If you’ve ever experienced a locking jaw, you know how painful and inconvenient it can be. A locking jaw is a condition in which the muscles and bones of the jaw freeze up and disallow you from opening your mouth. This can be a major issue when it comes to eating, speaking, and even breathing. Unfortunately, a locking jaw is something that is difficult to prevent, and it can be difficult to manage until it is treated.
Thankfully, there are a few things you can try at home to help relieve the symptoms of a locking jaw. Here, we’ll go over some of the most effective home remedies for a locking jaw that you can use to help alleviate the pain and discomfort of this condition.
Causes and Symptoms of Locking Jaw
A locking jaw is typically the result of a muscle spasm in one of the muscles that power the jaw. This can be caused by a variety of things, including stress, anxiety, and fear. A locking jaw can also be caused by an injury to the joint that is situated between the head and neck. With a locked jaw, you may experience a variety of symptoms, including pain, difficulty opening the mouth, swelling and tenderness of the jaw joint, clicking or popping sounds from the jaw, and an inability to properly chew and swallow food.
Home Remedies for a Locking Jaw
When you are faced with a locking jaw, the most important thing you can do is to stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Here are some simple and highly effective home remedies for a locking jaw that you can try to help alleviate your symptoms:
Apply an Ice Pack
One of the most effective things you can do to relieve the symptoms of a locking jaw is to apply an ice pack to the jaw joint. The cold from the ice pack will help to constrict the blood vessels in the area and reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent freezer burn, and apply it for 10 to 15 minutes at a time every few hours for the best results.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Killers
If you are experiencing severe pain from a locking jaw, an over-the-counter painkiller can be an excellent remedy. Painkillers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help to relieve the pain and discomfort so you can get on with your day. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions on the medication label, and if you are taking any other medications, be sure to ask your doctor if it is safe to take a painkiller.
Massage the Muscles of the Jaw
Another great home remedy for a locking jaw is to massage the muscles of the jaw in order to help relieve the symptoms. It’s important to be gentle and to apply even pressure in order to avoid causing further damage. Use your index and middle fingers to gently rub the sore muscles in circular motions for a few minutes. This can help to promote blood flow in the area and reduce pain and swelling.
Do Some Stretches
Stretching the muscles of the jaw can also be an effective way to alleviate the symptoms of a locking jaw. Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, open your mouth as wide as possible to stretch the muscles on the side of your jaw. Hold the stretch for a few seconds, and then slowly close your mouth and repeat on the other side. Doing this a few times can help to relieve the tightness in the muscles and reduce pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
In most cases, a locking jaw is a temporary condition and will resolve on its own with the appropriate home remedies. However, if you are experiencing chronic symptoms, an inability to eat or speak or breathe properly, or if you feel that you have sustained an injury to the joint that powers the jaw, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose the condition and recommend the best treatment for alleviating your symptoms.
A locking jaw can be a painful and frustrating condition to experience. However, with the right home remedies, you can help to alleviate the symptoms and get on with your day. Be sure to stay calm and follow the tips here for the best results!
