09/07/2026
Your neck pain might be from a muscle you’ve never even heard of.
Welcome to Part 2 of “Meet the Digastric Muscle.” It sits right under your jaw. If it’s weak, your head and neck mechanics suffer.
The chipmunk cheeks with a digastric isometric hold is NOT for headaches. BUT this internal pressurization/mewing exercise help with neckpain and for clearing water out of your ears or popping them on a flight. Give this a try for 5-10 seconds at at time by doing the following:
Step 1: The Double Anchor. Form two closed fists and place them side by side directly underneath your jawline and chin. This is your anchor and will provide the resistance needed to engage your deep neck flexors.
Step 2: The Pressurization. Seal your lips tightly and fill your mouth with air, puffing out your cheeks like a chipmunk. This internal pressure starts to engorge the facial tissues.
Step 3: The Drastic Drag. Drive your chin down into your fist, while using your fist to resist that downward motion.
Step 4: The Activation. Hold this pressurized, engaged state for 5 to 10 seconds. You should feel the muscles firing up, stimulating blood flow, and building the structural strength to properly connect your head to your torso!
Do the above for 5-10 seconds at at time while holding your breath. Between reps, take a deep breath to reset and try again.
For more pain relief, schedule a consutlation with us or follow the crew:
Johnny Veira
Christian Valdez
