Head, Face & Jaw
Craniofacial Pain
Pain across the head and face with several possible sources.
Also called: Face pain, Head and face pain.
Facial pain can be dental, sinus-related, nerve-related, jaw-related, or referred from the neck. Sorting between these possibilities is the first job of any evaluation, since the same area of pain can come from very different structures.
Because the face is supplied by several overlapping nerve pathways, pain from one source can sometimes feel like it is coming from another area entirely.
Why this matters
Because several professions — dental, medical, and chiropractic — are involved depending on the source, clear communication about what is and is not being addressed by each provider matters.
The timeline, triggers, and exact location of facial pain all help narrow down which of these possible sources is most likely relevant.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Head, face, and upper neck sensory pathways converge at the level of the brainstem, which is part of why facial pain referral patterns can be confusing and why a broad evaluation is useful.
Assessing neck joint and muscle function is part of ruling in or out a neck-related contribution, alongside appropriate referral when the pain appears to be dental, sinus, or medically driven.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Headaches — Headaches have many drivers. Understanding which ones apply to you is the point of the evaluation.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Hand numbness and tingling associated with the median nerve at the wrist.
- Cervical Radiculopathy — Arm symptoms that follow a nerve root pattern from the neck.
- Cervicogenic Headache — Headache arising from structures in the neck.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.