Cheekbone pain is often "referred pain" stemming from other underlying issues.
Instead of the cheekbone itself being injured, pain felt in that area frequently originates elsewhere in the face, head, or neck. One primary cause, as indicated by reference material, is related to jaw muscle activity.
Common Causes of Cheekbone Pain
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TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) Disorder: The reference mentions that excessive teeth grinding (bruxism) or teeth clenching overworks the jaw muscles. This overworking radiates pain to areas including the neck, cheekbones, temples, and the TMJ itself. This is known as TMJ disorder.
- Example: Someone who clenches their jaw at night due to stress might wake up with sore cheekbones and a headache.
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Sinus Infections: Although not explicitly mentioned in the reference, sinus infections can cause pressure and pain that feels like it's in the cheekbone area, due to the location of the maxillary sinuses.
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Dental Issues: Problems with teeth, especially upper molars, can sometimes refer pain to the cheekbone region.
Therefore, to determine the exact cause of cheekbone pain, it's important to consider potential sources of referred pain, especially TMJ disorders related to teeth grinding or clenching.
