I suffer with facial pain which affects my teeth. It has been diagnosed as neuralgia with a migraine element. I also have chronic back pain. The drugs I have taken over the years now make me ill. Any suggestions?

It sounds as if you may have some tension in the muscles of the upper back or neck which can pull on their anchor points at the base of the skull, or alternatively you have a tense jaw. All are extremely common.

Yesterday, I was one of a group in a public speaking course and the trainer taught us a technique used by performers to contract and relax the facial muscles. Of course we all felt a bit silly doing this but hopefully you can find a private moment:

Really exaggerating the shape of the mouth as you make the following sounds, say Ay, Ee, Ooh, Aw, Aah. Then mimic chewing like a giraffe with the same circular motions in one direction and then the other. After a couple of minutes of these exercises, shake the jaw loosely from side to side, so long as none of this causes you any pain of course.

If the exercises aren't suitable, try taking some magnesium citrate after breakfast and evening meal.

Regarding upper back and neck exercises, if you follow this link you'll find a video blog on how to perform them.

If you work at a desk or drive for long periods, you may well find the tension in the face, jaw and skull is relieved by these:

I hope one of these approaches helps

Best wishes

Earle