I am experiencing a jaw lock and unable to open my mouth fully. Please help.

Question

Hello doctor,

I am experiencing a jaw lock since last year. I consulted a doctor before, but due to rising COVID cases, I cannot revisit the doctor. I am suffering a lot of pain in my jaw and facing difficulty while chewing the food. It produces a clicking sound whenever I perform any jaw-related activity. It often causes a headache, and I am unable to open my mouth fully.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Be calm.

The attached X-ray (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity) only shows the type, but the digital picture is not visible.

As per your history, it seems to be TMJ (temporomandibular joint) ankylosis or dislocation.

Please share the name of the medication so that I can suggest you medication accordingly, as proper medication would bring you immediate relief.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The medications you are taking are fine.

Besides that, we give steroids in some cases, but you are pretty young to improve with both medications and physiotherapy.

I suggest taking the first medication on pain only.

Do mouth opening exercises slowly, like increasing mouth opening from two to three fingers thrice a day in a week and ice cream sticks slowly from 15 to 50.

Apply ice pack in case of swelling.

In addition, try avoiding hard food like nuts, carrots, and radish with posterior teeth.

Do follow my instructions for a week and then update me.

Regards.