Dominic Stone
The digastric is a tricky muscle that can create diagnostic confusion. It is a neck muscle that can cause a range of problems if it is tense or has trigger points, from earache to difficulties swallowing. The most common symptom is tooth pain. The digastric is located below the lower jaw and has two muscular bellies: the anterior and the posterior. Each belly has its own trigger point. To self-release the digastric, you can use your hand to locate the anterior trigger point, apply gentle pressure, and hold for about 15 seconds before releasing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Location | Below the lower jaw |
| Muscle Type | Consists of two muscle heads: an anterior and a posterior one |
| Muscle Function | Opening of the jaw and mouth |
| Symptoms of Tension | Earache, difficulties swallowing, toothaches, pain in the tongue, sensation of a lump in the throat |
| Self-Release Technique | Locate the anterior trigger point behind the angle of the jaw, place your thumb over it with fingers supporting the head, apply gentle pressure for 15 seconds |
| Warning | Many important vessels and nerves are present in the area, consult a qualified professional if unsure |
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What You'll Learn
Self-releasing the digastric muscle
To self-release the digastric, first locate the anterior trigger point, present just behind the angle of the jaw. Place your thumb over the trigger point, using your fingers to support the back of your head. Apply gentle pressure over the area while resting your elbow over it. It is important not to apply too much pressure as there are a lot of important vessels and nerves in this area. Hold for about 15 seconds and then release.
If you are unsure about the muscle's location or have any doubts, it is recommended to consult a qualified professional. It is advised not to work on this muscle unless under the guidance of a trained therapist.
Tensions and trigger points in the digastric can cause a range of problems, from earache to difficulties swallowing. Trigger points can also cause pain in other regions, such as the tongue and the lower middle four incisors. It is important to note that constant strain on the digastric can lead to trigger points and tensions, which can be caused by grinding your teeth or breathing through your mouth for extended periods.
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Locating the trigger point
The anterior belly arises from the lower jaw, about two finger widths away from the midline on either side. This is then inserted into the Hyoid Bone. The posterior fibres of the digastric arise from the back of the head. The tendons of both muscle heads join at the hyoid bone, to which they are attached via connective tissue.
The digastric muscle can be overloaded by constant strain, leading to the activation of trigger points. Any force that slams the head forward or backward or quickly bends or stretches the cervical spine can overload the muscle. This can happen when you grind your teeth, as the jaw moves forward and backward, or when you breathe through your mouth for extended periods, restricting the air supply through the nose.
To locate the trigger point of the digastric muscle, you can use your hand. The anterior trigger point is present just behind the angle of the jaw. Place your thumb over the trigger point, using your fingers to support the back of your head. Apply gentle pressure while resting your elbow over the area. Hold for about 15 seconds and then release. It is important to note that there are many important vessels and nerves in this area, so be careful not to apply too much pressure.
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Applying pressure
The digastric muscle is a neck muscle that can cause a range of problems if it is tense or has trigger points. These problems can include earache, difficulties swallowing, toothaches, and pain in the tongue, throat, jaw, and ear.
The digastric muscle has two bellies: the anterior and the posterior. Each belly has its own trigger point. The posterior belly of the digastric muscle arises from a bony region called the mastoid, which can be located by feeling for a bony protrusion just behind your earlobe. The trigger point for the posterior belly is present just behind the angle of the jaw.
To self-release the digastric muscle, locate the posterior trigger point just behind the angle of the jaw. Place your thumb over the trigger point, using your fingers to support the back of your head. Apply gentle pressure to the area while resting your elbow over it. Hold for about 15 seconds and then release. It is important to note that there are many important vessels and nerves in this area, so do not apply too much pressure. If you are unsure about the muscle's location or have any doubts, consult a qualified professional.
To stretch the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, tip your head back with your mandible protruded in a nearly closed position. The patient should actively do self-stretches in the supine position by protruding the jaw. The anterior belly can also be palpated by placing the thumbs on either side of the midline and requesting the patient to swallow; a prominence of the anterior belly can be felt under the thumb tips as the hyoid is drawn superiorly.
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Consulting a therapist
When you visit a therapist, they will begin by assessing your symptoms and the location of your pain. As the digastric muscle can be tricky to locate, your therapist may ask you to place your finger under your chin and try to open your mouth against gentle resistance. They may also instruct you to place another finger on the mastoid process, which is the large, round bony bump behind your earlobe. By feeling the contractions in these areas, your therapist can identify the presence of the anterior and posterior bellies of the digastric muscle.
Your therapist will then work to relieve any tension or trigger points in the digastric muscle. This can be done through various techniques such as massage, stretching, or other therapeutic modalities. They may also provide you with guidance on self-care exercises that you can perform at home to help manage your symptoms between therapy sessions.
In addition to manual therapy, your therapist may recommend pain-relief medications to address any discomfort you are experiencing. If your condition is related to teeth grinding or jaw clenching, they may also suggest oral splints or dental surgery to minimize the impact on the digastric muscle. It is important to follow their advice and recommendations to ensure the best outcome for your treatment.
By consulting a therapist, you can benefit from their expertise and knowledge in treating the digastric muscle. They will tailor the treatment plan to your specific needs and provide guidance on managing your symptoms effectively. Remember, it is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing pain or discomfort to ensure a proper diagnosis and receive appropriate care.
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Symptoms of a tense digastric muscle
The digastric muscle is a small but important muscle in the neck, with two bellies: the anterior and the posterior. It is a tricky muscle that creates diagnostic confusion. The most common symptom of a tense digastric muscle is tooth pain. The digastric muscle divides the anterior triangle of the neck into three smaller triangles: the submandibular triangle, the carotid triangle, and the submental triangle.
Trigger points in the digastric muscle can cause pain in various areas, including the upper part of the SCM and under the chin. The posterior belly may refer pain over the mastoid process and occasionally to the throat under the chin. The anterior belly refers to the lower central incisors and to the alveolar ridge below. Direct external palpation of the posterior digastric is difficult due to its depth.
To locate the digastric muscle, place your hand just behind the angle of the jaw. The anterior trigger point is present just behind the angle of the jaw. To self-release the digastric muscle, locate this trigger point and place your thumb over it, using your fingers to support the back of your head. Apply gentle pressure while resting your elbow over it. Hold for about 15 seconds and release.
It is important to note that there are many important vessels and nerves in this area, so it is recommended to consult a qualified professional if you are unsure about the muscle's location or if you have any doubts. Pain in the right side of the jaw is a common issue often accompanied by TMJ disorder, with symptoms such as jaw popping. This can be due to holding patterns like clenching the jaw due to anger, anxiety, or stress.
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Frequently asked questions
The digastric muscle is a muscle present below the lower jaw and has two muscular bellies: the anterior and the posterior. The muscle’s function is the opening of the jaw and thus also the opening of the mouth.
The most common symptom is tooth pain. Other symptoms include earache, difficulties when swallowing, and the sensation of having a lump in your throat.
There are several factors, including active overload, external force impact (whiplash), and satellite trigger points. For example, constant strain from teeth grinding or breathing through your mouth for extended periods can overload the muscle.
To self-release the digastric muscle, you will need only your hand. Locate the anterior trigger point, present just behind the angle of the jaw. Next, place your thumb over the trigger point, using your fingers to support the back of your head. Apply gentle pressure while resting your elbow over it. Hold for about 15 seconds and release.
Yes, there are important vessels and nerves in this area, so do not apply too much pressure. If you are unsure about the muscle's location or have any doubts, consult a qualified healthcare professional or therapist for guidance.
