pain--under my cheekbone--what could this be?

[ABQmom]

Starting in mid January, I had pain/pressure in my jaw joint. About a week after it started I got sick, and was told I had a sinus infection and that was probably the source of my facial pain. I took antibiotics that cleared up everything but the pain.

Six weeks later and still in pain, I had my sinuses X-rayed--my sinuses were declared clear.

I went to the dentist--no teeth problems, no TMJ.

About week 7, the pain moved to under my cheekbones. Some days are worse than others as far as the pain. I don't even know what doctor to go to next, but the pain under my cheekbones has persisted until now. Pain relievers do not help.

What in the world could this be? I've searched the internet and have come up with nothing. What doctor could diagnose this? I'm pretty discouraged with the pain today.

[Janet in Toronto]

Has anyone discussed migraine or trigeminal neuralgia with you? At this point, I'd try to find a pain specialist who can review all the possibilities.

I had what I though were tension headaches for years, with neck, head, back, and sinus pain. Turns out they are migraines and the triptan-type drugs are a godsend. I can't believe that I suffered for so many years and migraine was never discussed.

Good luck. I know how debilitating daily pain can be.

Janet

[Dee22]

I just went through a similar problem except it was a chronic sinus infection. But my allergist thought it might be a migraine. She said for some people she was never able to get rid of their "sinus" pain because it was actually migraines.

[ABQmom]

I thought Migraines were only headache pain. I usually don't have headaches, although since the pain started, I have had more frequent, mild headaches.

Or, are you saying that a pain specialist diagnosed this for you, as he could my pain as well?

I have seen trigeminal neuralgia on the net, but the pain description I've read doesn't seem to be the same. My pain is dull and more like pressure. Mmmm.... would a pain specialist diagnose TN?

[Janet in Toronto]

The only other thing I can think of is teeth grinding (bruxism). Any evidence of that? I didn't know I did it until a massage therapist pointed it out as I was falling asleep on her table and she was working on my head at the time. That may have been discussed when you had the TMJ disorder eval. That can certainly lead to facial and jaw pain.

But I encourage you to seek help from a pain specialist.

Peace.

Janet

[Scarlett]

Originally Posted by Janet in Toronto

The only other thing I can think of is teeth grinding (bruxism). Any evidence of that? I didn't know I did it until a massage therapist pointed it out as I was falling asleep on her table and she was working on my head at the time. That may have been discussed when you had the TMJ disorder eval. That can certainly lead to facial and jaw pain.

But I encourage you to seek help from a pain specialist.

Peace.

Janet

ITA. I'm curious how they ruled out TMJ. I have pain in my cheeks and I definitely have TMJ...but not from grinding..just tensed up muscles during the day I think. I've benefited from the chiropractor and masseuse and ginger.

[ABQmom]

I don't chew gum, I don't grind my teeth--I'm pretty sure that I don't, and my teeth show no signs of grinding.

My jaw does not pop or click--a classic sign of TMJ. The dentist put his fingers in my ears and had me open and close my mouth to check my jaw. The only symptom that I have that's in any way related to TMJ is the pain. I have a good bite as well.

[Txmom]

nt

[MomOfOneFunOne]

Well, try this . . . suck on a lemon wedge. When it makes you salivate, do you notice a bit of grit? If not, nevermind. If so, see if you have a blocked salivary gland. I'm reading "under the cheekbone" to be south, so to speak, of your cheekbone instead of behind it.

[ABQmom]

Originally Posted by MomOfOneFunOne

Well, try this . . . suck on a lemon wedge. When it makes you salivate, do you notice a bit of grit? If not, nevermind. If so, see if you have a blocked salivary gland. I'm reading "under the cheekbone" to be south, so to speak, of your cheekbone instead of behind it.

Now, that is a new idea. I'll try it.

TxMom says sinus infection, but I have no drainage. My doc really didn't think that was what I had. I wish that were the answer!