Pain under the jaw on the right (left): what could it be?

Pain under the jaw: what causes unpleasant symptoms and how to eliminate them

If you have pain under your jaw, you should not ignore the unpleasant symptoms. They can talk about a number of diseases, some of which pose a serious danger to the body. Pain can also be caused by mechanical stress. When a blow occurs, you should ensure the integrity of the jaw. In any case, you need to visit a doctor. You may need to consult a dentist, surgeon, neurologist, otolaryngologist, or others. To understand which doctor is needed, it is worth analyzing the nature and location of the pain.

What could be the cause of the discomfort?

Pain under the jaw can occur on the left and right, with pressure or at rest. It can be provoked by many reasons - dental diseases, bruises, damage to nerve endings, etc. Among the most common causative factors are:

1. Bruxism (teeth grinding). In some people, the anomaly manifests itself during nervous tension. But more often this disorder occurs in a dream, so a person does not even suspect that he is suffering from bruxism. In addition to wearing away tooth enamel, it can cause jaw pain.
2. Dental diseases: deep caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, sialolithiasis (salivary stone pathology). More often, painful sensations appear when an infection affects the pulp. Microorganisms spread along the root canal and infect nearby tissues. This explains why my jaw hurts.
3. Osteomyelitis. When the disease occurs, the infection spreads throughout the body through the bloodstream, affecting bone and soft tissue. If osteomyelitis of the jaw develops, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is often involved in the painful process. In this case, in addition to painful sensations, the temperature rises and the face swells.
4. Neurological and vascular pathologies - for example, neuralgia, dysfunction of the heart vessels. With arteritis, when the facial artery is affected, pain begins in both jaws. The end point of the painful arc is the corner of the eye. With neuralgia of the glossopharyngeal nerve, there is severe pain under the chin when pressed or at rest. The main reason for the development of pathology is hypothermia and viral infections.
5. Fracture. Possible with strong impact on the jaw. In this case, acute pain is felt, the face swells, and hemorrhage is observed. With a fracture, chewing is difficult or even impossible.

A child’s chin may hurt during the period of changing teeth. This is explained by the fact that as they grow, the nerve is pinched, which provokes unpleasant sensations. Attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour. To rule out various diseases, the child should be shown to other specialists. Difficulty cutting through the figure eight in adults can also cause a sore throat that radiates to the jaw. Pain is considered normal even after tooth extraction, especially the third molar, if it does not increase and unpleasant symptoms do not persist for more than 7 days. Otherwise, you need to consult a doctor.

Wearing orthodontic appliances also causes some discomfort. So, when using a braces system, the arch, acting on the teeth, promotes their movement. The roots put pressure on the bone tissue, which provokes a dull aching pain in the jaws at first. It happens that painful sensations are caused by excessive tension of the arch. For the unpleasant symptoms to disappear, you only need to weaken it.

Causes of pain in the face and head

Headaches that radiate to the face can have different origins. In some cases it is primary (migraine, cluster pain, tension headache), in others it is one of the symptoms of diseases of the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, heart and blood vessels. It is important to take into account the exact localization of painful sensations, their nature and intensity, and the conditions of occurrence.

Trigeminal neuralgia

The trigeminal nerve is a paired nerve and represents the fifth pair of cranial nerves. In the temporal region it is divided into 3 main branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular nerves. They provide facial skin sensitivity, motor activity of the facial and masticatory muscles. When the trigeminal nerve becomes inflamed or damaged, an acute headache begins, which spreads along the nerve fibers. It is so intense that during the period of exacerbation of trigeminal neuralgia, patients cannot touch their face, eat food, turn or tilt their head.

The cause of neuralgia is inflammation of the nerve or its mechanical damage. There are also several factors that can contribute to the development of acute pain:

• viral respiratory diseases, as well as herpes virus infection;
• neoplasms in the cerebellopontine region of the brain;
• dental diseases, including stomatitis, periodontitis and others;
• acute purulent inflammation of the paranasal sinuses (sinusitis);
• atherosclerosis is a disease in which arterial blood flow deteriorates and the supply of oxygen to brain tissue decreases;
• bruises, injuries in the facial area, which are accompanied by damage to nerve fibers.

Headache with trigeminal neuralgia can spread to any part of the face. It is sharp, throbbing, and can be confused with pain caused by dental problems. In some patients, the disease is chronic and worsens at regular intervals. More often this happens in the winter and in the off-season - inflammatory reactions are caused by a sharp drop in temperature and the effect of a viral infection. During an attack, additional symptoms are also felt: increased lacrimation in response to bright lighting, cold weather and decreased sensitivity of the facial skin, involuntary contractions of the facial and masticatory muscles.

In most cases, treatment of trigeminal neuralgia is carried out with medication. The doctor prescribes antibiotics, antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs. To make you feel better, you will need painkillers. Some patients require surgery to destroy the trigeminal nerve root or remove pathological formations that exert mechanical pressure on the nerve. Physiotherapy is also useful as treatment and rehabilitation.

Cluster pain

Main article: Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are the least common type. They are characterized by a very high degree of intensity and do not have an exact cause. An attack consists of a series of pain sensations in the area of ​​​​the projection of the brain onto the human skull. It is so acute that the person cannot continue to carry out daily tasks during this time, and conventional over-the-counter analgesics are ineffective.

Cluster headaches have several features:

• first appears in adulthood, most often from 20 to 30 years;
• has no warning symptoms, begins abruptly, at any time of the day;
• extends only to one half of the head;
• accompanied by deterioration of vision, constriction of the pupil, increased heart rate, redness of the skin;
• the period lasts from several days to several months - during this time the patient experiences on average 1-3 headache attacks per day, often at the same time.

Cluster pain is more common in women . There is no hereditary predisposition, since the disease in most cases is found in only one family member. After the end of the exacerbation period, a long-term remission is observed. It can last up to 3 years, during which the pain does not bother the patient. A seasonal course of the disease is also possible if it appears only at certain times of the year.

Migraine

Main article: Chronic migraine

Migraine is one of the types of primary headaches. It is often one-sided and affects only one half of the head. Painful sensations can be of varying degrees of intensity, but most often acute. The exact cause of migraine is unknown. It often develops in response to factors such as changes in weather and atmospheric pressure, stress and emotional tension, intense physical activity, disruption of the daily routine, as well as smoking and frequent alcohol consumption, poor diet, and hormonal changes.

Migraine is a one-sided headache. There are several theories of its origin - doctors explain its appearance by vascular, nervous, and hormonal disorders. Migraine can occur in different ways, but the classic form includes several stages:

1. The initial stage is prodromal. It begins a few days before a headache attack. During this period, a person’s mood often changes, irritability and fatigue appear, concentration and performance deteriorate. This symptom complex does not occur in all patients, but its appearance accurately indicates the onset of migraine.
2. Aura (Main article: Migraine with aura) is the period several hours before an acute headache. It is typical for migraine, but also does not necessarily occur. Its cause is considered to be spasmodic contraction of brain vessels and deterioration of its blood supply. The aura is manifested by increased sensitivity to sunlight, the appearance of bright circles and dark spots before the eyes, as well as hearing impairment and severe fatigue.
3. The immediate attack of headache lasts several hours, but in some patients it may not stop for up to several days. It is acute, one-sided, and intensifies in the presence of external stimuli (bright light, loud sounds). Painful sensations are concentrated in one half of the head and can spread to the face and neck. Symptoms such as lacrimation, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness are also typical.
4. Resolution stage – lasts 1–2 days. Some patients feel better immediately after the headache ends, but resolution may be slow. Symptoms include weakness, decreased alertness, and increased sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises.

According to statistics, migraines are more common in middle-aged women. To treat it, a set of medications is prescribed that help reduce pain and shorten its duration. If attacks occur frequently and do not stop for 3–5 days or more, hospital treatment may be necessary. The procedures are aimed at preventing complications: dehydration, cerebral edema, seizures, heart attack and stroke.

Somatogenic facial pain

Pain in the face and head can be somatogenic (secondary), that is, associated with diseases of other organs and systems. They are less intense than cluster pain, migraine and facial neuralgia, but also affect performance and can cause complications. Common causes of pain in the face are dental diseases, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, and ophthalmological problems.

1. Toothache – often spreads to the scalp, skin, muscles and nerves of the face. It is often associated with inflammatory processes and dental caries. Symptoms such as pain in the jaw joints, pain when chewing, or eating cold or hot food and drinks also occur. To make you feel better, consultation with a dentist, medication, and, if necessary, surgery are recommended.
2. Joint pain is another type of somatogenic pain. They are often triggered by arthritis or arthrosis of the temporomandibular joint, its deformation or injury. In addition, soreness may be a sign of a malocclusion, tooth loss, or discomfort when wearing dentures.
3. Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is a group of dangerous diseases. The sinuses (sinuses) are cavities formed by the bones of the skull. Normally, they are empty, filled with air and necessary for proper breathing. Their inflammation is accompanied by the appearance of aseptic or purulent contents, an increase in body temperature, a sharp deterioration in health and nasal congestion. The most common type of sinusitis is sinusitis. It develops as a result of hypothermia, the proliferation of a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, head injuries and bruises.
4. Eye diseases also cause headaches. When diagnosing pain, glaucoma may be detected - increased intraocular pressure. This is a dangerous condition that requires immediate treatment. Increased pressure causes compression of blood vessels and nerves, and over time can lead to poor vision and even complete blindness.

If a patient complains of pain in the face and head, a comprehensive examination is prescribed. The scheme will include general diagnostics, as well as consultations with specialized specialists: ophthalmologist, otolaryngologist, dentist and others.

Other reasons

Soreness is a symptom of a number of disorders that do not necessarily indicate dangerous diseases. Headaches can occur periodically in a healthy person, and then go away on their own or after taking painkillers. Doctors identify a number of reasons that can cause deterioration in health:

• stress, nervous tension;
• sleep disturbances caused by insomnia, moving to regions with a different time zone, irregular schedules, or working at night;
• poor nutrition, an abundance of fatty foods, flour products, spices and sweets in the diet;
• intense physical activity;
• sudden changes in weather, temperature or atmospheric pressure;
• hormonal changes.

Doctors recommend calling for a full examination if headaches continue for several days or more. Also dangerous are acute pains that affect performance and are accompanied by additional symptoms: nausea, vomiting, impaired coordination of movement, and memory impairment.

Lymphatic changes as one of the causes of pain under the jaw

When discomfort occurs, it is first necessary to assess the health of the submandibular lymph nodes. It is worth excluding or confirming (if pathology is present) lymphadenitis - inflammation that develops when an infection enters the lymph nodes. The disease in its acute form is accompanied by severe pain, body temperature rises, and weakness appears. Discomfort is especially acute when pressing on a sore spot. If timely treatment is not carried out, the disease enters the chronic stage. With different forms of lymphadenitis, an abscess or phlegmon can develop - a purulent formation.

Lymph nodes can become inflamed, for example, in acute and chronic tonsillitis. In this case, it can hurt from different sides under the jaw. But other symptoms come to the fore: acute pain in the throat (especially when swallowing), purulent plaque on the tonsils, fever - even up to 40˚C.

If the lymph node in the neck hurts, this may also indicate the appearance of a neoplasm. More often these are metastases that penetrate from other organs. The nature of the pain varies. The patient has an elevated body temperature for a long time, weakness appears, and he sharply loses weight.

Treatment of headaches and facial pain

The treatment regimen for headaches and pain in the face is selected individually. It will include measures to eliminate the underlying disease, as well as to relieve symptoms. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor may prescribe the following methods:

• drug treatment - may include anti-inflammatory and painkillers, antibiotics, drugs to improve cerebral circulation;
• physiotherapy – carried out to stimulate blood circulation and innervation in the face and head;
• diet for blood vessels - includes simple foods, with a minimum amount of fried foods, animal fats, fast food and spices;
• surgical intervention - most often prescribed for mechanical compression of nerves and blood vessels, in the presence of neoplasms and dental diseases, as well as for clearing the contents of the paranasal sinuses.

Doctors at the Clinical Institute of the Brain will select appropriate treatment tactics based on the results of a general examination. For most patients, it is enough to take medications, follow a diet and adjust their daily routine to improve their health. However, for some diseases surgical intervention is indicated.

The nature of pain depending on the type of disease

Since various diseases can provoke discomfort, its nature will differ:

1. Arthrosis. There is a constant aching pain. It is also accompanied by a crunch. If you open your mouth too much (or while chewing), the pain increases. In most cases, attacks occur in the morning.
2. Migraine. With this neurological disease, pain is usually felt in the neck under the jaw on one side. It intensifies when exposed to irritants - bright light, sudden changes in lighting, loud sounds, strong odors. Other characteristic symptoms include thirst, nausea, spots in the eyes, and speech disorders. The duration of attacks is from 3 hours to 4 days.
3. Angina. The disease is accompanied by pain under the jaw and in the throat. It intensifies when swallowing. Often the patient even refuses food. Painful sensations can also be felt in the ear.
4. TMJ dysfunction. With pathology, pain appears in the lower jaw, in front of the ear, in the forehead and cheeks. Characteristic “clicking” sounds may occur. Sometimes there may even be a “jamming” of the jaw. The pain is characterized as prolonged, dull, muffled, becoming more acute when opening the mouth wide or chewing.
5. Neuralgia of the ear node. The pain manifests itself in attacks that can last up to an hour. It radiates to the lower jaw and temple. Strengthens when pressed. The person may feel a "clicking" sensation in the ear.
6. Benign tumors. In the initial stages of the disease, the patient does not notice any symptoms. Sharp pain with osteoid osteoma is felt already in advanced disease. Osteoblastoclastoma is accompanied by aching pain in the jaw. The temperature may also rise, and a pale pink growth appears on the gums. Late forms of adamantioma are characterized by sharp pain in the jaw, the intensity of which increases with chewing.
7. Malignant tumors. At first, the pain is practically not felt, but after a while it will be impossible to live normally without analgesics. So, with osteogenic sarcoma, which develops in bone tissue, the pain is very strong. The attacks are prolonged.

Sharp and severe pain in the chin in some cases is the first sign of myocardial infarction and angina. The localization of unpleasant symptoms in this case is often on the left.

Prevention

The main preventive measure to prevent the manifestation of severe pain in the jaw is a timely visit to the doctor. If any minor deviations occur, you should immediately consult a specialist. Early identification of the cause of a pathology that begins to develop is the first step towards solving the problem.

The patient should already be alerted by the appearance of unpleasant sensations and discomfort in the form of:

1. deterioration of jaw mobility;
2. crunching while yawning or chewing food;
3. pain when opening the mouth;
4. noise or pain in the ears;
5. frequent headaches;
6. grinding or creaking of the jaw;
7. painful sensations in the neck and back.

Such symptoms are a reason to undergo diagnostic measures and, after diagnosis, receive the necessary treatment.

Diagnosis of diseases

Even if the pain is mild at first, over time it can develop into exhaustion. Therefore, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. He will conduct an examination, collect anamnesis, prescribe x-rays and tests. For heart problems, an ECG is additionally performed. If a tumor is suspected, the examination will be more serious, since it is necessary to determine what kind of tumor (benign or malignant), the stage of the lesion, and the presence of metastases.

Taking painkillers can “blur” the clinical picture, so you should not use them without a doctor’s prescription, especially before diagnosis. Only with a correct diagnosis will the doctor be able to determine what to do to eliminate the pathology.

Basic methods of treating pathologies

Analgesics will only hide the symptoms for a while, but will not solve the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the disease that causes pain. Let's give some examples.

Jaw injuries

If you are bruised, you should immediately apply a cold compress and bandage to the sore spot. You should definitely see a doctor to rule out other serious pathologies, such as a dislocation or fracture. During treatment, it is important to ensure complete rest for the jaw.

If the cause of pain is a dislocation, the jaw is set into the correct position and fixed with a bandage, which helps ensure its immobility. In case of a fracture, the traumatologist performs splinting or intermaxillary fixation. If it is open, the technique of osteosynthesis with titanium plates is used.

Treatment of osteomyelitis

The tooth involved in the painful process will have to be removed. When performing manipulations, the doctor in most cases opens a purulent focus in the bone and adjacent tissues. Incisions can be made either intraorally or extraorally. All actions are carried out under local anesthesia. After surgery, it is important to carefully clean the wounds. The doctor prescribes antibiotics, vitamins, painkillers and other necessary medications.

With bone necrosis, the doctor determines how to treat osteomyelitis based on the stage of the inflammatory process.

Treatment of TMJ dysfunction

Pathology therapy involves an integrated approach:

• the use of orthodontic techniques that involve correcting the bite;
• operation;
• “remaking” teeth or prosthetics;
• physiotherapy and acupuncture.

Treatment of sore throat

The doctor determines the treatment method depending on the degree of the disease. More often, the patient is treated at home under the supervision of a specialist. The doctor prescribes antipyretic and antiviral drugs, as well as remedies for sore throat.

Using any folk remedies without traditional treatment is a big health risk. They can only be used in some cases as an auxiliary therapy, after consulting with your doctor.

Each case is individual, and the treatment method for one patient may not help another. Therefore, in any case, it is worth contacting a specialist - a dentist or therapist, for example, and if necessary, he will refer you to another doctor.