What Is Lock Jaw And How Do I Fix Lockjaw - Symptoms

The jaw plays an important role in human anatomy. It is designed to open and close seamlessly, which is an action that enables you to eat, drink, and speak. If you suffer from a locked jaw, it is no surprise why it can be a huge source of anxiety to anyone who is suffering from it. According to this study, about 5-12% of the human population has experienced locked jaw. Before this could happen to you (in case it hasn’t yet), it is important that you know how to fix lock jaw and restore your daily activities.

Why Lock Jaw Happens

When you suffer from a locked jaw, the question that rushes to your mind is this: what caused it? Determining the cause of your lock jaw is an important step to find relief. However, pinpointing that cause might be more difficult than you think as there are several possible causes.

Temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMJ disorder) is one of the main causes of locked jaws. While it is not the most common symptom of TMJ disorder, it could be that your locked jaw is a symptom of this even bigger problem. When you suffer from TMJ disorder, it can cause pain on the hinge joints of your jaw. In some cases, these joints become locked together, inhibiting your ability to move your jaw, or cause tremendous pain when you do so.

Another symptom that could potentially link lock jaw to TMJ is when you hear clicking sounds when you chew your food. You might also notice pain whenever you chew. Pain associated with TMD is often temporary but it is best to seek the advice of a TMJ expert, especially if your lock jaw is starting to affect your daily routine. If you have a habit of teeth grinding, this can also aggravate the situation. Make sure you are able to find a treat for teeth grinding when you want to know how to fix lock jaw.

Another common cause for lock jaw is when there is lack of harmony with the position of the muscles and joints near your jaw, which includes the TMJ. There is a mandible that is located on both sides of the head and connects it to stationary points. In case one of the two sides is out of position, it can cause the muscles to over-compensate. Over time, it creates tension resulting in your ligaments and jaw muscles becoming strained. This causes the muscles to temporarily lock up resulting in a condition known as lock jaw.

Among the lesser known causes of lock jaw are inflammation and infection. When the tissues surrounding your jaw become inflamed, the fluid buildup limits the function of the jaw muscles. The presence of fluid can impede the mobility of your jaw, which creates that locked sensation. On the other hand, it could also be an indicator of prolonged infection. Lock jaws appear on the later stages of infection for tetanus.