The medial pterygoid muscle and jaw tension

A little-known muscle that plays an important role in the stability of the jaw joint.

Author: Dr. Elfana Suleymanova Medically reviewed

The medial pterygoid muscle plays an important role in jaw movement and in the stability of the jaw joint. Tension in this muscle can cause jaw pain, a feeling of tightness and discomfort when opening the mouth.

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Signs of tension

  • Jaw pain
  • A feeling of tightness
  • Discomfort when opening the mouth
  • Tiring when chewing

With gentle self-help techniques you can help reduce tension in that area. These techniques are shown step by step in our center’s video materials.


We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician

Related conditions

Methods we use for this topic

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Sources and further reading

  1. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD)NHS (Böyük Britaniya)

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