A jaw locked on one side describes a condition where the jaw feels stuck, making it difficult to open or close the mouth fully or move it smoothly. This can hinder daily activities like eating, speaking, or yawning.
Understanding Why Your Jaw Locks
Jaw locking, often associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, typically stems from issues within the joint or surrounding muscles. The temporomandibular joint, located on each side of the head, acts like a sliding hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. A common reason for locking is the displacement of the articular disc, a small cushioning disc within the TMJ. If this disc slips out of position, it can obstruct joint movement, leading to a locking sensation.
Muscle spasms around the jaw, particularly in chewing muscles, can also cause the jaw to lock. These spasms can result from overuse, teeth grinding (bruxism), clenching, or stress. Inflammation within the TMJ, potentially due to arthritis or injury, can restrict jaw mobility. Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage and bone within the TMJ, leading to stiffness and restricted movement.
Immediate Steps to Relieve a Locked Jaw
When experiencing a locked jaw, maintaining calmness is important, as anxiety can worsen muscle tension. Applying a warm compress to the affected side of the jaw for 10-15 minutes can help relax muscles and ease tension. This can be repeated multiple times daily.
Gentle massage of the jaw muscles can also be beneficial. Place two to three fingers just below the cheekbone and gently knead the area in circular motions, moving towards the ear. Identify tender spots and apply gentle pressure for 5-10 seconds to help release muscle tension. After massaging, try controlled jaw movements.
Slowly and gently attempt to open and close your mouth, or move your jaw from side to side. Avoid forcing the jaw, and stop if pain increases. One technique involves placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth and slowly opening the jaw as wide as comfortable, then slowly closing it. Another exercise involves gently shifting the jaw left and right. These movements can help encourage the disc to return to its position.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
While self-care techniques offer temporary relief, consult a healthcare professional for a locked jaw if pain persists despite at-home remedies or is severe. Difficulty eating, drinking, or speaking due to jaw locking or stiffness also indicates a need for medical attention.
Recurrent episodes of jaw locking suggest an underlying issue requiring diagnosis and treatment. Swelling around the jaw joint, especially if accompanied by fever, could indicate inflammation or infection, necessitating prompt medical care. If jaw locking results from a recent injury or trauma to the face or jaw, seek professional guidance to rule out fractures or other serious damage.
Professional Approaches to Jaw Unlocking
A healthcare professional, such as a dentist, oral surgeon, or physical therapist, can provide comprehensive care for a locked jaw. Initial assessment typically involves a physical examination of the jaw, checking its range of motion, and identifying areas of tenderness or pain. Diagnostic methods may include imaging like X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the temporomandibular joint and detect disc displacement or other structural issues.
Treatment options vary based on the underlying cause. Manual manipulation by a trained professional can help reposition a displaced disc or release muscle spasms. Prescription medications, such as muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs, may be prescribed to alleviate pain and muscle tension. Custom-fitted oral splints or mouthguards, often worn at night, can help position the jaw correctly, reduce teeth grinding, and prevent locking.
Physical therapy plays a significant role, involving exercises to improve jaw flexibility, strengthen muscles, and restore movement. Techniques like ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation may also be used to relax muscles. For persistent muscle pain, trigger point injections, which involve injecting local anesthetics or other substances directly into tight muscle knots, can provide relief. In rare and severe cases where conservative treatments are ineffective and a structural issue is present, surgical interventions like arthroscopy or open-joint surgery may be considered to repair or replace the joint.