At Bend Headache Center, we frequently encounter patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, more commonly known as TMJ. Many patients are not aware, however, that a frequent yet often overlooked symptom of TMJ is a locking jaw. This blog aims to illuminate the connection between TMJ and a locking jaw, henceforth referred to as jaw lock.
The What and The Why of TMJ
TMJ is a condition experienced by millions of people around the globe. This disorder is characterized by a host of symptoms such as pain, grating, clicking sounds, and jaw lock when the jawbone moves. These symptoms might come and go, and their frequency and duration can vary. The root cause of TMJ is often complex and can be traced back to multiple factors.
Causing Factors for TMJ
- Arthritis
- Bruxism (teeth grinding)
- Neck, head, or jaw trauma
- Prolonged orthodontic treatment durations
- Genetic predisposition
At Bend Headache Center, the first step towards treatment is identifying these underlying factors that may be contributing to your TMJ.
The Unnoticed Symptom: Jaw Lock
An often overlooked symptom of TMJ is the phenomenon often referred to as jaw lock. This extraordinarily uncomfortable situation occurs when someone is unable to move their jaw, and it remains in a fixated position, hence the term ‘lock’. The jaw may be stuck open or closed, and in most cases, both opening and closing movements are hindered.
Understanding Why Jaw Lock Occurs
Understanding the physiology of the jaw joint provides clarity on why jaw lock occurs. The TMJ joint connects our lower jaw to the temporal bones of our skull. Due to TMJ, structural changes can take place in this joint. These changes can lead to disc displacement, which results in jaw lock.
Dealing with TMJ and Jaw Lock at Bend Headache Center
At Bend Headache Center, we aim to tackle the problem of TMJ and jaw lock with an individualized holistic approach. Our non-surgical, drug-free methods of TMJ treatment, like oral appliance therapy and physical therapy, have seen considerable success.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy involves using customized devices that help prevent jaw lock by maintaining appropriate jaw alignment.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for TMJ involves a range of exercises aimed at strengthening the jaw muscles and maintaining its full range of motion.
Wrapping it up
The connection between TMJ and jaw lock is indeed an unspoken one. While experiencing jaw lock can be a distressing situation, it is important to remember that help is available. At Bend Headache Center, we are committed to helping you confront and treat your TMJ and associated jaw lock in the most effective way possible. Remember, it’s not just about pain relief, it’s about restoring your quality of life.
