Orofacial Pain Treatment at Driftwood Recovery: Comprehensive Relief for Head, Neck, Jaw, and Mouth Disorders

Orofacial pain is a general term describing pain and dysfunction in the oral cavity, mouth, head, neck region, and face. It includes a wide range of pain disorders—from temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and chronic orofacial pain to neuropathic pain, burning mouth syndrome, trigeminal neuralgia, and even atypical pains such as abnormal itching in the head and neck region. At Driftwood Recovery, we offer interdisciplinary patient care for individuals with chronic pain related to substance abuse, dental conditions, or other medical conditions.

Understanding Orofacial Pain and Its Impact

Orofacial pain requires a correct diagnosis and often a differential diagnosis, since many causes—including trauma, tooth decay, muscular incoordination, or systemic diseases—can produce similar symptoms. The pain experienced by each individual may be caused by:

• Toothache, pulp disease, or other dental pain
• Traumatic injury to the oral cavity
• Dysfunction of the temporomandibular muscle
• Headaches, migraine, or neurovascular pain disorders
• Peripheral nerve or nerve damage
• Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias
• Dysfunction in the somatosensory system
• Sleep disorders or primarily psychological factors
• Myofascial pain in the jaw or jaw movement disorders

A systematic review of orofacial conditions shows that atypical facial pain and neuropathic disorders are often underdiagnosed or misunderstood, especially in many patients with a history of substance use.

Evidence-Based Understanding and Pain Medicine

Our clinical approach is grounded in evidence-based understanding of underlying pathophysiology, offering a clear path from clinical presentation to proper diagnosis and treatment. We focus on:

• Managing pain related to dental conditions and musculoskeletal disorders
• Addressing damaged pain pathways caused by chronic substance use or injury
• Offering relief for acute pain and long-standing chronic conditions
• Understanding the link between dentistry, pain medicine, and long-term recovery

The Role of the Trigeminal Nerve

The trigeminal nerve, the largest cranial sensory nerve, is essential to the nervous system and is responsible for most orofacial pain. Damage to this nerve can lead to trigeminal neuralgia, facial pain, and jaw dysfunction. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, these conditions significantly affect quality of life in the general population, especially when left untreated.

Improving Access to Diagnosis and Treatment

Improving access to pain care means treating the whole person. At Driftwood Recovery, we recognize that chronic orofacial pain is rarely caused by a single issue. We provide:

• Physical therapy for musculoskeletal dysfunction
• Treatment for dental pain and toothache
• Help for jaw movement disorders, including the use of custom mouthguards
• Support for neuropathic pain and atypical facial pain
• Referrals to dentists, neurologists, or pain specialists when needed

We also help clients address other causes such as sleep disorders, stress, and medical conditions related to chronic pain in the head and neck region.

Holistic and Interdisciplinary Management

Our interdisciplinary patient care team offers individualized care plans that may include:

• Massage therapy and myofascial release
• Postural correction to address musculoskeletal tension
• Nutritional and behavioral support to reduce neurovascular pain
• Techniques for managing stress, which can trigger facial pain

Clients also learn lifestyle modifications that support long-term health in recovery, reducing the need for medications or invasive procedures. For some, medications or injections may still be necessary—each case is handled individually.

Addressing the Whole Person in Recovery

We understand that orofacial pain can be both a cause and consequence of substance use. Many clients avoid care due to fear of pain medications, especially opioids. However, non-opioid pain management and interdisciplinary treatment are not only effective—they’re empowering.

By treating orofacial pain within the broader context of addiction recovery, we help clients:

• Reduce or eliminate facial pain
• Restore proper function in the mouth, jaw, and neck
• Improve nutrition and sleep
• Heal from trauma and dysfunction caused by years of misuse

Begin Your Healing Journey

Whether you’re dealing with burning mouth syndrome, jaw dysfunction, temporomandibular disorders, or pain after traumatic injury, the team at Driftwood Recovery is here to help. We offer a compassionate, whole-person approach for those experiencing chronic orofacial pain and co-occurring conditions.

Orofacial pain treatment helps clients heal from the physical damage caused by substance abuse or co-occurring health issues. To learn more about pain management therapies at Driftwood Recovery, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.