In severe cases, it can even alter the facial appearance. It can be a seriously distressing and painful condition in which even swallowing becomes a problem. What makes it even more difficult is the limitation to examine or diagnose the oral cavity as opening the mouth is limited or absolutely impossible at times. Lockjaw can occur due to various reasons. Though the problem itself is not harmful, it indicates a possibility of some other serious ailments, illnesses or health issues.
These include:. Lockjaw is a very disturbing and painful condition. It is crucial that this condition not be dismissed as a minor issue, as it can actually indicate a serious internal illness.
Hence, a proper diagnosis is a must and the treatment will always focus on curing the cause of the condition, so that the lockjaw disorder automatically subsides. If the underlying cause is tetanus, treatment must be exacted for that.
Sometimes, dental problems and other oral diseases and illnesses lead to lockjaw. In that case, treatment should follow those illnesses. However, along with treating the underlying condition, it is a must that you take care of the painful condition of lockjaw itself. There are simple natural treatments and home remedies that can be quite useful. However, tetanus is extremely rare in most parts of the world because immunizations and booster shots that protect against the infection are routine.
Hypocalcemia low calcium levels is another common cause of lockjaw. This complication can sometimes occur during thyroid surgery. Sometimes, nerve or muscle diseases can cause muscle spasms. For example, stiff person syndrome , a rare autoimmune disorder, can cause spasms in any voluntary muscle.
You might think of how you get a "Charley horse" in your leg if you don't stretch before going on a run. The muscle spasm occurring with lockjaw is essentially the same thing, just in a different location and with a range of other possible causes and risks.
Doctors diagnose lockjaw based on your medical history and a physical examination. However, the effects of lockjaw can make it difficult for you to explain your symptoms to your medical team. Most people have to describe their medical history by writing it down. Typically, people can open their mouths between 35 to 55 millimeters mm or 1. However, if you have lockjaw, you may only be able to open your mouth as much as 35 mm 1. That's less than three fingers in width. Your healthcare provider will measure how wide your mouth can open to see if you fall in or out of the typical range.
In addition, if you have lockjaw, your doctor will look for the following:. If there is a concern that you could have an injury, infection, or tumor affecting your mouth, face, or jaw, you may need diagnostic testing.
Imaging studies can often identify lesions in and around the jaw. They might include:. In some instances, you may need to have a piece of a tumor removed so that it can be examined more closely. This is called a biopsy. Treatment for lockjaw often involves medication and physical therapy. Any underlying problems often require additional treatment.
For example, if you also have an infection, your treatment will include antibiotics. Specialists who treat lockjaw include:. If medication caused your muscle spasm, your doctor will likely recommend discontinuing it. However, never stop a drug without your healthcare provider's OK. Oral and injected muscle relaxants are typically helpful. Common examples of oral medications that relax muscles include:. These medications may cause side effects such as drowsiness.
Targeted injections, including botulinum toxin Botox or anti-inflammatory steroids , can relax the muscle, relieving the spasm. Injections do not cause the kind of body-wide side effects seen with oral medications. In addition to medical management, you may need physical therapy or speech therapy. Your therapist may also suggest at-home exercises so you can improve control of your jaw muscles.
When you take part in at-home therapy, it is important to avoid pushing your exercises to a painful level. What this might involve varies, given the range of medical conditions that can cause lockjaw. Treatment may include:. If radiation therapy or surgery is the cause of your lockjaw, then physical therapy might be the most effective treatment approach. Know, however, that longstanding lockjaw after radiation therapy can be very challenging to reverse.
Treatment for lockjaw involves resolving muscle spasms, restoring muscle function, and treating the underlying cause. Lockjaw, as the name suggests, is a condition where the muscles in the jaw affect its movement. The mouth isn't able to open as widely as usual, which can affect speech and swallowing. Infections, health conditions, injury, and reactions to medications can cause lockjaw. Treatment is aimed at relaxing the muscles and getting the moving normally again, as well as addressing the root cause.
Physical therapy and medication are common components of a treatment plan. If you have experienced lockjaw, you may be at risk of developing it again. So, it is important to discuss prevention with your healthcare provider. Preventative strategies may include avoiding medications that trigger it, getting treatment for TMJ, and maintaining regular exercise of your jaw muscles. But, most importantly, if you notice the symptoms, seek medical attention promptly to avoid complications. Even if you were able to get your jaw moving again, the jaw lock is an indicator of extreme damage to your articular disc.
Historically, it was common for surgery to be the first response to a locking jaw. Fortunately, studies have since indicated that a combination of anti-inflammatory agents, physical therapy, and dental splints can effectively reduce symptoms. By Dr. Rod Strober October 27th, People often lose patience with the limitations of traditional dentures.
Dentures are often loose-fitting and slip out of place. We make your privacy our top priority. Lockjaw is a painful condition that causes muscles in your jaw and neck to spasm, making it difficult for you to chew and talk. Most people suffering from lockjaw can only open their mouths an inch or two wide. Although it can be a symptom of tetanus, you can also develop lockjaw without having the disease. Lockjaw can occur if you have had cancer treatments performed on your head and neck or if you suffer from TMJ Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.
A good way to tell if you have lockjaw or trouble opening your mouth is through something called the three-finger test.
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