Facial Pain Is Not “Just Stress” — It’s a Signal
Whether it feels like tightness, burning, aching, or pressure, chronic facial pain often reflects deeper imbalances in the jaw, bite, airway, or nervous system. Dr. Mark Montgomery provides advanced, non-invasive therapies to help patients in Salem and the Willamette Valley relieve muscle-driven facial pain at its root.
SIGNS OF FUNCTIONAL FACIAL PAIN
Facial pain and tension can present in many forms — and often mimic other diagnoses like sinus issues, dental pain, or migraines.
Common symptoms include:
Aching or tightness in the cheeks, jaw, or temples
Pain or fatigue when talking, chewing, or clenching
A sense of fullness or pressure in the face
Tenderness at trigger points in facial muscles
Ear discomfort, ringing, or “clogged” feeling
Asymmetrical face or jaw tension
Radiating pain into the neck or shoulders
Many patients are told “everything looks fine,” yet still experience daily discomfort.
ROOT CAUSES WE INVESTIGATE
Facial pain is often multifactorial — and may stem from combinations of:
Jaw joint misalignment (TMJ dysfunction)
Chronic bruxism or clenching
Airway resistance or sleep-disordered breathing
Myofascial trigger points or muscle overuse
Postural or cervical instability
Residual trauma (TBI, whiplash, dental surgery)
Nervous system dysregulation (autonomic stress patterns)
Our goal is to uncover the contributors that conventional imaging or exams often miss.
TREATMENTS WE MAY RECOMMEND
After a detailed clinical exam, muscle palpation, and bite/airway evaluation, your treatment plan may include:
TruDenta® and/or neuromuscular therapy
Soft tissue release and trigger point therapy
Red light therapy for inflammation and healing
Custom orthotic therapy or bite deprogramming
Airway evaluation and support for sleep-related factors
Myofunctional support and tongue posture therapy
Laser therapy for localized pain reduction
Collaboration with PT, craniosacral, or bodywork providers
This approach is gentle, individualized, and focused on long-term resolution.
COMMON QUESTIONS
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Yes. TMJ and bite dysfunction can refer pain into the cheeks, eyes, neck, and head — even without direct joint pain.
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Our therapies aim to restore muscle function, balance, and oxygenation rather than temporarily suppress symptoms.
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Yes. We work with patients who’ve seen multiple providers and are looking for a collaborative, whole-body perspective.
Your Face Shouldn't Hurt to Smile
If muscle tension, facial fatigue, or pain is affecting your life, schedule a consultation to explore what’s really going on — and how we can help.