Trismus is the term used to indicate a condition in which the patient cannot open or close the mouth completely or experiences severe muscle spasms in the jaw. Trismus is often one of the initial symptoms of tetanus. The latter is a serious pathology caused by a bacterial infection, which requires immediate treatment. However, many people have experienced joint pain, blockage, or noises in the jaw that are unrelated to tetanus. Few know what to do in these circumstances using natural methods. Fortunately, if you have mild symptoms, you can solve the problem with a healthy diet, exercise, and other simple remedies.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Relax and Strengthen the Jaw
Step 1. Do yoga
Stress can worsen or induce a predisposition to trismus and, as is known, yoga is a discipline that helps to relax. It is a practice that integrates benefits both for the physical body and for the so-called "energy body". When you do yoga, you are stimulated to go to the root of the stress that caused the jaw muscles to contract. There are several positions that can help you heal from trismus, including the following:
- Face Down Dog Pose or "Adho Mukha Svanasana" in Sanskrit. This position improves blood flow to the head and jaw. In this "asana" (which means "posture"), the person assumes the shape of an inverted "V", with the back of the pelvis facing the ceiling, while the feet and hands are firmly attached to the ground.
- Position of the candle or "Salamba sarvangasana" in Sanskrit. In this position, to be performed on the ground, the shoulders must remain in contact with the mat, while the rest of the body (from the shoulders down) must be perpendicular to the floor. This inversion, like the previous position, increases blood flow to the head. Before trying to perform it at home, study the correct execution of the posture so as not to risk hurting yourself.
- Inverted position or "Viparita Karani" in Sanskrit. First you have to lie down on the mat with a support placed under your lower back, for example a blanket or a rolled up towel, then you will have to lift your legs upwards using a wall for support.
- Position of the corpse or "Shavasana" in Sanskrit. This asana serves to relax the muscles and relieve muscle tension. In this position the body must be completely relaxed. Lie on your back on the mat, with your arms extended at your sides and palms facing up, then try to consciously relax all the muscles of the body, starting from the head to the feet.
Step 2. Try sitting meditation
Relaxation techniques can alleviate disorders affecting the temporomandibular joint. An excellent position from which to start relaxing this joint is that provided by "sitting meditation". Sit comfortably to meditate, then focus on relaxing your tongue. Often, we tend to keep it anchored to the palate without even realizing it. Relax your eyes and ease the closure of the jaw. Try to relax the skin in the corners of your mouth as well.
These instructions are the initial steps of the practice "pratyahara", or the process of internalizing the senses. Loosening the jaw like this takes practice, but is very helpful
Step 3. Train your jaw
Performing specific exercises plays an important role in treating trismus. When done correctly and regularly, they can serve not only to heal, but also to prevent the ailment. To start, relax and lower your shoulders, let your lower jaw naturally drop down, and let go of the tensions in your tongue. Check that the dental arches are not touching each other.
- Warm up your jaw muscles by making small sideways and top-to-bottom movements. Always check not to grind your teeth. Open and close your mouth as much as you can without causing pain or discomfort.
- Move your jaw forward as much as possible, then back. Repeat doing similar movements towards both sides, then completely relax the muscles.
Step 4. Repeat the exercises creating resistance with one hand
Push your fist against the lower jaw as you open your mouth. As you move your jaw forward, push your thumb against your chin. Finally push it against the right or left side of the chin, during lateral movements. Keep your jaw in its maximum extension for a few seconds with the help of your hand. Open your mouth as far as possible, then try to close it while resisting the movement by pushing your lower incisors down with your fingers.
- As you look in the mirror, try to move your jaw up and down in a straight line, avoiding any deviation or movement that may make joint noises or block the joint.
- Each exercise should be repeated at least ten times a day.
Step 5. Consider using the TheraBite Mandibular Rehabilitation System
It is a portable device that serves to restore correct mandibular mobility after trismus. The TheraBite System uses repeated passive motion to stretch connective tissue, strengthen muscles weakened by disease, and aid joint mobility.
Head or neck cancer can cause trismus, especially if the patient is undergoing radiation therapy. The TheraBite System can be helpful in this case
Part 2 of 3: Consider Natural Remedies
Step 1. Understand what causes jaw stiffness
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint are quite common and occur when the complex joint that connects the jaw to the skull does not function properly. The problem can cause joint noises, achiness and pain in the jaw, sometimes accompanied by problems with chewing and a feeling that the joint is blocked. In some cases, trismus is caused by toxins processed by the tetanus bacilli that cause intense muscle contractions. The infection can originate from a deep wound or one that has been contaminated with dirt or animal feces. Either way, prompt medical intervention is required. Go to the emergency room or call an ambulance if you experience symptoms of trismus.
- The risk of contracting tetanus increases if you haven't had a preventive tetanus vaccination.
- If you injured yourself with a dirty object, clean the wound thoroughly, then show it to a doctor. You may need to get the tetanus vaccination immediately if the last one is more than five years old. It is not at all wise to try to cure trismus with home methods if tetanus is causing it.
- Other possible symptoms of tetanus, which usually appear about ten days after being injured, include: difficulty swallowing, stiff abdominal muscles, painful muscle spasms, fever, sweating, and rapid heartbeat.
- If the trismus is caused by the temporomandibular joint disorder, it can be treated at home. However, if the pain or stiffness is persistent or increases throughout the day, making it impossible to open or close your mouth completely, you should see your doctor immediately.
Step 2. Try using mustard oil and garlic
Mustard essential oil increases blood flow to the area where it is applied, while garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infection, preventing the condition from worsening. A jaw free of infection and inflammation can move much easier.
- Sauté two cloves of garlic in a teaspoon of mustard essential oil, then wait for the oil to cool. At that point, you can massage it on the jaw joint area 2-3 times a day.
- Before using any natural remedy, you should consult a doctor, dentist or orthodontist.
Step 3. Use natural herbal teas
Infusions made with the following herbaceous plants can help you cure trismus:
- Kava (or Kava Kava) reduces anxiety and induces relaxation of the muscles;
- Passionflower reduces anxiety, restlessness and discomfort caused by muscle stiffness and emotional stress;
- Feverfew relieves aches and pains in the muscles;
- Chamomile has a calming effect in adults and helps relieve muscle pain caused by stress;
- Peppermint promotes tranquility and relieves pain;
- Echinacea relieves pain and swelling.
Step 4. Get more magnesium
Magnesium helps to relax muscles and calm the nervous system, with the advantage of relieving muscle spasms in the jaw. Add foods that are rich in it to your diet to help reduce the stress and inflammation of the muscles that caused the trismus.
- Major sources of magnesium include: almonds, cashews, bananas, avocados, dried apricots, peas, beans, soy, and whole grains, such as millet and brown rice.
- The average daily requirement for magnesium is approximately 310-320 mg for women and 400-420 mg for men. Review your eating habits with your doctor to see if you are getting enough magnesium from your diet or if you should take a supplement.
Step 5. Fill up on calcium
Calcium helps strengthen bones; when the organism is deficient, a pathology called tetany can arise, which is characterized by the presence of spasms, tremors and stiffness of the muscles. Eat foods rich in it to strengthen the jawbone and promote proper function of the chewing muscles, thereby preventing the spasms that can cause trismus.
- Major sources of calcium include: milk, yogurt, cheese, green leafy vegetables (such as kale), and the fattest fish (such as salmon and sardines).
- On average, an adult should get 1,000 mg of calcium per day.
Step 6. Get more vitamin D
The body needs it to be able to absorb calcium properly. Deficiency of this important vitamin can cause weakening of the bones and sometimes widespread bone pain. If you don't get enough, you run a greater risk of developing a temporomandibular joint malfunction.
- The fattest fish, such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel, contain vitamin D, as does cod liver oil. In small quantities, it is also found in egg yolk, beef liver and cheese. Additional sources of vitamin D include foods that have been artificially added to it, such as milk, yogurt, orange juice, margarine, and some breakfast cereals.
- An adult should take an average of 600 IU (International Units) of vitamin D per day.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Daily Measures
Step 1. Try massaging yourself
Gently massage the chewing muscles with your fingertips, focusing on the area where the joint pains or noises are coming from. Continue for one minute on each side, making mostly circular motions. This massage serves to promote relaxation of muscles and tendons.
Step 2. Use cold and heat alternately
Make one hot and one cold compress. Cooling the part serves to reduce swelling and inflammation. The heat, on the other hand, allows you to relieve pain and relax the muscles. As a hot compress, you can use a hot water bottle or a towel that you dipped in hot water, while for the cold one you can put a few ice cubes in a bag and then wrap it in a cloth. If your neck or shoulders are also stiff or sore, you can apply the hot compress to that area as well.
Be careful not to burn yourself in both heat and cold! Apply the cold compress for 10 minutes, followed by the warm compress for 5 minutes. Keep the entire area covered with a cloth or towel to avoid damaging the skin
Step 3. Always maintain correct posture
It is important to pay attention to your posture at any time of the day, especially when you are working at your computer or desk, but also whenever you are sitting for a long time. Proper head and neck posture helps relieve muscle tension.
Step 4. Don't grind your teeth
Those who have the habit of often clenching or grinding their teeth are more likely to develop a malfunction of the temporomandibular joint because this involuntary act weighs on the muscles and joints of the jaw. This pathology, called "bruxism", can occur both day and night, during sleep. Treating bruxism will help you minimize the risk of suffering from jaw ailments.
Step 5. Eat soft meals
When the chewing muscles are suffering from stiffness or pain, it is important to give them a break rather than put them under additional stress. Try to eat only soft foods, such as soups, eggs, fish, fresh cheeses, smoothies, and cooked vegetables. Take small bites. Avoid any hard, sticky, chewy, or hard-to-chew food.
Obviously avoid chewing gum
Step 6. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day
Dehydration can cause muscle cramps, increasing the risk of developing temporomandibular joint malfunction. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to help keep your bones and muscles in top condition.
