Hidden Nerve & Neck Tension

Years ago I thought I had a sinus infection.

Pressure around my eyes. Achy upper teeth. Face tension. I went to the doctor's and got an antibiotic prescribed. (which didn't help) I then went to an ENT to see if there was a different reason I was getting sinus pain. There wasn't because...

It wasn’t my sinuses.

It was my Trigeminal nerve.

This nerve supplies sensation to your:

• Forehead

• Cheeks

• Teeth

• Jaw

It also controls your chewing muscles.

And it feeds directly into the brainstem — the area that helps regulate muscle tone, head position, and nervous system arousal.

So jaw tension isn’t just local.

It can influence neck stiffness, clenching, headaches — even how steady you feel.

Simple Assess → Reassess Drill

Keep this clean and practical.

Step 1: Assess

Slowly turn your head to the right.
Notice range and ease.

Turn left.
Notice differences.

Pick the tighter side.

Step 2: Wake Up the Face

With clean hands, lightly rub:

• Across your cheeks

• Along the jawline

• Under the cheekbones

10–15 seconds. Gentle, not deep tissue.

You’re simply increasing sensory input to the trigeminal system.

Step 3: Jaw Glide

• Teeth slightly apart.

• Slowly glide your jaw toward the tight neck side.

• 5 slow, controlled reps.

• No clenching.

Step 4: Reassess

Turn your head again.

Did it improve? Did it feel smoother or lighter?

If yes, that’s useful information.

Facial sensory input was influencing neck tone.

Sometimes improving movement doesn’t start with the hips or shoulders.

It starts with the face.

Clear input → calmer system → more effortless motion.

To your success,

Deborah .

To your success,

Deborah