The Masseter Muscle: Understanding Jaw Pain and How Myotherapy Can Help
The Masseter Muscle: Understanding Jaw Pain and How Myotherapy Can Help
Author: Jerry Song
The masseter muscle is one of the strongest and most used muscles in the human body. Essential for chewing and jaw movement, it often becomes a source of pain and tension, particularly in people with high-stress lifestyles or specific habits. Understanding the masseter’s role, common issues, and how to address them can provide relief for those experiencing jaw discomfort or related symptoms.
Anatomy and Function of the Masseter Muscle
The masseter is a thick, rectangular muscle located on each side of the face. It spans from the zygomatic arch (cheekbone) to the lower jaw (mandible).
Primary Functions:
- Jaw Elevation: The masseter is responsible for closing the jaw, a key action in chewing (mastication).
- Stabilising the Jaw: It provides strength and stability during biting and grinding.
- Facial Expression: Along with other muscles, it contributes to expressions related to jaw movement, such as clenching or smiling.
Given its role in mastication and jaw stabilisation, the masseter is highly active throughout the day, making it prone to overuse and tension.
Common Trigger Points in the Masseter Muscle
Trigger points in the masseter can lead to both local and referred pain. These hyper-irritable spots often go unnoticed until they start causing discomfort in the jaw, face, or even other areas.
Typical Trigger Point Locations:
- Along the belly of the muscle, near its attachments at the zygomatic arch and mandible.
Referred Pain Patterns:
- Pain radiates to the jaw, cheek, and teeth.
- Referred pain to the ear, mimicking earaches or tinnitus.
- Discomfort in the temples, contributing to tension-type headaches.
Trigger points in the masseter can also result in jaw stiffness, difficulty chewing, and even sensations of fullness or pain in the ears.
Who Is Most Susceptible to Masseter Trigger Points?
Several factors and demographics increase the likelihood of masseter-related issues:
- Individuals with Stress and Anxiety
- Stress often leads to unconscious jaw clenching or teeth grinding (bruxism), overloading the masseter muscle.
- People with Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
- Dysfunction of the TMJ frequently involves the masseter, leading to pain and tension in the muscle.
- Desk Workers and Students
- Prolonged focus during tasks can result in unconscious clenching of the jaw.
- Athletes and Weightlifters
- Intense physical exertion, particularly during heavy lifting, often involves involuntary jaw clenching.
- Individuals with Dental Issues
- Misaligned bites, missing teeth, or ill-fitting dental work can place extra strain on the masseter.
- Chronic Chewers
- Those who frequently chew gum or tough foods may overuse the muscle, leading to tension and trigger points.
Myotherapy Treatments for the Masseter Muscle
Myotherapy offers a variety of effective techniques to address masseter-related pain and dysfunction. Key treatments include:
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Direct pressure is applied to deactivate trigger points and relieve referred pain.
- Dry Needling
- Thin needles are inserted into the masseter to release tension, improve circulation, and reduce trigger points.
- Myofascial Release
- Gentle techniques target the fascia surrounding the masseter, improving mobility and reducing tightness.
- Intraoral Massage
- Performed with gloves, this technique allows direct access to the inside of the mouth to address deep-seated tension in the masseter.
- Stretching and Mobilisation
- Guided exercises and stretches help restore normal function and length to the muscle.
- Example: Gentle jaw-opening stretches or lateral jaw movements.
- Postural Assessment and Correction
- Poor posture, especially forward head posture, can exacerbate tension in the masseter. Addressing these issues helps reduce strain on the muscle.
- Heat Therapy
- Heat application can help relax the masseter, improve blood flow, and reduce stiffness.
- Lifestyle Advice
- Educating clients on stress management, reducing gum chewing, and avoiding clenching habits is crucial for long-term relief.
Tips for Preventing Masseter Tension
To minimise tension and discomfort in the masseter, consider adopting the following habits:
- Practice Jaw Awareness: Check periodically for clenching or tension in the jaw, especially during stress or focus.
- Use Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing or mindfulness exercises can help reduce stress-induced clenching.
- Limit Gum Chewing: Avoid excessive chewing that can overwork the muscle.
- Maintain Good Posture: Keep your head and neck aligned to reduce strain on the jaw.
- Seek Regular Myotherapy: Preventive care can help identify and address tension before it leads to pain.
The masseter muscle is essential for chewing, jaw movement, and facial stability, but it’s also highly susceptible to overuse and tension. Trigger points in the masseter can cause jaw pain, headaches, and referred discomfort, making it a common issue for people across various demographics. While we’ve focused on them in this article, it’s important to note that in most cases, pain arises from multiple contributing factors, including other muscles, joints, and overall movement patterns. For this reason, it’s always best to seek a proper assessment from an experienced therapist to identify the root cause of the issue and develop an effective treatment and self-care plan.
If you or someone you know are dealing with a masseter condition, musculoskeletal pain, or even myofascial trigger points, book an appointment to see Jerry now for an initial consultation so we can assess your condition and come up with an appropriate and tailored treatment plan to manage your pain. Simply click this booking link for the myotherapy initial consultation with our experienced myotherapists.
