Totally random questions.

[moominmuppet]

Earlier, I semi-rhetorically asked:

I've got the face-hurty tired today. Why on earth does being especially exhausted make my cheekbones hurt? What's up with that?

It reminded me of another random question. Why on earth does drinking alcohol (even very small amounts) make my collarbones hurt? What's up with that?


Do any of you experience either of these?

Comments

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

In both cases, it's such a weird, weird pain. The face thing is like someone just set bricks on top of my cheekbones, right at the front. It's very distinct from eye-strain pain, which I also sometimes get when I'm tired, but which really involves my eyes themselves. The collarbone thing is that when I take a sip of alcohol, I get these weird sort of shooting pains right along my collarbone.

Baffling. I halfway don't believe in either of 'em.

[ajollypyruvate]

The cheekbones thing sounds suspiciously close to a latent sinus infection that flares when you're tired. I have chronic pan sinusitis and often get that sensation when I'm not doing well.

The alcohol problem might be a cranial/facial nerve reaction (like chewing foil), since the pain occurs as soon as you drink. I don't think it would be metabolic in origin, since your body can't get to work on processing the poison until after it hits your stomach and bloodstream. But, I could be wrong.

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

I've wondered about sinus issues, but it seemed weird that it would only bother me when I'm tired. A bit more reading later, that seems less unlikely. Maybe I'll explore nasal irrigation and see whether that makes a difference (I've been meaning to for a while).

I totally agree that the alcohol thing doesn't seem like a metabolic issue at all. It's a very immediate reaction, usually when it's still in my throat. Your guess sounds as better than most I've heard, although I doubt I'll be getting a definitive answer anytime soon.

Still pondering!

[ajollypyruvate]

Have you had your teeth checked recently? Periodontal infections can affect sinuses and alcohol might also induce nerve pain in a tooth that's steadily going to the bad.

Re: Still pondering!

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

I'm reasonably certain I can eliminate dental possibilities -- both have been the case for me for more than a decade, and I've had regular dental care throughout that time.