The mandible is controlled by the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Your TMJ may become stiff or even freeze due to stress, misalignment, or bruxism (grinding of the teeth). A blocked jaw is a painful discomfort that can often cause other problems, such as headaches and soreness of the neck and face. Targeted stress relieving exercises and massages can help relax the jaw. If the pain becomes unbearable, see your doctor for treatment. You can keep your jaw healthy by regularly using a dental splint and trying to avoid stress as much as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Massage the Jaw
Step 1. Make warm compresses to relax the jaw
Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel or use a clean cloth soaked in warm water. Apply the compress to both sides of the jaw and leave it for 10-15 minutes to relax the painful area and reduce inflammation.
- Always warm up your jaw before doing a massage, so it will be less contracted and tightened.
- Do the warm compress several times a day, 10-15 minutes at a time, to better manage the blocked jaw.
Step 2. Massage the jaw with your fingers
Place the fingers of one hand on the lower jaw, exactly below the cheekbones. Gently massage, moving your fingers back towards your ear. Look for the flat bone just below the ear. With 2-3 fingers, press gently on this area and massage it in circular movements.
- This will help the muscles to warm up and stimulate the area, which can cause it to relax.
- Repeat the massage on the other side of the jaw to relax that part as well.
Step 3. Apply pressure to the jaw muscle with your index finger
This muscle is located along the jaw line at the bottom of your jaw. Press this muscle for 5-10 seconds at a time to help it relax. If it's too painful, put pressure on for less time.
You should feel the jaw muscle relax as you put pressure on it. For some people, this relaxation can help unblock the jaw, or at least relieve tension
Step 4. Spread out your TMJ with your thumbs
Place both thumbs on the jaw line, just below the muscle. Press on it as you move your thumbs down, pulling the muscle away from your upper jaw. This relaxation can help relax your TMJ.
- You could also place two fingers on the mandibular muscle and two more on the upper jaw, then move the fingers towards each other until they are in the middle of the two portions. Keep your fingers like this for a few seconds to relax the area.
- If you find it difficult to do this massage on your own, ask your partner or friend for help.
Step 5. With the help of your hands, move your jaw from side to side
Keep her relaxed as you place your hands on either side. Gently move it from side to side. Avoid pulling or pressing too hard. Swing your jaw until it feels less tight and locked.
- You could also try to move your jaw up and down using your hands as a guide. As you move it up and down, give it a gentle massage to help it melt.
- If your jaw does not move at all or it hurts a lot when you try to massage and move it, see your doctor right away. Do not force the movements as you may cause further damage.
Step 6. Massage the jaw once or twice a day
As soon as your jaw begins to loosen, get into the habit of massaging it once a day. First warm it up with a compress or hot water bottle. Over time it should begin to unlock. Eventually the disc should slide into its position and your jaw will regain its normal movement.
If you don't see improvement after 2-3 days, see your doctor
Part 2 of 5: Performing Jaw Movement Exercises
Step 1. Lie on your back with your knees bent
Start in a relaxed position on a mat or soft surface. Keep your head and neck relaxed on the floor while lying down.
You can use a thin pillow under your head if you find it more comfortable for your jaw and head
Step 2. Focus on the jaw, face and neck
Breathe in and out a few times as you focus your attention on your face, jaw, and neck. Check for tightness in your face or neck. Realize the feeling of tension and discomfort in your jaw.
Step 3. Try to open and close your mouth with gentle movements
Inhale as you open your mouth a few inches (only open it up to the point where you feel no stress or tension). Then exhale and close your mouth until your teeth touch. While doing this, keep your neck and face relaxed.
- Repeat these movements 5-10 times, inhaling each time you open your mouth and exhaling when you close it.
- Do not force your mouth to open and close if you feel it start to stiffen or contract. Rest your jaw when needed so you don't damage it further.
Step 4. Move your jaw left and right
If your jaw doesn't hurt too much, try moving it to the left and then to the right first. Inhale as you move it to the left a few inches, exhale as you bring it back to center, then inhale as you move it to the right a few inches.
- Repeat 5-10 times on each side.
- If your jaw starts to hurt or stiffen, take a break. Don't tire her out too much as you could make it worse.
Step 5. Do jaw exercises once a day
Keep your jaw loose and relaxed by doing these exercises once a day. Try to practice at the same time every day to get used to the movements.
If your jaw does not relax or becomes more painful, see your doctor for treatment
Part 3 of 5: See Your Doctor for Therapy
Step 1. If the jaw does not unlock with these systems, consult your physician
If your jaw does not relieve itself with massages or exercises, ask your doctor for advice: he will help you understand the cause of the blocked jaw and will give you directions to solve the problem.
Your doctor may prescribe medicines to treat a blocked jaw or TMJ, for example anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anxiolytics or mild antidepressants. Always consult your doctor before taking any medicine, even if it is over the counter
Step 2. See your doctor if you experience headaches or neck pain due to a blocked jaw
In some cases, a blocked jaw can become so severe that it causes headaches and pain, tension and swelling in the neck. Your face may also become sore and tense. Talk to your doctor if you notice these symptoms so you can keep them from getting worse.
Step 3. See your doctor to have your jaw checked and tested
Your doctor will begin to gently examine the jaw area to determine the severity of the situation. He may also prescribe x-rays to get a clearer picture of the damage or misalignment of the jawbone.
In some cases, your doctor will ask you to do an MRI of the jaw to get a better idea of your TMJ
Step 4. Have your jaw reset by your doctor
Your doctor will do local anesthesia or muscle relaxant so you don't stiffen your jaw. He will then push the lower jaw down and guide the joint disc into the right position.
- This procedure can be done on an outpatient basis and is usually not painful.
- You will need to maintain a liquid diet for several days after the procedure, thus allowing the jaw to heal well.
Step 5. Get Botox injections to loosen the jaw
Botox can help relax the jaw muscles and relieve the stress of your TMJ. The doctor will be able to inject Botox directly into the jaw muscles to relax them and thus unlock the jaw.
- Botox injections into the mandibular muscle should only be done occasionally; an excessive amount could cause them to weaken.
- The use of Botox injections is not always loanable, because it can be considered a cosmetic treatment. Be well informed before proceeding with the treatment.
Step 6. Consider the surgical option if your jaw continues to lock
If your jaw is regularly locked, your doctor may suggest that you have surgery on the joint to prevent the condition from recurring further. This surgery is to be considered invasive and will require significant recovery times; it will be necessary to maintain a liquid diet for some time and it may be necessary to keep the mouth closed with special threads or rubber bands to give the joint time to heal well. Your doctor will clarify the risks and recovery time before you undergo the surgery.
In most cases, massage, exercise and regular use of the splint are sufficient to prevent the jaw from locking up again
Part 4 of 5: Maintaining a Healthy Jaw
Step 1. Wear a bite while you sleep
The plastic dental splint will cover your teeth and prevent you from grinding them or clenching your jaw. Your doctor will prescribe a custom bite to put on at night while you sleep, which will be molded to fit your teeth and arch, making it much more comfortable than a generic one you might find on the market.
Check that the bite fits well and remember to wear it every night. Regular use of a bite can prevent trismus and keep your jaw healthy
Step 2. Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods
Stay away from hard meats, like steaks, and raw vegetables, like carrots and cabbage. Don't eat hard or chewy candies, as they can put stress on your jaw. Avoid chewing on ice cubes, as these can put too much pressure on your teeth and jaw.
When eating, avoid opening your mouth too much, as this could cause the mandibular disc to shift. Chew slowly and carefully so you don't bite too hard or strain the joint
Step 3. Do regular massage and jaw exercises
Get in the habit of massaging your jaw before bed or in the morning so it stays relaxed and loose. Do the exercises once a day or several times a week so your jaw won't stiffen.
Step 4. Keep your stress level manageable
Stress and anxiety could cause your jaw to clench or tighten, and this could cause your jaw to lock. Stay active by exercising once a day or taking walks, so you will have a relief valve for your stress. Practice relaxing activities on a regular basis, such as painting, knitting, or drawing, so you will stay relaxed.
You may also spend time with friends and family to distract yourself and stay healthy and relaxed
Part 5 of 5: Addendum
Step 1. Undergo a gnathological examination to identify the cause of the mandibular block
Step 2. Have a specialized physiotherapist who knows how to unlock the jaw with specific maneuvers
Step 3. Limit the maximum opening of the mouth (as if to yawn)
Step 4. Eat soft foods
- Avoid hard foods like almonds, carrots and so on
- Also avoid foods that require prolonged chewing (such as pizza)
