While you may think it is just another day when experiencing headache, jaw or neck pain. But it is not. It is important to pay attention to that pain, especially if you suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). About 20% to 40% of the adult population suffers from TMD. However, there is an easy solution that can help minimize pain: massage.
Target trigger points with massage
Massaging trigger points can provide relief from TMD pain. Trigger points are tender or sore spots that when pressed, send a sensation elsewhere on the body. Some of those sensations include pain, tingling, twitching or itching.
The masseter muscle, which is located above and below the cheekbone, can have trigger points that are related to TMD. By massaging the masseter muscle, trigger points can relieve headaches, earaches and toothaches.
Some muscles in the neck can also relieve pain through massage. The suboccipital muscle group–under the back of the skull–and the sternocleidomastoid–the two thick bands of muscles on the front of the neck–may also hold TMJ trigger points that can provide relief through massage.
Additionally, the temporal muscles at the sides of your face–just in front of the ears by your temple–can hold trigger points. Think of where you naturally massage if you had a headache, that’s where to look.
Try to self-massage some of those areas to relieve your TMD pain. But if you need further input and guidance, contact Dr. Mayoor Patel. He can help provide some more guidance.
