I'm late to this thread ... but would advise anyone with jaw pain, pain on either side of face, to see an oral surgeon or at least a DMD with expertise in TMJ disorders. TMD is quite common after a head/facial injury and when that jaw is off, or the teeth are not at the right height (due to grinding etc) it makes for horrendous pain! A TENS unit is a God-send, but having the TMJs sit right is best. You don't have to live with this pain, there is help. (((hug)))

Interesting about a possible shorter life span. I know one thing that would do that, if it's so, is removing yourself from life. Severe chronic pain is almost always coupled with depression and lack of a quality life. Keep working at reducing your pain ... biofeedback, TENS, CBT ... whatever it takes.