If you frequently experience jaw locking, it could potentially be a sign of a common but often misunderstood condition—temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ. At Bend Headache Center, our expertise in dealing with such conditions has made us a leading name in non-surgical and drug-free solutions for TMJ and other related conditions.
Understanding TMJ
The temporomandibular joints connect your jaw to your skull. When these joints are injured, it can lead to TMJ, manifesting in symptoms such as jaw lock, pain, or discomfort. Understanding TMJ and its symptoms is the first step towards managing them effectively.
Symptoms of TMJ
- Jaw pain or tenderness
- Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
- Pain in one or both temporomandibular joints
- Ear pain or ringing sounds (tinnitus)
- Headaches or migraines
- Jaw lock or limited ability to open or close the mouth
- Noises in the jaw joint when moving the mouth
However, the symptom we’ll focus on today, jaw lock, can be both extremely irritating and a cause for concern.
Jaw Lock: A Classic TMJ Symptom
One of the most distressing symptoms of TMJ is the phenomenon of jaw lock. The sensation of your jaw getting “stuck” or “locked” while you’re talking, eating, or simply opening your mouth can be alarming. Jaw lock can occur on either or both sides of your mouth and can last from a few seconds to several minutes.
Causes of Jaw Lock
Poor posture, stress, arthritis, teeth grinding, or trauma can all exacerbate TMJ’s effects and make jaw lock more frequent or severe. Each of these causes puts additional strain on the jaw joint, which can worsen the existing disorder and cause locking.
Managing Jaw Lock
While the sensation of jaw lock can be alarming, there are several effective ways to manage it. At Bend Headache Center, we believe in non-surgical and drug-free solutions, and have developed a range of treatments designed to address the root causes of jaw lock.
Oral Appliance Therapy
Oral appliance therapy involves providing a custom-made oral device designed to manipulate the position of the jaw, the tongue, or both to relieve the pressure on the jaw joint.
Physical Therapy
Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles that control the jaw and improve the functioning of the temporomandibular joint.
A Professional Approach to TMJ
The expert team at Bend Headache Center is here to provide comprehensive, individualized care to help alleviate the symptoms of TMJ, including jaw lock. We treat each case of TMJ as unique, devising a treatment plan that caters to the specific needs of the patient.
Jaw lock can be a significant interruption to your daily life, but with the right approach and professional care, it doesn’t have to be. If you live in or around Bend, Oregon, reach out to us at Bend Headache Center. Let’s work together towards a life free from the discomfort and inconvenience of jaw lock.
