Why Do My Cheekbones Hurt? Understanding the reasons behind cheekbone discomfort, along with related facial pain, is critical. This comprehensive guide, brought to you by WHY.EDU.VN, explores various causes, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and other potential culprits, providing you with knowledge and practical solutions for pain relief. This resource also covers orofacial pain, facial muscle fatigue and jaw joint pain.
1. Deciphering Cheekbone Pain: An Introductory Guide
Cheekbone pain, a frequently encountered discomfort, can disrupt daily routines and detract from one’s overall well-being. Effective treatment necessitates identifying the root causes of this pain. Let’s delve into the common queries surrounding cheekbone pain to better understand this condition.
1.1 Can Pain in Other Areas Cause My Cheekbones to Hurt?
Often, cheekbone pain is a manifestation of referred pain, where the sensation of pain is felt in a location separate from the actual problem. Dr. Sachi Mehrotra, a board-certified Orofacial Pain Specialist, clarifies that “Referred pain occurs when the sensation of pain is experienced in an area of the body that is not the actual source of the problem.” Understanding this concept is crucial in accurately diagnosing the source of your discomfort.
1.2 Can Clenching Teeth Lead to Cheekbone Pain?
Yes, the act of clenching teeth can indeed trigger pain in your cheekbones. This is because the muscles responsible for clenching are connected to these bones. Conditions like muscle tension, stress, and teeth grinding can exacerbate temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) problems, leading to localized tension in the cheeks or jaw joints. These symptoms are often accompanied by headaches in the temple region, further indicating potential TMJ issues.
1.3 Can Over Chewing Cause Sore Cheekbones?
Engaging in excessive chewing or teeth grinding, often unconsciously during sleep, can lead to cheekbone pain. This overexertion of the muscles beneath the cheeks can result in persistent discomfort. Similar pain can arise from excessive gum chewing. TMJ-related pain tends to worsen with jaw movement and improves with relaxation, distinguishing it from other pain causes in the cheek and temple area.
1.4 When Should I See a Professional for Cheekbone Soreness?
If you suspect your cheekbone soreness is linked to your jaw, seeking a diagnosis from a trained professional is recommended. Dentists specializing in TMJ issues or orofacial pain specialists can identify specific TMD subtypes and guide appropriate treatment plans. Some doctors also have training in TMD issues. WHY.EDU.VN recommends you to seek medical help at the early stage of the condition.
1.5 How Does Stress Induce Cheekbone Pain?
Stress can induce tightening of facial and jaw muscles or teeth clenching. This sustained tension can result in pain or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). People who complain of frequent sore cheeks and temples in their facial regions after waking up should be evaluated for bruxism. This connection explains why cheekbone pain frequently coincides with chronic jaw pain or TMJ.
1.6 What If There Was No Direct Blow To My Cheekbones?
While direct trauma can cause cheekbone pain, it’s more often referred pain from other sources. Excessive teeth grinding (bruxism) or clenching overworks jaw muscles, leading to pain in the neck, cheekbones, temples, and joints, a condition known as TMJ disorder. Doctors often use a “differential diagnosis” to identify all potential causes, narrowing them down to the most accurate one.
2. Decoding Cheekbone Pain: The Differential Diagnosis
To accurately diagnose cheekbone pain, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Here are several potential causes to consider.
- Sinusitis: Infections in the maxillary sinus, located directly beneath the cheekbone, can be a significant source of pain. Accompanying symptoms typically include nasal congestion, headache, allergies, and pressure around the eyes.
- Dental Issues: Tooth infections, dental abscesses, or gum disease can all cause referred pain to the cheekbones. To identify these issues, perform a self-exam, checking for bleeding gums, dental caries, or sensitivity when tapping on your teeth.
- TMJ Disorders: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and its related structures are frequent culprits in cheekbone pain. Symptoms such as teeth grinding, facial tension, temple headaches, jaw clicking, pain during chewing, and tenderness in the chewing muscles may indicate a TMJ disorder.
- Neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia can trigger pain in the cheek area, often described as a sudden, electric shock-like sensation. This pain can be provoked by activities like eating, speaking, or even gentle facial touches.
- Facial Trauma: Injuries or trauma to the face, such as fractures or contusions, can result in cheekbone pain. However, even without a direct blow, previous facial trauma treated with plates might indicate a dental implant infection.
3. TMJ’s Role in Cheekbone Pain
Cheekbone pain is often associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs), which affect the jaw joint and its surrounding structures. TMDs can cause discomfort and pain in the cheek area due to the intricate interplay between the jaw joint, facial muscles, and surrounding tissues.
3.1 Common TMD Symptoms Checklist
- Jaw pain: Can be localized or radiate to surrounding areas.
- Jaw clicking or popping: Audible sounds when opening or closing the mouth.
- Limited jaw movement: Difficulty or discomfort in fully opening the mouth.
- Facial pain: Occurring in the jaw, temples, cheeks, or around the ears.
- Ear symptoms: Including earaches or feelings of fullness.
- Headaches: Ranging from mild tension headaches to severe migraines. Approximately 60% of chronic headache sufferers also experience TMDs [1].
- Neck and shoulder pain: Muscle tension, stiffness, or pain radiating to these areas.
- Facial muscle fatigue: Especially after prolonged chewing or talking.
3.2 Connecting the Dots: Cheekbone and Teeth Pain
If multiple symptoms align with your experience, your cheekbone pain is likely linked to an underlying TMD. Causes include jaw misalignment, muscle tension, arthritis, or jaw trauma. Involvement of the teeth may indicate referred pain or a separate dental issue.
4. Effective Strategies to Relieve TMJ Facial Pain When Cheeks Hurt
Here are common treatment options for TMD-related cheekbone pain.
- Pain Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Consult with your doctor before starting any new medication.
- Oral Appliances: Anterior bite plane splints alleviate strain on the jaw joint and relax overactive jaw muscles. By creating a smooth and even biting surface, these splints reduce excessive teeth clenching or grinding.
- Jaw Exercises: Targeted jaw and tongue exercises promote facial relaxation, providing effective intervention for TMD-related cheekbone pain.
- Stress Management Techniques: Relaxation exercises, deep breathing, meditation, or counseling can help reduce stress levels and minimize pain.
- Hot/Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected area can provide temporary relief. Warmth relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation, while cold reduces inflammation and numbs the area.
Facial expressions result from muscle contractions and blood flow changes in the cheeks, which consist of bony structures and muscles.
4.1 Bony Structures in Cheek Formation
- Zygomatic bone
- Maxilla bone
- Mandibular bone
4.2 Primary Cheek Muscles
| Muscle | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Masseter muscle | From cheekbone to jaw, originating from the zygomatic arch and inserting along the angle and lateral surface of the mandible | Contributes to the lateral fullness of the cheek, and its primary function is mastication. It works with other muscles to move and stabilize your jaw and temporomandibular joint. It is primarily responsible for the elevation of the mandible and some protraction of the mandible. |
| Buccinator muscle | Located deeper in the cheek | Its function is to hold food boluses in the mouth against the teeth during mastication. It holds the cheek to the teeth and assists with chewing. |
| Zygomaticus major muscle | Extends from each zygomatic arch (cheekbone) to the corners of the mouth | It is a muscle of facial expression which draws the angle of the mouth superiorly and posteriorly to allow one to smile. The average muscle can contract with a force of 200 g. |
| Risorius muscle | Located on either side of the lips | It retracts the angle of the mouth during smiling and is supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII). It has a greater percentage of slow muscle fibers and contains a more intricate configuration of innervation of extrafusal fibers than other skeletal muscles throughout the body. |
4.3 Additional Muscles in the Cheek Region
Additional muscles located in the cheek region are: Orbicularis oculi muscle (lower border) Levator labii superioris muscle. Levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscle. Levator anguli oris muscle. They function closely with facial nerves. The trigeminal nerve will give sensory innervation to the entire face, including the cheeks. The trigeminal nerve also delivers motor innervation to the masseter muscle. [3]
The National Institute of Health (NIH) states, “There are seven cranial pairs of somitomeres which invade the pharyngeal arches to form the myoblasts that give rise to the larynx, pharynx, and muscles of facial expression and mastication (including the masseter muscle).”
Evan Goldman, PhD, MEd’s June 11, 2022, Anatomy, Head and Neck, Masseter Muscle article also talks about Masseter muscle rigidity (MMR). It is also known as “jaws of steel”. It may occur with the use of succinylcholine and is defined as limb muscle flaccidity with jaw muscle tightness.
The TMJ sits right behind a major nerve in the face, which is at the center of a network of nerves that cross and connect throughout the face, head and neck. So when the TMJ is affected, pain can spread throughout the eyes, ears, mouth, forehead, cheeks, tongue, teeth and throat. Even the muscles of the neck and upper back can become involved.” – TMJ: The Small Joint That Can Cause Big Pain by Penn Medicine
4.4 Self-Care for TMD-Related Cheekbone Pain
The Speed2Treat Kit is a self-care kit that includes all the treatments mentioned above. It’s an excellent resource for effectively managing TMD symptoms and alleviating related cheek bone pain. People can administer self-care interventions that can be easily incorporated into their daily routine before having to see a specialist.
5. Key Takeaways for Those Suffering from Cheekbone Pain
- Recognize that cheekbone pain is often a form of referred pain, meaning that its source may not be directly located in the cheek area itself.
- Understanding the underlying cause of cheek bone pain is crucial for effective management and relief. By identifying the specific factors contributing to the pain, you can take effective steps toward finding appropriate treatment and achieving relief.
- If you suspect that the underlying cause is TMJ related, the Speed2Treat Kit is an excellent self-care resource you can use before going to see a medical professional.
6. The Power of Knowledge: How Understanding Your Face Aids Diagnosis
If you experience cheek pain, jaw muscle rigidity leading to an inability to open your mouth, jaw sprain and strain, and/or the ability to smile normally, seek help without delay.
6.1 How to Find a TMJ Provider
Find a TMJ provider today.
7. Understanding the Intricacies of Cheekbone Pain: A Comprehensive FAQ
Navigating the complexities of cheekbone pain can be challenging. Here’s a comprehensive FAQ to address common questions and concerns.
7.1 What is the primary cause of cheekbone pain?
Cheekbone pain can stem from various sources, including TMJ disorders, sinusitis, dental issues, neuralgia, and facial trauma. Determining the exact cause requires a thorough evaluation.
7.2 How can I differentiate between TMJ-related cheekbone pain and sinus pain?
TMJ pain often involves jaw discomfort, clicking, or popping, whereas sinus pain typically includes nasal congestion, headache, and pressure around the eyes.
7.3 Are there specific exercises to alleviate cheekbone pain from TMJ?
Yes, targeted jaw and tongue exercises can promote facial relaxation and reduce TMJ-related cheekbone pain. WHY.EDU.VN provides a range of exercises and guides.
7.4 Can stress worsen cheekbone pain?
Absolutely. Stress can lead to teeth clenching and muscle tension, exacerbating cheekbone pain, particularly in individuals with TMJ disorders.
7.5 What medications are commonly prescribed for cheekbone pain?
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are frequently prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.
7.6 Is surgery ever required for cheekbone pain?
Surgery is rarely necessary but may be considered in severe cases of TMJ disorders or facial trauma that don’t respond to conservative treatments.
7.7 What lifestyle changes can help manage cheekbone pain?
Adopting stress management techniques, maintaining good posture, avoiding teeth clenching, and practicing relaxation exercises can significantly improve symptoms.
7.8 Can dental problems cause cheekbone pain?
Yes, tooth infections, dental abscesses, and gum disease can all refer pain to the cheekbones. Regular dental check-ups are crucial.
7.9 What are the potential complications of untreated cheekbone pain?
Untreated cheekbone pain can lead to chronic pain, limited jaw movement, headaches, and reduced quality of life.
7.10 How can WHY.EDU.VN help me with my cheekbone pain?
WHY.EDU.VN provides expert-backed information, practical solutions, and access to a community of experts to help you understand and manage your cheekbone pain effectively.
8. Conclusion: Seeking Relief and Expert Guidance
If you’re experiencing persistent cheekbone pain, understanding the potential causes and available treatments is essential. Remember, cheekbone pain is often referred pain, indicating a need to assess underlying issues like TMJ disorders or dental problems. Self-care strategies, such as jaw exercises and stress management, can offer relief, but professional evaluation is critical for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
At WHY.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges of finding reliable and understandable information. That’s why we’re dedicated to providing expert-backed content to answer your questions and empower you to take control of your health. If you’re struggling to find the answers you need, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of experts is here to help. Visit WHY.EDU.VN at 101 Curiosity Lane, Answer Town, CA 90210, United States, or contact us via WhatsApp at +1 (213) 555-0101. Let why.edu.vn be your guide to a pain-free life.
Author bio
Ann McCulloch, MBA is co-founder and president of Orofacial Therapeutics, this site, and oversees the company’s expanding portfolio of resources and tools for jaw and headache pain diagnosis and treatment. Her chronic jaw pain issues continue to inspire her to investigate the needs and challenges of patients suffering from orofacial pain.
References
[1] Yakkaphan P, et al, Temporomandibular disorder and headache prevalence: A systematic review and meta-analysis, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25158163221097352, May 2022
[2] John D. Nguyen, et al,Anatomy, Head and Neck, Cheeks, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546659/, August 2022; Alex M. Germann, et al, Anatomy, Head and Neck, Risorius Muscle, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540999/, June 2022; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zygomaticus_major_muscle
[3] Prachi Jain, et al, Anatomy, Head and Neck, Orbicularis Oris Muscle, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539869/, August 2022
