Tight forehead and ‘numbish’ face feelings

My guess would be it's anxiety but I'm not a Dr. and haven't really heard of this before. Or maybe you're getting a migraine. There are atypical ones. I'm sorry I don't really have an answer.

Thank you both for your replies 🤗🤗
I do work with children so it could be a migraine forming I’m not sure.
And mr Javari I do have sinus problems because the dr told me I have a post nasal drip so maybe that’s it lol I am also going through a rough patch of anxiety and panic attacks 😪 it is not fun! I’m also feeling really lonely and depressed as well which adds to it even more. I try to carry on best I can but sometimes it’s just too much for one person.
Hope you’re both having a lovely weekend xx

Hi, Tia,

The symptoms you describe are classic symptoms of tension in the facial muscles. I have been dealing with a severe TMJ (temporomandibular – jaw joint) disorder for all of my adult life (I'm 60). So I am very familiar with the muscles in the head/neck/jaw and how they feel when they are tight and tense.

Stress and anxiety cause us to tighten our muscles. The main chewing muscle, the masseter, is the muscle in your cheeks. It is the strongest muscle in the body by weight to enable you can chew food. It is likely that you are unconsciously clenching your teeth when you are anxious, which will tighten and stress the muscles and cause discomfort and even aching in your cheeks.

/www.kenhub.com/en/library/anatomy/masseter-muscle?sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjVxLy8-sbRAhXFLo8KHTTbAAcQ9QEIEDAA

There are five muscles in the head and neck that can refer pain/discomfort to the forehead:
Sternocleidomastoid (clavicular head),
Sternocleidomastoid (sternal head),
Semispinalis capitis,
Frontalis
Zygomaticus Major.

Here is a web page that discusses these muscles:
/www.massagetoday.com/mpacms/mt/article.php?id=14447

Here is a web page that shows some self-massage techniques for these muscles:
/www.muscle-joint-pain.com/pain/headaches/headache-forehead/

You might try consciously relaxing your jaw. Let your mouth gently drop open like you are saying "duh". Learn how it feels to have a relaxed jaw. Check in with yourself throughout the day and see if your jaw is relaxed or if you are clenching your teeth.

Moist heat on your face, neck and shoulders can also bring relief. A moist heat heating pad that is long and narrow is the easiest way to do this. Thermophore makes a good one (4 x 17 inches) that is available on Amazon.

You might consider massage. You need a good massage therapist who has training in medical type massage, not just spa massage, if possible. Also, you do NOT want somebody who thinks deep massage is the only way! Start gently. Work on your neck, shoulders, and back will be important. You'll only want a little work on your face/head in any one session, especially to start.

Learning ways to manage your anxiety will be the most helpful. Best wishes for feeling better soon.

Robin

Post Edited (ReadingTeacher) : 7/29/2018 1:46:33 PM (GMT-6)

Yes, facial tension can absolutely cause the eye and lip to twitch. It's happened for me many many times. It's annoying, isn't it?! But not serious or cause for concern. It will stop when the muscles relax and the nerves are no longer irritated.

Driving is a tough one. I had driving anxiety after an accident for a few years. It's also not good for our posture and the shoulders, neck and jaw. Be sure your seat and steering wheel are adjusted so you are as upright and comfortable as you can be. Use a small pillow behind you if you need it –– I do. It's super easy to clench your teeth when you are driving. If I'm having a jaw pain day, I will sometimes drive with my mouth slightly open in the "duh" position so I don't clench! Small adjustments and persistence in practicing relaxing your jaw can lead to more comfort

Robin