“I have random fits of sharp shooting pain on the side of my head near my ear and it is
Kim Le
November 15, 2022
“I have random fits of sharp shooting pain on the side of my head near my ear and it is sometimes sensitive to touch. Sometimes eating or talking can bring on the pain but it is unpredictable”
When experiencing Facial or head pain, we want to determine the source of pain as symptoms can be similar across different causes.
Sudden onset with repeat attacks is typical of several types of neuralgias e.g trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, greater Auricular and lesser occipital nerves.
The most common facial neuralgia is the Trigeminal neuralgia.
Common symptoms include:
- sudden short sharp pain on the side of the head or face
- sensitive to light touches
- can be triggered from talking, coughing or swallowing
Common referral pain areas for trigeminal neuralgia can be seen in the image below
Chiropractic or Physiotherapy management of facial pain is dependant on the source of the pain. Currently there are no studies that indicate chiropractic or physiotherapy is successful in treating facial neuralgias however the rationale for seeing a chiro or physio is the relationship between the relationship between the upper spinal nerves and the spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve.
If the source of pain is coming from the oral cavity and triggered by oral stimulus such as cold, hot, sweetness or pressure, then it would be appropriate to consult a dentist.
The typical medical management of facial neuralgia is with anti-seizure medication. Make sure to consult your general practitioner before taking any medication.
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Desk stretches and regular movement breaks can relieve and prevent work-related back pain. Essential movements include seated forward bends, figure-four stretches and spinal twists. Proper posture and ergonomic furniture can also help. Focus on flexibility, spinal mobility and posture can maintain better spinal health and enhance work performance. Persistent or severe back pain requires medical attention and physiotherapy.
Regular seated desk exercises can improve posture, reduce workplace discomfort and prevent musculoskeletal issues. They include shoulder rolls, chin tucks, arm raises, shoulder blade squeezes, and knee-to-chest movements. Poor posture at work can lead to the head drifting forward from its ideal alignment, causing pain and strain. Simple exercises, performed consistently can address this along with the enhancement of musculoskeletal health.