Locked jaw is one of the common problems in the temporomandibular joint that impairs the ability to open and close the mouth. Many people face this problem and cannot eat or speak. Pain, movement restriction and unpleasant sounds when opening the mouth are the main symptoms of this disorder. Knowing the causes and methods of prevention and treatment of locked jaw will help you to control the problem in the early stages.

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Definition of locked jaw

Doctors use the term locked jaw for a condition where the lower jaw joint gets stuck during movement. This joint acts as a movable hinge between the lower jaw and the skull. If its normal movement is disturbed, the person cannot open or close their mouth completely. Sometimes, in the middle of talking or eating, a person suddenly feels that his jaw is locked.

Reasons of locked jaw

1. Joint disc displacement

When the disc between the jaw bone and the skull moves out of place, the joint no longer opens and closes smoothly. This condition often causes a clicking sound and feeling of locking in the jaw.

2. Jaw muscle spasm

Stress or high pressure on the jaw contracts the chewing muscles. This spasm prevents the free movement of the jaw. People who stress Contracts the jaw muscles. To reduce tension, a person should do deep breathing exercises, meditation or yoga.

2. Avoiding strong movements of the jaw

Opening the mouth too much or chewing hard foods puts a lot of pressure on the jaw joint. Choosing softer foods and chewing slowly helps joint health.

3. Maintaining correct posture

When a person moves his head forward while working with a mobile phone or laptop, a lot of pressure is created on the jaw joint. Maintaining the alignment of the head and neck prevents this pressure.

4. Use of dental protection

Night dental guard prevents wear of teeth and excessive pressure on the joint. The dentist can make a special protector for each person.

Treatments for locked jaw

1. Non-surgical treatments

A. Physiotherapy

The physiotherapist restores the natural movement of the jaw with stretching exercises and manual techniques. By massaging the chewing muscles and controlling movements, he removes the jaw from the locked position. Exercises such as slowly opening the mouth and moving the jaw to the sides increase joint flexibility.

B. Drug therapy

The doctor prescribes anti-inflammatory drugs or muscle relaxants to reduce pain and inflammation. Taking medicine helps the patient to perform physical therapy exercises more easily.

C. Heat and cold therapy

Using a warm compress relaxes the muscles and increases blood circulation. Cold compress reduces inflammation and swelling. The combination of these two methods has good results in many patients.

D. Home exercises

The patient can perform a few simple movements daily; For example, open the mouth slowly, put the tongue on the roof of the mouth and move the jaw left and right. These exercises keep the muscles strong and the joint soft.

2. Alternative therapies

A. Massage therapy

Gentle massage of the jaw, cheek and neck muscles improves blood flow. A person can massage these areas with circular movements for a few minutes a day.

B. Acupuncture

Acupuncture by stimulating specific points of the body increases the release of endorphins and reduces pain. Many patients feel better after a few sessions.

C. Lifestyle modification

Sufficient sleep, avoiding nail biting and reducing caffeine consumption have a positive effect on the health of the jaw joint. When the body is in a relaxed state, the jaw muscles work more easily.

3. Surgical treatments

If non-surgical methods do not work, the doctor uses methods such as washing the joint (arthrocentesis), arthroscopy or open surgery. In these methods, the surgeon corrects the position of the disc with precise tools and removes the inflammation. These methods are performed only when simpler treatments are not effective.

Conclusion

Locked jaw is an annoying problem, but a person can treat it with awareness and timely action. A quick visit to a doctor or physiotherapist, performing appropriate exercises and controlling stress will restore the function of the jaw joint. Every person can prevent the return of this complication by following preventive recommendations. Taking care of the jaw joint means maintaining the ability to speak, smile and eat normally.

Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Locked Jaw

• Why does my jaw suddenly lock?Because the disc or jaw muscles are getting cramped.

• Can physical therapy open the jaw?Yes, a physical therapist can do this with exercise and massage.

• Does stress really cause this condition?Yes, stress makes the jaw muscles contract.

• What exercises are useful for recovery?Slow opening of the mouth and soft lateral movements of the jaw.

• Does this condition go away by itself?Sometimes yes, but most of the time it needs treatment.

• Is teeth grinding the cause of this condition?Yes, the pressure caused by it irritates the joint.

• Is it possible to prevent the problem from returning?Yes, by reducing stress and using dental protection.

• Is jaw massage alone enough?No, it should be done along with practice and modification of habits.

• Is surgery dangerous?No, but only in extreme cases.

• Does this complication also occur in children?Yes, but less than in adults.

Ten false beliefs

• This complication is seen only in the elderly. ❌

• Treatment is only possible with surgery. ❌

• Physiotherapy has no effect. ❌

• This problem will disappear with time. ❌

• Jaw pain is always from teeth. ❌

• Stress has nothing to do with the jaw. ❌

• Jaw exercises are dangerous. ❌

• Grinding teeth is harmless. ❌

• There is no way to prevent it. ❌

• Acupuncture has only a demonstration aspect. ❌

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