Problem
or limitation in jaw movements is referred to as ‘Locked
Jaw’ syndrome. This condition can present many types of
discomfort and pain to an individual.
Symptoms
of locked jaw
An
individual with locked jaw will find it difficult to
perform the normal functions of the mouth like opening
and closing of mouth, chewing of food, swallowing food
or even yawning.
Typically,
the jaw seems to lose its mobility at some point while
opening or closing the mouth. Therefore the term ‘locked
jaw’ to refer to this condition.
This
condition is often accompanied by pain and discomfort
during the process of movement of mouth or other painful
conditions such as headaches and facial or neck pain.
TMJ
and locked jaw
Locked
jaw syndrome is a result of a dysfunction of the
Temporal Mandibular Joint located at the base of the
skull. This joint connects the temporal bone to the
mandible – the lower jaw bone. Usually, a bad occlusal /
bite problem or a chronic habit like teeth grinding and
(or) teeth clenching can lead to a TMJ disorder and
subsequently cause a locked jaw syndrome. Other causes
of locked jaw can range from stress to clinical
conditions such as arthritis or an injury to the head or
directly to the jaw.
TMJ
and locked jaw symptom relief
The
first step to finding relief from locked jaw or TMJ is
to get a correct diagnosis done through an examination
at the physician’s place. Knowing the root cause of
locked jaw and TMJ is a primary step to getting on to
the right course of treatment.
Before
going in for medications or surgical corrections a few
self help remedies can be tried – and these usually are
enough to initiate reversal of locked jaw syndrome. Such
measures can include stress reduction – one of the major
causes of TMJ related disorders; simple exercises to
release the tension in the jaw regions are extremely
effective in getting relief from TMJ and locked jaw;
sleeping postures can aid in the process of reducing the
occurrence of locked jaw; keeping track of dietary
intake – for example, eating nutritious food and
restricting to soft foods until the locked jaw is
resolved can also go a long way in gaining relief from
the painful condition. A warm compress prior to sleep
times will also ensure that the muscles around the jaw
are relaxed enough to allow for a peaceful sleep and a
less strenuous day time.
A
holistic and multi disciplinary approach to gaining core
strength in health can allow for speedy relief from TMJ
and locked jaw.
