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The masseter muscle is one of the most powerful muscles in the human body, responsible for closing the mouth and setting the teeth together for chewing. It connects the lower jaw to the cheekbone and is located behind the cheeks. The masseter muscle is one of four muscles of the masticatory apparatus, working alongside the temporalis, lateral pterygoid, and medial pterygoid muscles to elevate the mandible and close the jaw. This muscle can be located by placing your fingers in front of your ears and below the cheekbone, then gently clenching your jaw to feel the muscle contract.
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What You'll Learn
The masseter muscle's role in TMJ disorders
The masseter muscle is one of the most powerful muscles in the human body and is responsible for closing the mouth and setting the teeth together for chewing. It is located behind the cheeks and connects the lower jaw to the cheekbone. When the jaw joint is healthy, the masseter muscle aids in stabilising the area and assists with chewing. However, in the case of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, also known as TMD, the masseter muscle can play a central and detrimental role.
TMJ disorders affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, causing pain and discomfort that can interfere with daily activities such as chewing and speaking. When the temporomandibular joint is misaligned or overused, the masseter muscle can become tense and overworked, leading to trigger points, localised pain, and referred pain in other areas of the head and neck. This referred pain can manifest as headaches, earaches, or discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
The masseter muscle is closely associated with TMJ disorders, especially in individuals who clench or grind their teeth, a condition known as bruxism. Over time, this habitual clenching or grinding can cause the masseter muscle to enlarge, leading to muscle spasms, tightness, and pain. The tension in the masseter muscle can further contribute to jaw stiffness and restricted movement. It can also cause clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth, indicating joint dysfunction.
Understanding the role of the masseter muscle in TMJ disorders is crucial for determining effective treatments. Massage therapy, such as TMJ massage, can target the masseter muscle to alleviate tension, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. It helps loosen tight muscles, improves jaw alignment, and eases secondary symptoms like headaches and neck discomfort. While TMJ massage can provide temporary relief, persistent or worsening symptoms may require professional care and a comprehensive treatment plan.
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How to self-massage the masseter muscle
The masseter muscle is one of the most powerful muscles in the body, responsible for closing your mouth and chewing. It connects the lower jaw to the cheekbone. When the jaw joint is healthy, the masseter muscle efficiently stabilizes the area and assists with chewing. However, when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is misaligned or overused, the muscle can become tense and overworked, leading to pain and discomfort.
To self-massage the masseter muscle, follow these steps:
- Place your fingers about an inch in front of your ears, just below the cheekbone.
- Gently clench your teeth to feel the muscle contract. This is the area you will focus on during the massage.
- Using your fingers, knuckles, or thumbs, apply firm pressure to the muscle. Start near the cheekbone and work your way down towards the jawline.
- Move your fingers in small, circular motions along the length of the muscle. Alternatively, you can use steady pressure instead of circles, depending on what feels more effective.
- For a deeper massage, lie on your side with your hand under your cheek. Let the weight of your head apply natural pressure to your fingertips.
By regularly self-massaging the masseter muscle, you can help alleviate tension, reduce pain and discomfort, and promote better alignment of the jaw joint. This can be especially beneficial for those who experience teeth grinding, headaches, or jaw stiffness.
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The location of the masseter muscle
The masseter muscle is one of the most powerful muscles in the human body. It is thick, rectangular, and paired, with a deep and a superficial part. It is also one of the four muscles of the masticatory apparatus, responsible for the elevation of the mandible and a powerful jaw closure.
The masseter muscle is located deep to the posterior part of the inner aspect of the muscle, or posteromedially. It is found behind the cheeks, connecting the lower jaw to the cheekbone. It runs vertically from in front of the ear to the angle of the jaw.
To locate the masseter muscle, place your fingers about an inch in front of your ears, just below the cheekbone. Gently clench your teeth to feel the muscle contract. This is the masseter muscle.
The masseter muscle is innervated by the masseteric nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and is the largest of the cranial nerves. The masseter muscle receives its blood supply from the masseteric artery, a branch of the maxillary artery.
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The structure of the masseter muscle
The masseter muscle is a strong, thick, and rectangular-shaped muscle, divided into two portions: the deep portion and the superficial portion. It is one of the muscles of mastication, found only in mammals, and is particularly powerful in herbivores to facilitate the chewing of plant matter. The masseter muscle is the most obvious muscle of mastication as it is the most superficial and one of the strongest muscles in the body.
The deep portion of the masseter muscle contains more muscle tissue and attaches to the mandible or lower jaw. The superficial portion, on the other hand, is made up of thick connective tissue that attaches to the cheekbone. This portion arises from the maxillary process of the zygomatic bone and runs downward and forward to insert into the upper half of the ramus, as high as the coronoid process of the mandible. The masseter muscle is located behind the cheeks and is involved in the elevation and protrusion of the mandible, as well as providing support to the articular capsule of the temporomandibular joint.
The masseter muscle can be easily located by placing your fingers about an inch in front of your ears, just below the cheekbone. When you gently clench your teeth, you can feel the muscle contract. This is the area that is targeted during a masseter muscle massage. The massage involves applying firm kneading motions with your fingers or knuckles, starting near the cheekbone and working down towards the jawline.
The blood supply for the masseter muscle comes from the masseteric artery, which is a branch of the maxillary artery on the face. The masseter muscle is innervated by the anterior division of the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve.
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Conditions affecting the masseter muscle
The masseter muscle is a powerful, complex muscle in the jaw region that is responsible for the elevation of the mandible and closing of the jaw. It is one of the muscles of mastication and is often implicated in various conditions involving the face and jaw.
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD)
The most common condition affecting the masseter muscle is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). TMD encompasses several disorders with overlapping symptoms, including pain in the jaw or with chewing. TMD is often self-limiting and can be treated with interventions such as breaking habits like jaw clenching and adopting softer foods.
Masseter Muscle Hypertrophy
Masseter muscle hypertrophy is a rare condition where the masseter muscle enlarges on one or both sides of the face. It is typically asymptomatic but can be associated with pain, clenching/grinding, and functional disorders of the jaw. It may also cause psychological distress due to the exaggerated appearance of the muscle, resulting in a square-angled or bottom-heavy face. Treatment options include conservative/non-surgical therapies, surgical procedures, and botulinum toxin injections.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia affects the nerves supplying the face, including the masseter muscle. It causes intense, debilitating pain attacks that may be triggered by contact or vibration on the cheek. Treatment includes medications, surgical interventions, and alternative therapies.
Masseter Tension
Singers often experience masseter tension, which can be treated with transdermal massages or stretches as a vocal warm-up.
Masseter Muscle Weakness
Masseter muscle weakness can occur as a side effect of certain procedures, such as the PBC procedure, affecting motor nerve function and causing temporary weakness in the muscle.
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Frequently asked questions
The masseter muscle is located right along your cheeks on both sides of your jaw, running vertically from in front of your ear to the angle of your jaw.
Place your fingers about an inch in front of your ears, just below the cheekbone. Gently clench your teeth to feel the muscle contract.
The masseter muscle is one of the most powerful muscles in the body. It connects the lower jaw to the cheekbone and is responsible for closing your mouth and chewing.
