Masticatory Muscle — the muscles responsible for chewing and jaw movement—are often an overlooked piece of the facial wellness puzzle. If you’ve been diligently following skincare routines or practicing facial massage without seeing much improvement, chronic tension or spasms in these muscles might be the missing link. When these muscles become overactive or tight, they can subtly—but significantly—alter your facial appearance over time. Despite how common this issue is, it’s rarely discussed. Yet the impact can be dramatic, contributing to puffiness, jaw discomfort, and even facial asymmetry.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at:

What Are Masticatory Muscle Spasms?

Your masticatory muscles include the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, which allow you to chew, speak, and move your jaw. A muscle spasm occurs when these muscles tighten involuntarily and remain in a contracted state for a prolonged period.

This isn’t just a temporary annoyance—it can affect your health, posture, and the youthful look of your face.

Common Causes of Masticatory Muscle Spasms

While many Aussies associate jaw issues with clenching or grinding their teeth (especially during sleep), there are deeper causes to consider. Let’s explore the top three contributors to jaw muscle spasm:

1. General Muscle Fatigue and Physical Overload

Your body’s muscle systems are interconnected via fascia—connective tissue that links everything from your feet to your face. If you’re physically overworked—whether through intense exercise like running or sitting too long in a poor posture—tension in your back, shoulders, or neck can travel to your jaw.

When these supporting areas are under stress, the masticatory muscles can become overly engaged in trying to compensate, leading to spasm.

2. Spinal Misalignment in the Cervical-Thoracic Region

Problems with your spine—particularly around the neck and upper back—can throw off the symmetry of your face. Misaligned vertebrae may push your chin forward, backward or to the side, creating an imbalance that places excessive strain on the chewing muscles.

This ongoing compensation can cause one side of your face to become more prominent or uneven compared to the other, all rooted in tension that starts in the spine.

3. Mental and Emotional Stress

We all grit our teeth when we’re under pressure—but for some, it becomes a daily habit. When stress is frequent, you may clench your jaw without even realising it. Over time, this repeated contraction leads to chronic muscle spasm.

Unlike a clenched fist, which relaxes when stress passes, a clenched jaw can hold that tension long after the moment has passed—causing long-term strain.

How Jaw Muscle Spasms Affect Your Face

Unlike other muscle issues that can be hidden by clothing, tension in the masticatory muscles is written all over your face—literally.

Here’s what can happen when these muscles stay tight for too long:

1. Blocked Facial Lymphatic Drainage

Tight chewing muscles can compress the parotid lymph nodes, which are essential for draining fluid and waste from your face. When lymphatic flow is restricted, fluid builds up—especially along the jawline and cheeks—leading to visible puffiness and swelling.

No amount of facial lymphatic massage will help if the jaw muscles remain in spasm.

2. Loss of the “Youth Angle” and Facial Contour

A tight masseter muscle can blur the natural “V-shape” angle under the jaw, also known as the angle of youth. Instead of a firm, lifted look, the jawline can appear swollen, heavy, and undefined—making the entire lower face look older.

3. Facial Shrinkage and Centralisation of Features

When jaw muscles remain contracted, they can pull facial tissues toward the center and downward. This has a cascading effect: eyes can look sunken, eyelids may droop, and the nose may seem longer or heavier. Over time, your facial features can appear smaller or more compressed toward the center—an effect commonly mistaken for natural ageing.

What You Can Do to Relieve and Prevent Jaw Muscle Spasms

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to release tension in the masticatory muscles and help bring your face back into balance. Here’s what you can try:

1. Myofascial Face Massage

Regular Myofascial Face Massage —a form of manual therapy targeting connective tissue—can help relax tight chewing muscles. Focused facial massage also boosts blood circulation, encourages lymphatic flow, and eases stiffness.

If you’re not sure how to do it properly, consult with a facial therapist or a trained myofascial release specialist.

2. Improve Posture and Support Your Spine

A strong, well-aligned posture reduces the need for jaw muscles to overcompensate. Work on correcting your posture with the help of a physiotherapist or chiropractor, especially if you work at a desk all day. Stretching and strengthening the muscles in your neck and shoulders also helps take pressure off the jaw.

3. Manage Stress with Relaxation Techniques

Whether it’s deep breathing, mindfulness, or a regular yoga class, managing stress can prevent unconscious jaw clenching. Becoming aware of when you’re tense (and remembering to release your jaw) is the first step to stopping the cycle.

5. Jaw and Facial Stretching Exercises

Just like your hamstrings need stretching, so do your facial muscles. Try simple exercises that gently open and move the jaw laterally. These can relieve tension and improve mobility over time.

Final Thoughts

Spasm of the masticatory muscles is a hidden culprit behind many facial ageing signs—swelling, sagging, and facial imbalance. While most people reach for creams or facial tools, the real solution may lie deeper—in muscle relaxation and spinal alignment.

By understanding the link between your jaw, posture, and stress levels, you can take meaningful steps to restore facial harmony and slow the visible signs of ageing.

Don’t overlook your jaw—it may be the missing piece in your facial care routine.

References

• Glaros, A. G., Williams, K., & Lausten, L. (2005). The role of parafunctions, emotions and stress in predicting facial pain. Journal of the American Dental Association.
• Travell, J. G., & Simons, D. G. (1999). Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction: The Trigger Point Manual (Vol. 1). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Stecco, C., Macchi, V., Porzionato, A., Duparc, F., & De Caro, R. (2011). The fascia: The forgotten structure. Italian Journal of Anatomy and Embryology.
• Arendt-Nielsen, L., Svensson, P., & Sessle, B. J. (2008). Interaction of muscle and temporomandibular joint nociceptive stimuli in the face and jaw region. Archives of Oral Biology.
• Cuccia, A. M., & Caradonna, C. (2009). The relationship between the stomatognathic system and body posture. The Journal of Craniomandibular Practice
• Pescatello, L. S. (Ed.). (2014). ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (9th ed.). American College of Sports Medicine.
• McMahon, C., & Kolt, G. S. (2001). Stress and physical symptoms in a general population sample: The roles of negative affect and stress reactivity. Australian Psychologist.
• Bordoni, B., & Varacallo, M. (2023). Anatomy, Head and Neck, Temporalis Muscle. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Lee, S. Y., Kim, J. H., & Kim, Y. K. (2017). Effect of self-massage on masseter muscle tone and facial symmetry. Journal of Physical Therapy Science.
• Chaitow, L., & DeLany, J. W. (2008). Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques: The Upper Body (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone.