Dr Maggie Ju
Acupuncture London

Understanding Cheek Bone Pain

Cheek bone pain, also known as malar pain, can be a discomforting and often distressing experience. The cheekbones, also called malar bones, are a prominent facial feature, and any pain in this area can have various causes.

Causes of Cheek Bone Pain:

Sinusitis: One of the most common causes of cheek bone pain is sinusitis. When the sinuses become inflamed and congested, the pressure can result in pain and discomfort in the cheekbones. Sinusitis often accompanies symptoms such as nasal congestion, headache, and facial tenderness.

Dental Issues: Tooth infections or dental problems can radiate pain to the cheekbones. Conditions like abscessed teeth, gum infections, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may contribute to cheek bone pain.

Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or direct blows to the face can lead to cheek bone pain. Fractures or bruising of the malar bones may occur, causing localized pain and swelling.

Trigeminal Neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, causing sharp, shooting pain in the face, including the cheekbones. This condition can be triggered by activities such as chewing or touching the face.

Infections: Infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, can lead to cheek bone pain. These infections may affect the sinuses, oral cavity, or even the facial skin.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of cheek bone pain can vary based on the underlying cause. However, common signs include:

Dull or sharp pain in one or both cheekbones

Swelling or tenderness in the affected area

Headache, especially in the forehead or temple region

Nasal congestion or discharge

Tooth pain or sensitivity

Difficulty opening the mouth (in cases of TMJ disorders)

Acupuncture can help to reduce cheek pain.