Symptoms
Sinus-like pain (non-infectious)
Cheek, forehead and behind-the-eye pressure without infectious sinusitis often reflects masseter and SCM referral.
Overview
Cheek, forehead and behind-the-eye pressure without infectious sinusitis often reflects masseter and SCM referral. Identifying which muscle reproduces the patient's familiar pain on palpation guides treatment and often produces meaningful change alongside standard care.
Clinical notes
Rule out infectious sinusitis with ENT exam. Reproducible palpation supports myofascial origin.
Red flags — when to refer
Fever, purulent discharge, periorbital swelling — refer.
Muscles often involved
References
- • Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction