Muscles
Masseter
Primary cause of jaw pain, ear pain and bruxism-related headache — the strongest muscle of mastication per gram.
Overview
Thick superficial muscle running from the zygomatic arch to the angle of the mandible. Elevates and protrudes the jaw. Trigger points are extremely common in bruxers and people with TMJ dysfunction.
Trigger point locations
Superficial layer points along the body of the muscle, plus deep layer points behind the zygomatic arch (often intraorally accessible).
Referred pain pattern
Superficial points refer to the upper and lower molars, eyebrow and TMJ. Deep points refer to deep ear pain and the side of the head.
Palpation & testing
Externally with pincer grip on the cheek and jaw angle. Intraorally with a gloved finger for deep fibers.
Common causes
Bruxism (day and night), clenching under stress, chewing gum, malocclusion, prolonged dental work.
Self-care & clinical treatment
Awareness of clenching, soft-diet phase during flare-ups, jaw relaxation drills, intraoral and extraoral self-massage. Clinically: needling (extra- and intraoral), occlusal splint referral when indicated.
Symptoms commonly linked
References
- • Travell & Simons, Vol. 1