Masseter Stretch For Headaches

Masseter Stretch For Headaches

Last post showed you an easy technique to manage headaches felt in the base of your skull, using two tennis balls.  Many headaches are also caused by grinding your teeth or chewing gum.  The Masseter Muscle, or "chewing muscle" may be the source of these headaches.

Your Masseter Muscle is located in the above location.  You can palpate it simply by running 2 fingers along your jaw line starting at your earlobe.  While working your fingers down the jaw, clench your teeth.  The Masseter Muscle will protrude into your fingers.  This is the muscle responsible for chewing your food and many times may be a trigger point, causing your headaches.  A simple stretch for this muscle is seen below.

 

Place 2 fingers on your bottom row of teeth and slowly pull your jaw down.  Do not force this motion.  You will feel a stretch in the temple area as well as the Masseter muscle.  Hold for 20-30 sec and repeated throughout the day.  This may help reduce your headaches.