Lockjaw: Why It Happens and How to Stop It

How to Stop Lockjaw

Symptoms

The defining symptom of lockjaw is only being able to open your mouth about 35 mm (1.4 inches)—that’s less than three fingers in width.

Lockjaw affects the whole jaw. The “locking” of the jaw is usually felt equally on both sides of the face. Lockjaw can come on suddenly, and the symptoms peak within a few hours.

Many nerves and muscles control the movement of your jaw. Lockjaw typically causes your jaw to be partially open because of where these nerves and muscles are located.

While not being able to open your mouth fully is the most common symptom of lockjaw, it’s not the only symptom. Lockjaw can last from several hours to a few days. Within just a few hours, lockjaw can also cause:

• Headaches
• Jaw pain
• Pain in the neck area
• Swelling of the jaw
• Earaches
• Muscle spasms

Causes

Lockjaw occurs because a muscle remains in its active position and cannot relax (spasm). The muscle spasm that occurs with lockjaw can be caused by many things.

For example, a spasm can happen when there is an injury to the muscle, nerve, bone, tendon, or ligament. It can also be related to health conditions, infections, and medications.

Treatment

Lockjaw can be treated with a combination of physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is crucial in treating lockjaw, as it helps improve jaw flexibility and reduce stiffness. Doing exercises at home several times a day can gradually enhance jaw movement.

Medication

Oral and injected muscle relaxants are typically helpful for lockjaw.

Prevention

If you have experienced lockjaw, you are at risk for developing it again. It’s important to discuss prevention with your healthcare provider. Preventative strategies for lockjaw may include avoiding medications that trigger it, treating TMJ, or practicing jaw exercises.

Conclusion

Lockjaw is a condition where the muscles in the jaw affect its movement. The mouth is not able to open as widely as usual, which can affect speech and swallowing. Treatment for lockjaw is aimed at relaxing the muscles and getting them moving normally again, as well as addressing the root cause. Physical therapy, at-home exercises, and medication are common components of a treatment plan for lockjaw.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is lockjaw?
  Lockjaw, also known as trismus, is a condition where the muscles in the jaw affect its movement.
• What are the symptoms of lockjaw?
  The symptoms of lockjaw include being able to open your mouth only a short distance, headaches, jaw pain, and muscle spasms.
• What causes lockjaw?
  Lockjaw can be caused by a variety of factors, including temporomandibular joint disorders, oral infections, medications, and trauma.
• How is lockjaw treated?
  Lockjaw is typically treated with a combination of physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.