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The digastric muscle is a small but important muscle in the neck, which assists in the movement of the human jaw. It is one of six key muscles that help to open the mouth by lowering the mandible. The digastric muscle has two bellies: the anterior belly and the posterior belly. The anterior belly is the smaller of the two structures and is located on the lower border of the mandible. The posterior belly is longer than the anterior belly and arises from the mastoid notch on the inferior surface of the skull. The two bellies connect by an intermediate tendon, which attaches to the hyoid bone. While the digastric muscle is crucial for jaw movement and other functions, tightness or trigger points in this muscle can cause various issues, including pain, earaches, and difficulties with swallowing. This may lead individuals to wonder if a tight digastric muscle can cause numbness.
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What You'll Learn
Digastric muscle trigger points
The digastric muscle is a small but important muscle in the neck, with anterior and posterior bellies that attach to the hyoid bone and mandible. It is involved in functions such as swallowing, chewing, and speech.
Trigger points in the digastric muscle can cause referred pain to various areas, including the upper part of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, under the chin, and occasionally the occiput. Less frequently, trigger points in the anterior belly can cause pain in the lower incisors, and sometimes the tongue. Trigger points in the posterior belly can be palpated between the angle of the jaw and the mastoid process, while those in the anterior belly are palpated with the neck extended and the head tilted back.
The presence of trigger points in the digastric muscle can be associated with certain factors. For example, breathing through the mouth for extended periods can overload the muscle, leading to trigger point activation. Structural issues or congestion in the nose can restrict airflow, resulting in mouth breathing and subsequent strain on the digastric muscle. Additionally, any rapid movement that abruptly stretches the cervical spine, such as sudden head movements, can overload the muscle and activate trigger points.
Furthermore, the constant strain on the digastric muscle can contribute to the development of trigger points. For instance, when individuals clench their jaw due to emotions like anger, anxiety, or stress, it can lead to trigger points in the muscle. Teeth grinding can also cause friction between the teeth, further straining the muscle and activating trigger points.
To relieve tensions and trigger points, self-massage techniques can be employed. However, it is recommended to consult a qualified therapist to correctly locate the digastric muscle and its trigger points before attempting any self-treatment.
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Digastric muscle pain relief
The digastric muscle is a small muscle located in the neck, under the jaw. It is responsible for assisting in jaw movement and opening the mouth by lowering the mandible. The digastric muscle has two bellies, the anterior and posterior belly, which are connected by an intermediate tendon.
Pain or discomfort in the digastric muscle can be caused by various factors, including muscle tears, sprains, injuries due to overuse, myopathy, atrophy, infectious myositis, lacerations, contusions, or neuromuscular diseases. One of the most common symptoms of digastric muscle pain is toothache, which can lead to healthy teeth being wrongly extracted. The pain can also radiate to other areas of the body, such as the upper part of the SCM and under the chin.
- Self-release technique: Locate the anterior trigger point just behind the angle of the jaw. Place your thumb over the trigger point and use your fingers to support the back of your head. Apply gentle pressure to the area for about 15 seconds, being careful not to press too hard due to the presence of important vessels and nerves nearby.
- Thumb and tongue exercise: Jut your chin forward and tilt your head slightly upwards. Place the tips of both thumbs under your chin, one in front of the other. Then, press the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, gradually increasing the pressure while holding your thumbs firmly against the muscle.
- Stretching: For stretching the digastric muscle, the head can be tipped back with the mandible protruded in a nearly closed position to stretch the anterior belly. For the posterior belly, turn the head to the right to move the mastoid process away from the hyoid bone, and then extend the head and neck to increase tension on the posterior belly by pressing the hyoid bone down and to the left.
- Consult a therapist: If you are unsure about the location of the muscle or the correct techniques, it is recommended to consult a qualified therapist or healthcare professional for guidance.
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Digastric muscle anatomy
The digastric muscle is a small paired muscle located in the anterior compartment of the neck. It is part of the suprahyoid group of muscles, which also includes the mylohyoid, geniohyoid, and stylohyoid muscles. The digastric muscle has two bellies: the anterior belly and the posterior belly, which are united by an intermediate tendon.
The anterior belly of the digastric muscle originates from the digastric fossa of the lower border of the mandible, near the midline close to the mandibular symphysis. It is supplied by the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal (CN V) via the mylohyoid nerve. In some cases, it can also be innervated by the facial nerve. This belly separates the submental from the submandibular triangle of the neck.
The posterior belly, which is longer than the anterior belly, originates from the mastoid notch on the inferior surface of the skull, medial to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The mastoid notch is also known as the digastric groove or fossa, and the posterior belly is supplied by the digastric branch of the facial nerve.
The two bellies of the digastric muscle come together to form the intermediate tendon, which inserts into the body and greater cornu of the hyoid bone. This tendon can sometimes penetrate the stylohyoid muscle. The digastric muscle divides the anterior triangle of the neck into three smaller triangles: the submandibular triangle (or digastric triangle), the carotid triangle, and the submental triangle.
The digastric muscles coordinate with other head and neck muscles during functions such as swallowing, chewing, and speech. They assist in mandible movement and help to raise the tongue base and hyoid bone, while also depressing the mandible for jaw opening.
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Digastric muscle injuries
The digastric muscle is a small but important muscle in the neck, with anterior and posterior bellies that attach to the hyoid bone and mandible. It is one of six key muscles that assist in the movement of the human jaw. The digastric muscle helps to open the mouth by lowering the mandible. It also raises the tongue base and hyoid bone and assists in swallowing.
Neuromuscular injuries can impair the function of the digastric muscle, which may be identified through a physical examination. Digastric muscle injuries can cause trigger points, referring pain to the upper part of the SCM, under the chin, and sometimes into the occiput. Less frequently, trigger points in the anterior belly of the digastric refer pain to the lower incisors. Trigger points in the digastric muscle are palpated in the supine position. The posterior belly is palpated between the angle of the jaw and the mastoid process by applying pressure against the underlying neck structures. To passively stretch the posterior belly of the digastric, the patient leans their head back against the practitioner in a relaxed position with the teeth nearly approximated.
There are exercises to relieve tension in the digastric muscle. One such exercise involves jutting your chin forward and tilting your head slightly upwards, placing the tips of both thumbs under your chin, one in front of the other. Then, place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, gradually increasing the pressure of your tongue while holding your thumbs firmly against the muscle. Hold for ten seconds and repeat three times. Another exercise is the resisted digastric jaw protrusion exercise, which involves pushing the bottom of your jaw forward, using resistance from your hand. This is a strengthening exercise for the jaw muscles, including the digastric muscle.
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Digastric muscle exercises
The digastric muscle is a small muscle that sits under the jaw and connects to the chin and the bottom of the ear. It is responsible for opening the jaw and assisting with swallowing. It is one of six key muscles that assist in the movement of the human jaw.
Jaw Clenching
- Sit or stand with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Gently close your mouth and bite down, feeling the tension in your masseter muscles.
- Hold this clench for five seconds, ensuring you do not bite down too hard to avoid strain.
- Relax your jaw for five seconds.
- Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.
Jaw Release
This exercise helps relieve tension and improve flexibility in the jaw muscles.
- Sit or stand with your back straight.
- Jut your chin forward and tilt your head slightly upwards.
- Place the tips of both thumbs under your chin, one in front of the other.
- Place the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, gradually increasing the pressure of your tongue while holding your thumbs firmly against the muscle.
- Hold for ten seconds and repeat three times.
Resisted Digastric Jaw Protrusion
- Push your jaw forward, using resistance from your hand.
- Perform ten repetitions, three times per day.
Chin Lift
This exercise targets the muscles under the chin and along the jawline, helping to firm and tone the area.
- Sit or stand with your back straight and look straight ahead.
- Tilt your head back slightly so you are looking at the ceiling.
- Push your lips forward towards the ceiling.
- Hold this position for five seconds.
- Relax and repeat 10-15 times.
It is important to note that pain or discomfort in the digastric muscle may be related to muscle tears, sprains, or injuries due to overuse. Conditions such as myopathy, atrophy, infectious myositis, lacerations, contusions, or neuromuscular diseases can also affect the digastric muscle. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercises.
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Frequently asked questions
The digastric muscle is a small muscle in the neck with anterior and posterior bellies that attach to the hyoid bone and mandible, assisting in mandible movement.
Constant strain of the digastric muscle can lead to tightness. This can be caused by grinding your teeth, whiplash, or breathing through your mouth for extended periods.
There are various strategies to relieve tightness in the digastric muscle, including massage, dry needling, trigger point injections, and TMJ exercises.
A tight digastric muscle can cause pain or discomfort, sensitivity to pressure, and trigger points that transmit pain to other regions, such as the upper part of the SCM, under the chin, and the teeth.
