Published on: 6/12/2025
What can cause my face to feel stiff?
Facial stiffness can be caused by muscle tension, nerve issues, infections, or other medical conditions. It’s important to monitor symptoms and seek care if it persists or worsens.
Explanation
A stiff feeling in the face often comes from tight muscles, but it can also be related to nerve problems or inflammation. Common causes include:
Muscle tension or stress: Stress, anxiety, or jaw clenching can cause facial muscles to feel tight or stiff. Bell’s palsy: This condition causes sudden weakness or stiffness on one side of the face due to nerve inflammation. Infections: Sinus infections or skin infections near the face may cause stiffness or swelling. Neurological conditions: Disorders like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or other nerve issues can cause facial stiffness along with other symptoms. Other causes: Arthritis affecting the jaw joint (TMJ), or even cold weather, can contribute to facial stiffness. If facial stiffness comes on suddenly, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms like weakness, difficulty moving your face, or pain, seek medical attention promptly. For ongoing stiffness, a healthcare provider can help diagnose and recommend treatment.
(References)
- Epstein JB, & Jones CK. (1993). Presenting signs and symptoms of nasopharyngeal .... Oral surgery, oral medicine, and oral pathology, 8419872.
- Detweiler MB, & Harpold GJ. (2002). Bupropion-induced acute dystonia. The Annals of pharmacotherapy, 11847943.
- Khawaja SN, Scrivani SJ, & Keith DA. (2018). Facial pain associated with cardiac origin. Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), 29478450.
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