Wasn't able to do much today, which is SO IRRITATING. I'm so afraid of continuing with PT. I kind of do
n't want to go through so much physical pain AGAIN ... but the strain on my jaw is very concerning ... still, I don't like this. It feels like the flu ... only just in my back.
In this picture, the number of muscles running up into the jaw and head are numerous and some of the strongest in the body. This shows the mastoid muscle, which you can find right below your ear (or thereabouts), running from the bottom of the skull down the length of the neck, past the larynx. The same is true for the trapezius. When either muscle is injured, the other has to take over ... this is not so easy
. Tightness in both contribute to problems in the TMJ, which is why many people heal from neck stretching alone (not surgery).
This diagram is slightly more detailed, showing the muscles the reach over the skull (which is why many people with TMJ complain of headaches). Stress, etc. causes people to clench their teeth. Try clenching yours for a second and run your fingers over the muscles indicated. Any of them feel tight to you? They should ... and when you relax, you should feel them relax. Not, again, how the two secondary mastoids criss-cross the neck and over the larynx. A blow to the ear, as you can see, strikes ALL of these muscles, causing major trauma and injury. The more I learn, the more I wonder how in the hell I got up.
This is the most detailed model I have found. It is hard to read the names of all the muscles pictured here ... but again note the covering of the larynx (the larynx and cervical spine are actually pictured here. None of these muscles are any good right now on me. They must ALL be fixed ... manually.
And so, to PT I go ... but one more day to rest. Next round is Thursday.
Love,
Y
I stumbled upon this website after my 12th reconstructive surgery in 20 months, 11 of which included reconstructing my mandible, reparation of tongue laceration, tracheotomy revision, and replacement of teeth etc etc. As a former professional jazz and blues vocalist I am grappling with the trials and tribulations of rehabing my voice independently due to limitatitions of VVC grant (victims of violent crimes ) I've found this posting especially helpful as my voice has been greatly compromised and I have been trying to work through my break and head voice on my own. If you have any vox exercises that would be greatly appreciated.
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting this blog up, I was originally searching for recipes for jaw surgery and was grateful to find another singers journey.