Lockjaw is a common term to describe how the jaw joint refuses to open fully. Current lockjaw generally comes from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), but it's also one of the late stages of tetanus.
If TMJ is the reason you find opening your mouth fully creates pain and stiffness, then finding ways to help relieve the inflammation in the joint is what's called for. Here are 6+ ways to help ease the pain of lockjaw and help the joint.
1. Posture. Retaining good posture will help relieve the stress and tension on the jaw. WebMD says to avoid holding your phone between your shoulder and ear and never rest your chin on your hand.
2. Massage. Gently massaging the joint, according to the Mayo Clinic, may help relax the muscles and relieve the discomfort. The Mayo Clinic reminds you that doctors and dentists are the ones to ask for what types of massage is best for you.
3. Hot and cold compress. Briggs Family and Cosmetic Dentistry recommends using hot and cold compresses to relieve the discomfort and help relax the joint. A warm wash cloth makes a hot compress and frozen vegetables can be used for the cold.
4. Hydrate. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep the joint lubricated is what Wikihow offers. Adults should drink eight to 10 glasses of water every day.
5. Space. Clenching the jaw only makes TMJ and lockjaw worse, so WebMD says to use a mouth guard at night and practice keeping your jaw gently open by placing your tongue between your teeth.
6. Relax. TMJ is often the result of clenching and grinding the teeth. To help with that, the Mayo Clinic recommends finding ways to relax and remove your tension. Yoga, taking a walk, picking up a new hobby or drinking a cup tea may be what you need.
7. Exercise. TMJA shares that doing jaw exercises to increase your range of motion may help. Gently pull on the mandibular anterior teeth, opening your jaw until you feel pain. Hold the position for 30 seconds. Do three sets of this four times a day.
8. Acupuncture. The Mayo Clinic states that acupuncture may be able to help with the chronic pain.
If TMJ and lockjaw plague you, these home remedies may hold the key to regaining pain-free movement.