The masseter muscle is a powerful muscle located on the side of the face, stretching from the cheekbone (zygomatic arch) down to the lower jawbone (mandible). It is one of the primary muscles of mastication, or chewing, and its main function is the elevation of the mandible, which is the action of closing the jaw. When this muscle becomes strained or inflamed, it results in masseter pain, often felt as a deep ache in the cheek or jaw area. This discomfort can significantly impact daily activities such as eating, speaking, and yawning.
Common Sources of Masseter Discomfort
One frequent cause of masseter discomfort is bruxism, the involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth. This habit can occur unconsciously during the day (awake bruxism) or while sleeping (sleep bruxism). The intense, repetitive force generated by clenching overworks the masseter muscle, leading to muscle fatigue, soreness, and sometimes muscle enlargement (hypertrophy) over time.
Emotional stress also translates directly into physical tension in the jaw muscles. When a person experiences anxiety or stress, the body’s natural response can be to subconsciously tense the masseter, leading to sustained muscle contraction. This sustained tension can create painful, tight spots called myofascial trigger points within the muscle fibers. The constant strain can lead to a painful feedback loop, where the muscle pain itself increases overall stress.
Postural habits also contribute to masseter strain through referred tension. Maintaining a forward head posture, such as when looking down at a phone or computer for extended periods, forces the neck and upper back muscles to work harder. This strain can then radiate upward, increasing the load on the muscles that stabilize the jaw, including the masseter. These poor postures disrupt the natural alignment of the head and neck, influencing the entire musculature of the jaw.
Masseter pain is frequently a symptom of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). The masseter muscle is closely involved with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. Problems within the joint, such as disc displacement or inflammation, can cause the surrounding muscles, like the masseter, to spasm or become tender as they attempt to stabilize the joint. It is important to distinguish between pain originating from the muscle itself and pain originating from the joint.
Immediate Strategies for Pain Relief
Applying thermal therapy is an effective first step for immediate masseter pain relief. For a dull, steady ache or muscle stiffness, moist heat is recommended to increase blood circulation and encourage muscle relaxation. A warm, moist towel or heat pack can be applied to the cheek area for 15 to 20 minutes to help ease tension in the tight muscle fibers.
Conversely, if the pain is sharp and accompanied by swelling or inflammation, cold therapy is more beneficial. Cold constricts the blood vessels, which helps to numb the area and reduce inflammation. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes provides temporary relief from acute pain. It is important never to apply ice directly to the skin to prevent injury.
Gentle self-massage can help release localized tension and trigger points within the masseter muscle. By locating the muscle—found by clenching the teeth and feeling the bulge on the cheek—you can use fingertips to apply moderate pressure in a circular motion. This technique, performed for about 30 seconds on each tender spot, can help to manually reduce muscle tightness and discomfort.
Modifying your diet can provide rest for an overworked masseter muscle. Temporarily switching to soft foods, such as soups, mashed potatoes, or yogurt, minimizes the amount of chewing required. Avoiding hard, crunchy, or excessively chewy foods, like tough meats or gum, prevents further mechanical strain on the jaw. Taking smaller bites of food also reduces the need to open the jaw widely, which can aggravate the painful muscle.
For short-term management of discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, work by reducing both pain and inflammation in the area. These medications should only be used as directed for temporary relief while implementing other self-care strategies.
When to Consult a Professional
If masseter pain persists for more than one to two weeks despite consistent use of at-home self-care methods, seek professional evaluation. Certain “red flag” symptoms also indicate the need for prompt medical or dental attention, such as a jaw that locks open or closed, significant difficulty opening the mouth fully, or pain that interferes with the ability to eat or drink. A health professional can determine if the pain is purely muscular or if it involves the temporomandibular joint or other structures.
Dentists or TMJ specialists may offer customized occlusal devices, often called night guards or splints, to manage bruxism. These devices fit over the teeth to prevent clenching and grinding, which reduces the mechanical load on the masseter muscle during sleep. Physical therapy can also be a component of treatment, involving specific exercises to improve jaw mobility and strength, along with professional massage techniques.
In cases of severe muscle spasm, a physician may prescribe muscle relaxants for a limited duration. For chronic pain unresponsive to conservative measures, targeted muscle-relaxing injections may be recommended. These advanced interventions are designed to provide relief by addressing the underlying muscular overactivity that contributes to the masseter pain.