pain sensitivity. Thus, improving sleep quality is crucial, especially since sleep disturbances leads to increase in pain. . Establishing a consistent sleep routine and creating a calming bedtime environment can contribute to better rest. Experts recommend avoiding screens an hour before bedtime to promote relaxation.

We address fibromyalgia-related sleep disturbances by improving sleep hygiene, treating coexisting disorders like sleep apnea, and using therapies that promote deeper, restorative sleep.

3. Support Networks

Connecting with others facing similar challenges can provide emotional support and practical advice. Participating in support groups, whether online or in person, can help individuals share experiences and valuable coping strategies.

Finding Relief Amidst the Pain

Understanding the connection between fibromyalgia and facial pain, particularly regarding TMJ disorders, is essential for managing this complex condition. By recognizing this relationship, individuals can take steps to find relief.

Incorporating physical therapy, stress management techniques, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications can profoundly enhance the quality of life for those experiencing fibromyalgia and facial pain.

While the path to relief might be fraught with challenges, positive strategies and support are available. With a thoughtful, proactive approach, individuals can regain control of their lives and find comfort in spite of the pain.