The long-term side effects of abusing alcohol or drugs may lead to chronic pain of the face, mouth, and jaw. Rehabilitation programs address co-occurring chronic pain to improve quality of life. Driftwood Recovery offers orofacial pain treatment and other forms of pain management to individuals with substance use disorder (SUD).
What Is Orofacial Pain?
Orofacial pain causes discomfort in the oral and facial areas and may be caused by multiple factors. Studies have “linked negative oral health outcomes such as dental caries, enamel erosion, chronic periodontitis, and tooth loss to the use of alcohol, amphetamines, opioids, marijuana, and cocaine.” Co-occurring mental health disorders may also contribute to the development of unhealthy behaviors that cause orofacial pain.
Individuals diagnosed with SUD may experience chronic pain in the jaw, mouth, and face due to the following:
- Tooth decay or abscesses
- Gum disease
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Muscle tension in the jaw
- Headaches, cluster headaches, or migraines
- Sinus infections
- Nerve damage
- Lip pain or injury
- Burning mouth syndrome (BMS)
- Muscle spasms around the face or jaw
Long-term substance abuse increases the risk of preventable health issues, including orofacial pain. Clients in rehabilitation have access to evidence-based and holistic pain management services. Experts at Driftwood Recovery provide comprehensive support to help clients heal from the effects of substance abuse or underlying health issues. Clients may also receive referrals to speech therapists, physicians, dentists, or other experts who may provide additional treatment during rehabilitation or aftercare.
Common Causes of Orofacial Pain
Many factors contribute to orofacial health, including behavioral choices. For example, frequent teeth grinding in response to stress may cause chronic jaw pain and lead to a decline in dental health. Chronic substance abuse may contribute to the development of many preventable orofacial health issues.
Some of the most common causes of pain in the face, mouth, or jaw include:
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Malocclusion (bad bite)
- Dental procedures
- Injury
- Stress and anxiety
- Neurological conditions
Some people may have multiple underlying issues causing them pain. Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine if clients may benefit from individualized pain management services. Addressing one or more health issues causing orofacial discomfort may require multiple forms of treatment. Driftwood Recovery uses an integrative approach to personalized care, ensuring clients receive the support they need to improve their quality of life.
The Impact of Orofacial Pain on Daily Life
Orofacial discomfort affects people’s diet and ability to function. Treatment is often expensive and difficult to access, and stigma and misinformation may prevent people from seeking necessary treatment. Leaving orofacial pain unaddressed has the potential to cause long-term or permanent health issues. Driftwood Recovery provides effective pain relief and education to help clients and their loved ones combat stigmas and access essential resources. Pain management services help clients and their loved ones develop strategies for managing orofacial pain.
The Role of the Cranial Nerves
Cranial nerves, including the trigeminal nerve, affect many vital systems and body functions. According to the British Journal of General Practice, “[T]he trigeminal nerve [is] the largest sensory nerve in the body, represented by over 50% of the sensory cortex,” and “is also the ‘great protector’ of many vital structures, including the meninges, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth, underpinning survival and enjoyment of life.”
Individuals struggling with nerve pain benefit from evidence-based, holistic therapies focused on reducing inflammation and physical stress. Clients in rehabilitation may have years of health issues requiring simultaneous treatment to ensure ongoing sobriety. The care team at Driftwood Recovery understands the importance of helping clients achieve emotional and physical stability during the early stages of treatment. Pain management plays a critical role in ensuring clients regain control of their lives and ability to function day-to-day.
Orofacial Pain Treatment at Driftwood Recovery
The care team at Driftwood Recovery offers physical therapy for orofacial pain and other pain management services, including:
- Massage therapy
- Myofascial release
- Postural correction
- Jaw exercises
The care team encourages clients to use mouthguards and other tools to address underlying issues, like teeth grinding. Clients with more severe symptoms or health complications may receive referrals to outside resources and support. Treatment and aftercare plans address chronic pain and ensure clients continue to access pain management services after completing rehabilitation.
Other Treatment Options
Driftwood Recovery offers various treatment options for individuals with co-occurring health issues. The care team collaborates closely with clients and their families to create a detailed care plan that prepares clients for the future.
Physical therapy does not always provide enough pain relief on its own. Some individuals may need additional treatments, including:
- Medications
- Injections
- Lifestyle modifications
- Stress management techniques
- Dietary changes
Often, the unhealthy diets, behaviors, and routines people establish while experiencing chronic substance abuse affect how they care for themselves. Part of rehabilitation involves relearning how to practice self-care. Clients gain self-awareness and learn to give their bodies the nutrients, rest, and support they need to feel healthy.
Finding Relief and Improving Your Quality of Life
Some people may hesitate to get treatment for chronic pain due to the fear of becoming dependent on opioid painkillers or other substances. However, physical therapy and other alternative treatment options are available to provide lasting pain relief. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Many acute pain conditions often can be managed most effectively with nonopioid medications.”
Driftwood Recovery offers tailored pain management care to clients experiencing chronic discomfort. Orofacial pain can interfere with people’s ability to function and engage in rehabilitation. Pain management helps clients improve their quality of life by making it easier to eat, move, talk, and do other activities impacted by orofacial pain.
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.
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