Unpleasant sensations in the lower part of the face cause a lot of inconvenience and give rise to various bad thoughts. And it is not surprising, because chewing muscles important for life are located on the chin. And the blood supply is provided by a very large vessel, better known as the carotid artery.
There are many reasons why the chin hurts. This is due to its anatomical features and functionality.
The nature of pain
Physical suffering in the lower part of the face can vary in time, duration and intensity. The pain is weak or unbearable - not allowing to speak, consume food and water. Also, discomfort can occur periodically or disturb continuously.
How strong the pain is, and what its nature is, does not indicate the degree of pathology. Even mild pain when pressed can indicate a serious illness. And unbearable prolonged suffering, affecting, in addition to the chin, also part of the face, may be a harbinger of a neurology that is easily amenable to therapy.
What influenceson the appearance of pain
The face is the only part of the body that is always open. The skin in this place is more than anywhere else exposed to bad environmental influences. Therefore, if a pimple on the chin hurts, no one immediately runs to the doctor.
But often unpleasant sensations are associated with the formation of various pathologies. Even acne that is often found in adolescence can be the result of blockage of the sebaceous gland or purulent-necrotic inflammation of the follicle. Boils and carbuncles are caused by dangerous bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. With suspicion of such inflammation, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Rashes and neoplasms of various etiologies
If the chin hurts and the skin on it is inflamed, then most likely this is due to an infection in the body. The pathological process is usually accompanied by the presence of rashes:
- Pustule - a rash with purulent exudate in the epidermis.
- Abscess - inflammation of skin tissues, muscles and even organs with serous depressions.
- Phlegmon is an acute purulent inflammation of accumulations of loose fibrous connective and adipose tissue.
- Carbuncles are a pathological process around the sebaceous glands and the follicle, which tends to disseminate.
In the initial stages of inflammation, only when pressed, the chin hurts. You can feel a hard "ball" with your fingers, which then grows rapidly.
Severe pain can occur due to neoplasms, likebenign and life-threatening:
- Adamantinoma or ameloblastoma is a benign tumor on the epidermis, in which a structure similar to an enamel organ develops. Initially, the disease is asymptomatic. Subsequently, swelling occurs with further involution of the jaw tissue and destruction of the face.
- Osteoid osteoma is a slowly developing pathological formation of bone tissue. The only treatment is surgery.
- Osteoblastoclastoma is a mesenchymal, bone-derived tumor.
Malignant tumors are life-threatening and require immediate treatment.
Causes of discomfort in the lower part of the face
If your chin or under it hurts, you need to find the source that gives rise to these sensations. It can only be cured by eliminating the cause, not the symptoms.
1. Inflammation of the lymph nodes.
This organ is a biological filter and serves as a barrier to various infections. The inflamed node can be felt on its own. The organ increases in size with infectious colds, so not only the chin hurts, but also the throat from the inside, especially when swallowing.
The source of inflammation is easily detected. Usually, a small bump hurts under the chin. Inflammation differs from other formations in that it is mobile.
2. Thyroid disease.
The organ is located under the larynx. All pain associated with pathological processesglands radiating to the chin:
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is characterized by severe pain and an increase in the chin area.
- Riedel's goiter (fibrous thyroiditis). The physical suffering is especially intense when moving the head and swallowing.
- Thyroid cancer is an oncology, a serious and serious disease requiring special attention.
- Trigeminal neuralgia. In pathology, innervation is disturbed and it hurts under the chin with or without pressure in the area of the trigeminal nerve. Treatment is carried out with medicines and physiotherapy.
Pain not related to pathology
Discomfort is not always associated with a violation of the functionality of organs. Wearing orthodontic structures (prostheses, braces) can cause inconvenience. Devices deform the gums and change the bite.
Injuries and bruises are one of the common causes of pain in the lower facial area. Unpleasant sensations occur after some time, and their intensity depends on the severity of the damage. A severe injury can result in a broken jaw. How dangerous is the violation of integrity, the doctor determines after examination and analysis of x-rays.
Diagnosis and treatment specifics
One of the symptoms of a serious pathology may be that the chin hurts. Taking antispasmodics and analgesics will eliminate physical suffering, but will not get rid of the cause. Therefore, with discomfort in the lower part of the face, it is better to consult a doctor. Based on the results of the examination and diagnosis, a course will be assigned.therapy. Research to identify the cause of pain:
- x-ray of skull bones;
- MRI of the brain;
- ENMG is a comprehensive examination that determines the state of the nervous system located outside the boundaries of the brain and dorsal brain;
- Ultrasound of the head and neck;
- blood and urine tests.
The results may refute previously made assumptions and conclusions. Depending on the diagnosis, the following specialists will be needed:
- dermatologist;
- neurologist;
- endocrinologist;
- oncologist;
- surgeon.
Specific treatment is determined individually. Depends on the severity and form of pathology. Serious consequences will help to avoid a timely visit to a specialist and the fulfillment of absolutely all appointments.
