Cheekbone pain is a condition that usually arises due to inflammation of the nerves in the facial region. The most common causes of this pain are sinusitis, gum infections, trauma, or jaw joint problems. Other factors that may lead to cheekbone pain include stress, teeth grinding, temporomandibular joint disorders, and rheumatic diseases. Symptoms often present as sharp pain felt in the cheek area or lower jaw.
What is the Cheekbone?
The cheekbone is an important bony structure located on the side of the face. This bone is connected to the eye socket, upper jaw, and temple bone. As one of the main structures that determine the external appearance of the face, the cheekbone is also associated with jaw muscles, sinus cavities, and facial nerves.
Aesthetically, the cheekbone enhances the prominence of facial features. Functionally, it plays a role in the balance and resilience of the face. Muscles and joints around this bone are actively involved in movements such as speaking, chewing, and facial expressions.
What Are the Causes of Cheekbone Pain?
Cheekbone pain can be caused by various factors. The most common causes include sinusitis, dental problems, trauma, infections, and temporomandibular joint issues.
Sinusitis
One of the most frequent causes of cheekbone pain is sinusitis. Sinus cavities called maxillary sinuses are located just beneath the cheekbones. The blockage of sinus channels can lead to mucus and inflammation accumulation inside, creating pressure on surrounding tissues. This can manifest as pain, a feeling of fullness, and throbbing around the cheekbone area.
The pain may intensify when bending forward or assuming a head-down position. Additionally, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, toothache, or a feeling of heaviness in the face may accompany sinusitis.
Dental Problems
Cheekbone pain can sometimes originate from the upper jaw teeth. Infections in the tooth roots, cavities, or gum inflammation may spread around the cheekbone through nerves.
Jaw Joint Problems
The jaw joint is located in an area close to the cheekbone on the side of the face. Causes such as teeth clenching, stress, excessive chewing, or cartilage damage in the jaw joint can lead to pain in this area. In such cases, the pain may increase when speaking, chewing, or opening the mouth.
Nerve-Related Pain
The trigeminal nerve is one of the nerves in the facial region that can cause pain around the cheekbone. In conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, the pain is sharp, sudden, and similar to an electric shock.
Trauma and Other Causes
Even minor cracks resulting from facial trauma, falls, or impacts can lead to sensitivity in the cheekbone. The healing process after aesthetic surgery, allergic reactions, exposure to cigarette smoke, or chronic sinus blockages may also increase pain in this area.
What Are the Symptoms of Cheekbone Pain?
Cheekbone pain can manifest in different ways depending on the underlying cause. The most common symptoms include:
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Feeling of pressure and fullness: In cases stemming from sinusitis, pain may increase when the head is leaned forward.
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Throbbing and aching pain: Can arise due to inflammation or nerve compression.
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Increased pain during chewing or speaking: May be associated with jaw joint problems.
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Nasal congestion and discharge: Commonly observed in pain linked to sinus infections.
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Toothache or sensitivity: Pain radiating from the upper jaw teeth may be felt in the cheekbone.
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Swelling and sensitivity in the face: May develop due to infection, trauma, or edema.
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Pain or pressure around the eyes: Can occur due to the proximity of the maxillary sinuses to the under-eye area.
How is Cheekbone Pain Treated?
The treatment of cheekbone pain is planned according to the source of the pain. Sinusitis, dental diseases, jaw joint disorders, and nerve-related causes require different approaches.
In pain due to sinusitis:
- Nasal washing with saline can be performed to reduce nasal congestion.
- Steam inhalation may help relieve pressure in the sinuses.
- Medication may be used upon specialist doctor's recommendation.
In dental-related pain:
- Dental cavities, abscesses, or gum infections should be treated by a dentist.
In jaw joint problems:
- Exercises to relax jaw muscles, hot compresses, or soft foods are recommended.
- If teeth clenching due to stress is present, a night guard may be used.
In nerve-related pain:
- A treatment plan can be made by a neurology specialist for nerve inflammation.
In post-trauma and post-surgical pain:
- Cold compress, rest, and use of pain relievers under specialist medical supervision are preferred.
- In cases of prolonged or increasing pain, imaging should be performed to check for fractures or infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sinusitis cause cheekbone pain?
Yes. Especially inflammation of the maxillary sinuses can cause the pressure accumulated in the sinuses to spread around the cheekbone. In this case, the pain is generally felt as pressure or fullness and may increase when the head is leaned forward.
What is the most common cause of cheekbone pain?
The most common causes of cheekbone pain are sinusitis, upper jaw dental problems, and jaw joint disorders. However, nerve-related pain, trauma, and post-surgical sensitivity can also cause pain in this area.
Does cheekbone pain resolve on its own?
Pain due to temporary sinus blockage or mild muscle tension may decrease in a short time. If the pain lasts more than a few days or recurs, an expert evaluation may be needed to identify the underlying cause.
Which doctor should be consulted for cheekbone pain?
Depending on the cause of the pain, different specialties might be required. For nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, and suspected sinusitis, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist; for dental-related pain, a Dentist; and for jaw movement pain, a Jaw Joint specialist are suitable branches.