Have you ever had your jaw locked? It’s not a fun experience. Your mouth feels stuck shut and it can be painful, too. If your jaw is locked, don’t worry there are a few things you can do to try to unlock it.
What Is Jaw Lock?
Jaw lock occurs when the muscles in your jaw become tight and tense, causing your mouth to stay shut. This condition is also known as trismus or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). It usually happens because of how you use your jaw (like chewing gum, grinding teeth, etc.) or how you move it.
What Are The Causes Of Jaw Lock?
There are several possible causes behind a locked jaw:
Stress:
When you’re under a lot of stress, it can cause your muscles to tighten up and restrict movement in the jaw.
Injury Or Damage To The Temporomandibular Joint:
This type of injury can happen due to trauma, such as a car accident or physical assault. It can also occur with overuse of the jaw joint, like biting too hard or grinding your teeth.
Infection:
Certain infections, like tetanus and mumps, can cause your muscles to spasm and lock up.
Arthritis:
Arthritis in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can develop over time if it isn’t treated properly. This causes swelling which restricts movement in the joint.
Neurological Disorders:
Certain neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke can all lead to a locked jaw due to decreased muscle control or nerve damage in the area.
What Are The Symptoms Of Jaw Lock?
The main symptom of jaw lock is that your mouth won’t open or close easily. You may also experience pain in the area, as well as headaches and neck aches due to tension. Additionally, you may have difficulty speaking or eating, depending on how severe the case is.
Tips For Relief And Prevention
If you’re experiencing a locked jaw, there are some steps you can take to provide relief and prevent further issues:
Relax Your Jaw Muscles:
Try taking deep breaths and slowly massaging your jaw muscles with gentle pressure from your fingertips. This helps relax the muscles and relieve any tension in the area.
Avoid Eating Hard Foods:
Avoid chewing on hard foods like candy, nuts, and chips. These can cause additional strain on the jaw joint and make it harder to unlock.
Practice Good Posture:
Make sure your posture is straight when you’re sitting or standing. This helps reduce tension in the neck and jaw muscles.
Exercise Your Jaw:
Exercising your jaw regularly can help strengthen and loosen the muscles for improved movement of the jaws. Try opening your mouth wide several times a day and holding for 10 seconds each time.
See A Professional:
If the pain persists or worsens, be sure to see a medical professional as soon as possible to get proper treatment. They may recommend physical therapy exercises or medications to help relieve the pain and tension.
How long does a locked jaw last?
This is a question that is commonly asked by those who have recently suffered from a locked jaw. While the answer to this question may vary depending on the cause of the lockjaw, in most cases, a locked jaw will only last for a few days. There are, however, some cases where the lockjaw may be more permanent. In this article, we will explore the different causes of a locked jaw, as well as how long it is likely to last in each case.
Conclusion:
A locked jaw can be painful and annoying, but there are a few things you can do to try to unlock it on your own. If those things don’t work, though, it’s important to see your dentist or doctor right away so they can figure out what’s causing the problem and help you fix it.
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