Jaw movement issues vary in severity, from mild discomfort to complete dysfunction. Some people feel their jaw muscles are tight or that their temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is slightly misaligned, making it difficult to open your mouth fully or close your mouth comfortably. Others struggle with clenching, leading to pain and stiffness. More severe cases involve jaw dislocation, where the mandible shifts out of place, preventing proper movement. TMJ disorder (TMD) can cause clicking, locking, or pain when trying to close or open your mouth. In extreme cases, the jaw may become stuck entirely. These issues can result from stress, injury, arthritis, or structural problems. Treatment depends on severity and may include relaxation techniques, physical therapy, bite adjustments, or possibly surgery. If jaw movement problems persist or worsen, seeking professional evaluation is essential to prevent long-term complications.
What are the Symptoms of Locked Jaw?
A locked jaw is a serious condition where the jaw may become stuck, making it difficult to open and close the mouth. Symptoms often include jaw pain, stiffness, and clicking or popping sounds. Bruxism (teeth grinding), TMJ disorders, trauma, and arthritis are common causes of locked jaw. The surrounding muscles may feel tense or spasmed, further restricting movement. Some experience intermittent locking, while severe cases leave the jaw completely immobile. Additional symptoms can include headaches, ear pain, and difficulty chewing. Early treatment is essential to relieve discomfort and prevent permanent damage to the jaw joint and muscles.
My Jaw Feels Misaligned or won’t close properly
When the jaw feels tight or painful, the cause can vary. Leaning your jaw on your hand, clenching, or grinding (bruxism) often leads to muscle tension and soreness, while excessive jaw use from chewing gum or talking can also strain the muscles. A misalignment in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) may cause clicking, pain, or difficulty moving the lower jaw. Any of these could create a feeling of misalignment or feeling like the jaw does not close properly. Trauma, such as being hit in the jaw, can even dislocate your jaw, making it impossible to move properly. A dislocated jaw occurs when the joint shifts out of position, requiring medical assistance to guide it back into place. A physiotherapist at REP Physio can help treat tightness, mild misalignments, and muscle-related pain through exercises, massage, and relaxation techniques. It may also improve mobility for those experiencing stiffness from TMJ disorders. However, severe cases, such as a fully dislocated jaw, require medical intervention. Identifying the underlying cause of the jaw discomfort is crucial for proper treatment.
Don’t you know what to do or when you should visit a physio or dentist?
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, start with home treatment. Begin by practicing gentle jaw exercises, such as slowly closing your mouth until your teeth are in a normal position. Avoid excessive chewing, and be mindful of clenching your teeth at night. Applying a warm or cold compress can help reduce inflammation, and over-the-counter pain relief may offer temporary comfort.
If the pain persists, consider seeing a doctor or a physiotherapist specializing in jaw issues. They can assess whether the pain is related to cartilage problems or muscle tension. A typical physiotherapy treatment may involve guided exercises for your jaw, massage, and posture correction to relieve strain.
If needed, your doctor may refer you to a dental specialist to address issues like teeth grinding or misalignment which may cause the jaw to experience significant pain. In some cases, a mouthguard or other dental devices may be recommended. Early intervention can prevent long-term complications, so if home treatments don’t help, book an appointment at REP Physio for a professional evaluation.
Conclusions for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
If you’re experiencing pain in the jaw, difficulty moving your jaw, or a locking sensation when you yawn or open your mouth, it’s important to seek professional help. Jaw pain can be linked to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), which, if left untreated, may impact your oral health and overall well-being.
At REP Physio, our experienced physiotherapists specialize in assessing and treating jaw joint issues. We provide personalized treatment plans, including targeted jaw exercises and hands-on techniques, to help restore normal function and reduce discomfort. Don’t let jaw pain interfere with your daily life—book an assessment with REP Physio today and take the first step toward relief.
