The masseter muscle, located on the side of the jaw, plays a significant role in chewing and speaking. Within this muscle, small, sensitive areas known as trigger points can develop. These points are essentially tight knots within a muscle band that can cause discomfort or pain both locally and in other areas of the head and face. Understanding these specific points and their effects can help in addressing various forms of facial and jaw discomfort.
What Masseter Trigger Points Are
The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle situated on either side of the jaw, extending from the cheekbone (zygomatic arch) down to the lower jawbone (mandible). Its primary function is elevating the mandible, enabling mouth closure for chewing and biting. The masseter muscle is comprised of two distinct parts: a superficial layer and a deep layer, each with unique patterns of referred pain when trigger points are present.
Trigger points in the superficial layer of the masseter cause pain in the lower jaw, molar teeth, and gums. If these trigger points are located near the front and top of this superficial layer, the pain may radiate to the upper premolar and molar teeth. Pain originating from trigger points lower down in the muscle’s midbelly manifests in the lower molar teeth and the mandible itself.
Conversely, trigger points within the deep layer of the masseter refer pain to the ear and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) area. This type of referred pain can be mistaken for an ear infection or dental problem due to its location. A specific trigger point near the back attachment of this deep segment can lead to pain deep within the ear and cause tinnitus on the same side.
Why Masseter Trigger Points Develop
Masseter trigger points can arise from acute overload or chronic muscle stress. Acute overload might occur from actions such as biting down forcefully on a hard object or undergoing prolonged dental procedures that require the jaw to remain open for an extended period. Such demands strain muscle fibers, forming these spots.
Chronic muscle stress frequently contributes to masseter trigger points. Common habits like teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, or habitual jaw clenching place continuous tension on the masseter muscle. Excessive gum chewing or frequent nail-biting also contribute to ongoing muscle strain, preventing the muscle from relaxing fully.
Beyond direct jaw habits, other systemic and lifestyle factors perpetuate masseter trigger points. Poor posture, especially forward head posture, alters jaw alignment and muscle mechanics, increasing masseter stress. Emotional stress and tension lead to unconscious jaw clenching, aggravating the muscle. Nutritional deficiencies and disturbed sleep patterns also reduce the muscle’s ability to recover, making it more susceptible to trigger point formation.
Professional Interventions for Relief
Several professional interventions address masseter trigger points. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and myofascial release, are employed by therapists to directly address muscle tension and deactivate trigger points. These methods lengthen and relax muscle fibers, improving blood flow and reducing pain.
Dry needling is another effective treatment, involving the insertion of thin needles directly into the myofascial trigger points. This technique elicits a “local twitch response,” rapidly releasing muscle tension and alleviating referred pain. Similarly, acupuncture involves placing needles at specific points to restore muscle function and reduce pain. Studies show dry needling and acupuncture improve pain tolerance and reduce discomfort.
Medical interventions like trigger point injections are considered. These injections can involve local anesthetics, corticosteroids, or Botulinum Toxin A (Botox). Physical therapy or chiropractic care also provide benefit by focusing on jaw mechanics, posture correction, and prescribing targeted exercises. Consulting a healthcare professional specializing in myofascial pain is recommended for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.
Home Strategies and Prevention
Beyond professional care, several home strategies manage and prevent masseter trigger points. Gentle self-massage involves using fingertips to locate tender spots on the masseter muscle and applying sustained, moderate pressure for 30-60 seconds. Regular, gentle jaw stretching exercises, such as slowly opening the mouth as wide as comfortable without pain, also improve muscle flexibility and reduce tightness.
Heat or cold therapy provides temporary relief from masseter pain. A warm compress or moist heat applied to the jaw for 15-20 minutes relaxes the muscle; a cold pack reduces inflammation and numbs the area. These simple applications are useful during periods of acute discomfort.
Lifestyle modifications are important for prevention. Practicing stress management techniques, such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or meditation, reduces the unconscious jaw clenching associated with emotional tension. Adjusting dietary habits, like temporarily avoiding hard, chewy, or sticky foods, gives the masseter muscle a chance to rest and recover. Awareness and modification of habits like excessive gum chewing or nail-biting are beneficial, as these activities contribute to chronic muscle overuse.