http://www.sjogrens.org/home/about-sjogrens-syndrome/living-with-sjogrens/dry-mouth-tipsYour salivary glands are affected by Sjögren’s syndrome. Sometimes they may hurt, especially the parotid glands located in the front of your ears. Here are some instructions from The Syndrome Sjögren’s Handbook to massage your salivary glands if a plug of mucus is the problem:
“Gently massage the area just below the bottom of the earlobe with the fleshy part of your index and middle fingers. Go forward toward the end of the jawbone, slightly downward and over the jawbone, and then up again toward the tip of the earlobe. This sometimes helps to dislodge a mucous plug in a duct, relieving the pain caused by a blockage.”
I also get pain relief by using a warm rice bag. Just microwave a minute or two and apply to the face. You can buy these or make one. The one I made is about 6“ wide by 15“ long. A long tube sock will also work and will take about two cups of rice (plain, uncooked and not instant!) Great for sore joints and muscles too. Remember to test the temperature as every microwave is different.
btw reusable hot/cold packs are about $2 at my local wal-mart, more if you want the flimsy 'cloth' sock to put it in. I just wrap them in an old hand towel and keep saying I will sew one into a sock one of these days :p