Disorders of the TMJ can result in several problems, including experiencing jaw lock. Jaw lock and lockjaw are similar in nature but have one major difference. Jaw lock occurs when there is a TMJ misalignment or TMJ resistance caused by the soft tissues being damaged or strained. Lockjaw is the term used for the facial muscle stiffness that is experienced when someone is exposed to a tetanus bacterial infection. When both lockjaw and jaw lock occur, an individual is unable to open or close their mouth until the underlying problem is treated. When these occurrences are severe, the TMJ damage that causes jaw lock may require surgery to repair. Jaw lock can result from no apparent cause, but is usually exacerbated by jaw problems like clenching, teeth grinding, trauma, nail biting, arthritis, and stress.
What is TMJ?
The temporomandibular joint, TMJ, is the connection between the jawbone (mandibular) and the base of the skull (temporal bone) that is found on both sides of the head, right below the ears. The TMJ acts as a sliding hinge whose primary purpose is to open and close vertically to improve an individual’s ability to bite and talk. Due to human’s omnivorous diets, the TMJ also has the ability to slide side to side and back and forth in a grinding manner to help breakdown fibrous foods. The joint is surrounded by soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and ligaments that all work together to keep the TMJ functioning properly.
What is Lockjaw?
Lockjaw is often used interchangeably with jaw lock, but lockjaw is technically the term used to describe the symptoms associated with the tetanus bacterial infection. Tetanus is usually contracted via a wound caused by piece of rusty metal. Exposure to tetanus can cause damage to the nervous system that results in muscle contractions and stiffness. The disease earned the name “lockjaw” due to early onset of muscle stiffness and contractions in the jaw and neck before moving to the rest of the body. If lockjaw symptoms present themselves after being wounded with a piece of rusty metal, treatment at the nearest hospital is recommended. Without treatment, tetanus infections can sometimes be fatal.
What is Jaw Locking?
When most people mention lockjaw, they are probably talking about jaw lock. While symptoms are similar, the primary difference is that jaw lock refers to muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, or contractions caused by TMJ disfunction. Normally, the TMJ functions smoothly without any resistance but when pain or stiffness start to occur, this could indicate malocclusion or soft tissues around the TMJ becoming inflamed or damaged. Regardless of the reason, TMJ stiffness that results in jaw lock should be evaluated by a professional to determine how to stop and prevent further instances of jaw lock occurrences.
How are TMJ and Jaw Lock Related?
Jaw lock occurs when there is TMJ disfunction. If the TMJ is experiencing inflammation or suffering from other damages or trauma, the jaw will most likely experience stiffness or difficulty opening and closing. Depending on the severity of the TMJ related problem, jaw lock can cause minor resistance that results in pain or completely stop any movement which would generally require immediate medical attention to resolve.
Common Symptoms of Lock Jaw and Jaw Lock
Stiff and sore jaw muscles are just one of the primary symptoms of jaw lock. The intensity of soreness can range from minor aches to severe pain and can be intensified with excessive usage or unusual range of movement. The location of aches and pain can be felt in or around the TMJ with most of the pain centralized on one or both sides of the head around:
- TMJ
- Back teeth
- Neck
- Nose
- Sinuses
- Ears
- Forehead
Other symptoms include limited or no range of movement, jaw clicking sounds or popping sounds, and headaches. Limited or no range of movement may be the result of inflamed soft tissues. This can be exacerbated by extreme or consistent movement like yawning or chewing. Jaw clicking or popping can be the result of misalignment that is causing improper movement of the TMJ. Headaches are usually a byproduct of the other symptoms that cause pressure which results in tension headaches.
Causes of Lock Jaw
There are several potential causes for jaw lock symptoms:
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJD)
The TMJ encompasses the jaw joint and all of its surrounding soft tissue. Sometimes the soft tissue around the TMJ will become inflamed or damaged which results in muscle stiffness and limited range of movement. When this occurs, pain and soreness is common symptom that is experienced along with jaw lock.
Stress
Stress and anxiety are 2 emotional triggers that can cause actions that can aggravate the TMJ. Stress is known to increase teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and nail biting which have been shown to increase pressure put on the TMJ. These actions also can exacerbate jaw tightness which ultimately results in jaw locking.
Bruxism
Bruxism is the act of teeth grinding or clenching. This can occur at any time, even when individuals are sleeping. Ongoing bruxism can increase the stress felt in the muscles that control the TMJ which can result in tightness in the joint and resistance when opening or closing the mouth.
Chewing
Similar to bruxism, chewing is another action that can aggravate TMJ soft tissues. Repetitive and unnecessary chewing can increase strain on the TMJ muscles and ligaments which can result in jaw tightness and limited range of movement.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects muscles and joints all over the body. This autoimmune inflammatory disorder can increase tightness and decrease range of movement in any joint including the TMJ. RA can also cause bone loss in the mandibular and temporal bones.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is another condition that can impact the TMJ. OA deteriorates the cartilage that supports normal joint function. Without the cartilage, the bones that are connected in a joint are not provided with any cushion, causing the bones to grind against each other. This can be extremely painful and can affect the TMJ. When this happens, jaw lock occurs due to painful TMJ movement limiting the TMJ range of motion.
Tetanus
Tetanus lockjaw is the result of a bacterial infection whose symptoms include muscle stiffness, spasms, and painful muscle contractions. These symptoms can impact any muscle group in the body but tend to start in the jaw and neck before expanding to the extremities.
Facial Trauma
Trauma to the head and face can result in muscle pain and stiffness as well as joint misalignment. When trauma occurs which results in these changes to the TMJ, jaw lock can be a side effect that presents itself. This trauma can include blunt force trauma, accident injury, and even treatment or recovery from infection around the TMJ.
Lock Jaw Treatments
Jaw lock can present itself at varying levels of severity. Less severe case of jaw locking can be treated with exercise and different therapies while severe cases of jaw locking may require surgery.
Exercises to Alleviate Locked Jaw Symptoms
TMJ exercises are designed to strengthen and stretch the surrounding TMJ muscles.
Manual Jaw Opening Exercises
When muscle tightness is preventing vertical jaw movements, manual mouth opening may be needed to help loosen up tight jaw muscles. Start the process by opening and closing the mouth several times to loosen up the jaw muscles before using hands to manually open the TMJ as wide as possible until minor discomfort is felt. At the first sign of discomfort, stop opening the mouth and hold the position for 30 seconds before releasing the jaw into the close position. Repeat this stretch between 3 – 12 times until the jaw is loosened up.
Jaw Joint Stretching
This joint stretch acts similar to the manual jaw opening exercise but instead of using hands, individuals will use their tongues. By using the tongue to apply pressure to the roof of the mouth, individuals should be able to assist with opening their mouths. When discomfort is felt, stop applying pressure and repeat this stretch up to 10 times.
Smile Stretch
This stretch involves smiling as wide as possible and then slowly opening the mouth for a deep inhale followed by exhale. This movement combined with the breathing allows individuals to stretch out their TMJ muscles at optimal intervals. Repeat this process up to 10 times unless pain prevents it.
Mouth Guards for Locked Jaw
If TMJ soreness, tightness, or jaw lock is being caused by teeth clenching or grinding, a mouth guard may be an appropriate solution. There are several types of mouthguards available that are designed to address different types of TMJ issues. Specific mouthguards are recommended for people who suffer from teeth grinding. These mouthguards reduce wear and tear by taking pressure off the cartilage that provides support when the jaw is being used. Night guards are typically made for nighttime use which also help with teeth grinding that occurs while sleeping. Other mouthguards are designed with specific TMJ disorders in mind. These are often custom made and help keep the mandible in proper alignment and position when there are severe cases of over or under bites. These devices are designed to be worn all day and may need to be worn for years at a time before the TMJ is realigned.
Massage for Lock Jaw
A simple fix that sometimes works for and to prevent jaw lock is a TMJ massage. By gently rubbing the TMJ joint and muscles in a circular motion, individuals can help release stress and muscle tightness as well as increase blood flow and range of movement. TMJ massage may not be as effective on more severe instances of jaw lock, but it can help reduce tightness in minor instances.
Medical Treatments for Lock Jaw
There are several medical treatments available for more serious cases of jaw lock:
Medications
Medications like anti inflammatory pain relievers and muscle relaxers can reduce pain and discomfort. OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen should help reduce muscle soreness. Muscle relaxers will require a prescription but can help reduce muscle tightness and help improve range of movement in the jaw.
Injections
Muscle tightness can also be reduced through injections of Botox or corticosteroids. Corticosteroids shut down the body’s inflammation response which help reduce muscle tightness. Botox shuts down the nerves that send a pain signal so the surrounding muscles can relax.
Surgery
In severe cases of TMJ disfunction, surgery may be needed to resolve symptoms associated with jaw lock. These instances are usually when an individual has suffered severe TMJ trauma or injury. Depending on the underlying trauma or problem, there are different procedures and surgeries available that can fix jaw locking.
Lock Jaw Prevention
The best ways to prevent minor instances of jaw lock include minimizing stress, reducing actions that trigger jaw lock, and effective TMJ strengthening exercises and stretches. Stress relieving practices to try include:
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Low impact aerobic activity (walking, hiking, swimming)
It is important to remember to take it easy on the TMJ so minimize excessive chewing. Try to stay away from gum, tough meats, and any other food items that require heavy chewing.
When to See a Doctor
If jaw lock doesn’t go away on its own after a short period or doesn’t respond to OTC medications and other home remedies, it may be time to go seek medical attention from a qualified TMJ doctor. Someone who specializes in TMJ disorders can help diagnose a serious jaw lock problem and create a custom treatment plan designed to alleviate unnecessary pressure and strain. This will help reduce instances of jaw lock ups and other TMJ discomfort or pain.
How is Jaw Lock Diagnosed?
Jaw lock needs to be diagnosed by someone who specializes in TMJ disorders. A TMJ doctor will evaluate the problem and take into account an individual’s medical history. The TMJ doctor will also require a physical examination to determine how severe the problem is. The physical exam will determine how wide a mouth can be opened without experiencing pain. If pain or discomfort is experienced before a mouth is fully opened, jaw lock may be determined to be the problem. Other symptoms like TMJ muscle stiffness, limited range of movement, and difficulty moving the jaw will be examined to make a proper diagnosis. If a physical exam discovers a potential problem, further analysis may be warranted. If further examination is required, x-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs can provide further insight.
Contact a TMJ Doctor
If your TMJ is acting up and causing jaw lock, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a qualified TMJ doctor who specializes in resolving TMJ related pain and disorders. Dr. Kathy Omrani is a licensed and qualified expert who specializes in TMJ treatment. If you are dealing with jaw muscle stiffness and tightness, limited range of movement, or TMJ pain or discomfort, call today to schedule an appointment right away.
Lock Jaw FAQs
Why is my jaw locked on one side?
Jaw lock can happen on one side or both sides of the jaw. Jaw lock is typically the result of TMJ misalignment or soft tissue strain which causes pain or discomfort on both sides of the jaw. If jaw lock occurs only on one side, it could be the result of infection or trauma to that side of the jaw.
How long does lock jaw last?
Jaw lock can last from several hours to several days depending on the underlying problem that is causing the jaw to lock in the first place. If jaw lock is being caused by minor muscle strain and tightness, symptoms may fade after a couple hours of relaxation. However, more serious cases of jaw lock can be the result of serious TMJ misalignment or tetanus which can last much longer.
