Pain in the cheekbones can range from a dull ache to sharp pressure. This discomfort is often a symptom of an underlying issue. Understanding its potential origins can help in identifying the cause.
Sinus-Related Pain
The sinuses are air-filled cavities within the skull, with maxillary sinuses located behind the cheekbones. When these sinuses become inflamed or infected, sinusitis can cause pressure, leading to pain in the cheek area. Often, inflammation is triggered by colds, allergies, or bacterial infections.
Sinusitis often presents with other symptoms, such as nasal congestion, reduced smell, and pressure around the eyes and forehead. Post-nasal drip and headaches are common indicators. Pain may worsen when bending over or moving the head suddenly.
Dental and Jaw-Related Pain
Mouth or jaw problems can cause pain radiating to the cheekbones. Issues with upper molars, such as cavities, dental abscesses, or impacted wisdom teeth, can refer pain to the cheek due to shared nerve pathways. An abscess, a pocket of pus, can cause throbbing pain extending to the cheekbones.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders involve the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles. These disorders can lead to pain spreading to the cheek, often from muscle tension, stress, or bruxism. Symptoms like jaw stiffness, clicking or popping sounds when moving the jaw, and difficulty chewing may accompany TMJ-related cheekbone pain.
Other Potential Causes
Beyond sinus and dental issues, other conditions may cause cheekbone pain. Nerve conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia, can cause intense, electric shock-like pain in the face. This pain typically affects one side of the face and can be triggered by light touch, chewing, or talking.
Migraine headaches, though mainly head pain, can also cause facial pain, sometimes mistaken for sinus issues. This pain might be sharp, throbbing, or pressure-like, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Facial trauma, such as fractures or contusions, causes pain, bruising, and swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical evaluation if cheekbone pain is severe, worsening, or persistent. Consult a doctor if the pain is accompanied by a fever, significant swelling, or vision changes. Numbness, tingling, or pain that develops after an injury also warrant consulting a healthcare provider.
If the pain interferes with daily activities like eating, speaking, or sleeping, seek medical advice. This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical consultation. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
Temporary Relief Measures
For temporary relief from cheekbone pain, several at-home strategies can be helpful. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort. Applying warm compresses to the affected area may also reduce pain and inflammation.
If the pain is sinus-related, saline nasal rinses or steam inhalation can help clear nasal passages and relieve pressure. Resting the jaw and avoiding hard-to-chew foods can provide relief for dental or TMJ-related pain. These measures offer temporary comfort but do not address the root cause of the pain.