TMJ Referral Pain

TMJ pain isn’t always felt where it starts. Tight, overworked muscles in the jaw, head, and neck can create referral pain patterns that mimic headaches, earaches, tooth pain, or even neck stiffness. Many clients are surprised to learn that their discomfort is coming from trigger points in the muscles that control jaw movement.

 

Common TMJ Referral Pain

 

Masseter Muscle

Refers pain into the teeth, jaw, and temples — often mistaken for dental pain.

 

Temporalis Muscle

Refers pain into the side of the head, around the eyes, and across the temples — often felt like migraines or sinus pressure.

 

Medial & Lateral Pterygoids

Refer deep pain into the jaw, ear, and sinus regions — sometimes mistaken for ear infections or sinus problems.

 

Digastric (under the chin)

Refers pain into the throat and front of the neck — may feel like a sore throat or swallowing discomfort.

 

SCM (Sternocleidomastoid)

Refers pain into the jaw, face, behind the eyes, and top of the head — sometimes linked to dizziness or tension headaches.

 

Trapezius Muscle

Refers pain into the jaw, side of the head, and behind the eyes — often mimics tension headaches and jaw pain.

 

Longissimus Muscle

Refers pain behind the ear, into the temples, and along the jawline — sometimes mistaken for ear pain or TMJ discomfort.

 

How Massage Therapy Helps

 

By locating and releasing these trigger points, TMJ massage therapy can:

• Reduce jaw pain and stiffness
• Relieve headaches and facial pain
• Ease pressure in the ears and sinuse
• Improve jaw function and comfort