28/07/2026
✨Many people believe that jaw pain is simply a problem with the jaw itself.
In reality, it is often much more complex.
Today I treated a client who was experiencing persistent jaw pain, aching cheeks, headaches and neck tension. During the assessment, it became clear that several muscles were working together to create the problem—not just one.
The muscles most commonly involved include:
• Masseter – the primary chewing muscle
• Temporalis – often associated with tension headaches
• Buccinator – deep within the cheek, contributing to facial tightness
• Medial & Lateral Pterygoids – deep jaw muscles that influence TMJ movement
• Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) – a neck muscle that can refer pain into the jaw, face and head
• Upper Trapezius – frequently responsible for neck stiffness and headache patterns
When these muscles become tight, overworked or develop trigger points, pain rarely stays where it started. It can travel into the temples, behind the eyes, the cheeks, ears, neck and even the shoulders.
This is why assessment is so important.
Rather than treating only the painful area, I assess how the jaw, face, neck and shoulders work together to identify the source of the tension and restore healthy movement.
Understanding anatomy allows us to treat the body more effectively—not just the symptoms, but the structures contributing to them.
✨ Every client is different, which is why every treatment begins with a thorough assessment.
📍 Jidapha’s Spa – Thai Acupuncture & Therapeutic
Worthing, West Sussex
Results vary from person to person. Massage therapy is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. If you experience persistent, severe or worsening symptoms, please consult an appropriate healthcare professional.