1. < Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT)

Locked jaw

Posted by RW @nbkod7b, Feb 7, 2022

I am unable to open my mouth following a dental procedure. I have been to multiple TMJ dentists and doctors and had numerous scans performed. The problem. appears to be in the muscles that allow the jaw to function. I have been applying wet heat to my jaw from ear to ear and using tongue depressors to try to stretch open my mouth. The most I can get in is 4. No progress is retained when they are removed. I am eating via a tube in my stomach. I appreciate any suggestions or referrals.

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Feb 9, 2022

Hello @nbkod7b, what a horrible experience for you. It sounds like a condition called Trismus, or lock jaw. (It’s not the same lock jaw as Tetanus) This can happen from over stretching during a dental procedure, injection of anesthesia or some other trauma to the muscles that allow you to open your mouth. It generally goes away by two weeks with using the warm compresses.
I found a link that provides a pretty good explanation. https://www.healthline.com/health/trismus

However, if you’re on a feeding tube this is pretty serious. Has anyone discussed the use of muscle relaxants to ease the tension?
Another option would be to try either an acupuncturist or a massage therapist who specializes in Myofascial release which can help relieve the spasms in muscles. Have you tried either of these methods?

REPLY
2 replies
Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Feb 10, 2022
In reply to @loribmt "Hello @nbkod7b, what a horrible experience for you. It sounds like a condition called Trismus, or..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hello @nbkod7b, what a horrible experience for you. It sounds like a condition called Trismus, or lock jaw. (It’s not the same lock jaw as Tetanus) This can happen from over stretching during a dental procedure, injection of anesthesia or some other trauma to the muscles that allow you to open your mouth. It generally goes away by two weeks with using the warm compresses.
I found a link that provides a pretty good explanation. https://www.healthline.com/health/trismus

However, if you’re on a feeding tube this is pretty serious. Has anyone discussed the use of muscle relaxants to ease the tension?
Another option would be to try either an acupuncturist or a massage therapist who specializes in Myofascial release which can help relieve the spasms in muscles. Have you tried either of these methods?

Jump to this post

@nbkod7b Lori found a great link about trismus, and I wanted to add a bit from my own experience with physical therapy. I do tend to get TMJ type issues and have head, jaw and neck alignment issues with having a spine issue and thoracic outlet syndrome. Both of those affect my neck with tightness, and my physical therapist has worked on my pterygoid muscles which do get too tight with clenching my jaw. The pterygoids are connected right behind the lower molars and you can feel them with your tongue. Often dentists inject anaesthetic in them, and the needle can also nick a muscle fiber and cause inflammation starting the locking of the jaw. (that has happened to me) If you can get a finger inside your mouth, you would be able to massage and press of the pterygoids which is what my PT recommends for me to do.

The other muscles for closing the jaw are the masseters and if you put your hands on your face just in front of the jaw you can feel them. If you clench, you will feel them contract. You can press on them with your palms and just rest the weight of your head on your hands to help release them. My PT has me do this too, and she is an expert on myofascial release which has helped me a lot. I would also echo what Lori said about trying some physical therapy and myofascial release.

Here is a discussion on MFR where you can learn more. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

You can search for a MFR therapist at this link. http://mfrtherapists.com/

Have you heard of myofascial release before?

REPLY
1 reply
RW | @nbkod7b | Feb 10, 2022
In reply to @loribmt "Hello @nbkod7b, what a horrible experience for you. It sounds like a condition called Trismus, or..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hello @nbkod7b, what a horrible experience for you. It sounds like a condition called Trismus, or lock jaw. (It’s not the same lock jaw as Tetanus) This can happen from over stretching during a dental procedure, injection of anesthesia or some other trauma to the muscles that allow you to open your mouth. It generally goes away by two weeks with using the warm compresses.
I found a link that provides a pretty good explanation. https://www.healthline.com/health/trismus

However, if you’re on a feeding tube this is pretty serious. Has anyone discussed the use of muscle relaxants to ease the tension?
Another option would be to try either an acupuncturist or a massage therapist who specializes in Myofascial release which can help relieve the spasms in muscles. Have you tried either of these methods?

Jump to this post

Hi Lori - I can't thank you enough for your response. It does sound like Trismus is what I have. The link you provided has some valuable information. Myofascial is a new term to me. When this started my focus has been on TMJ. I have had the joint on both ears cleaned out and structurally everything seems fine. I have not been prescribed muscle relaxants. I do want to pursue physical therapy and / or acupuncture. I have yet to find anyone with experience with my situation. Hopefully now I will be able to better explain what type of expertise I am looking for. Thanks again!

REPLY
1 reply
RW | @nbkod7b | Feb 10, 2022
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@nbkod7b Lori found a great link about trismus, and I wanted to add a bit from..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@nbkod7b Lori found a great link about trismus, and I wanted to add a bit from my own experience with physical therapy. I do tend to get TMJ type issues and have head, jaw and neck alignment issues with having a spine issue and thoracic outlet syndrome. Both of those affect my neck with tightness, and my physical therapist has worked on my pterygoid muscles which do get too tight with clenching my jaw. The pterygoids are connected right behind the lower molars and you can feel them with your tongue. Often dentists inject anaesthetic in them, and the needle can also nick a muscle fiber and cause inflammation starting the locking of the jaw. (that has happened to me) If you can get a finger inside your mouth, you would be able to massage and press of the pterygoids which is what my PT recommends for me to do.

The other muscles for closing the jaw are the masseters and if you put your hands on your face just in front of the jaw you can feel them. If you clench, you will feel them contract. You can press on them with your palms and just rest the weight of your head on your hands to help release them. My PT has me do this too, and she is an expert on myofascial release which has helped me a lot. I would also echo what Lori said about trying some physical therapy and myofascial release.

Here is a discussion on MFR where you can learn more. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/

You can search for a MFR therapist at this link. http://mfrtherapists.com/

Have you heard of myofascial release before?

Jump to this post

Hi Jennifer - Thank you for your response. I am looking forward to going through information at the link provided. I live in Mexico, 8 hours from the USA border, so unfortunately the therapist link won't help but I now know to look for a myofascial release therapist in my area. Thank you!

REPLY
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Feb 11, 2022
In reply to @nbkod7b "Hi Lori - I can't thank you enough for your response. It does sound like Trismus..." + (show)
@nbkod7b

Hi Lori - I can't thank you enough for your response. It does sound like Trismus is what I have. The link you provided has some valuable information. Myofascial is a new term to me. When this started my focus has been on TMJ. I have had the joint on both ears cleaned out and structurally everything seems fine. I have not been prescribed muscle relaxants. I do want to pursue physical therapy and / or acupuncture. I have yet to find anyone with experience with my situation. Hopefully now I will be able to better explain what type of expertise I am looking for. Thanks again!

Jump to this post

I wish you the best of luck finding someone who can help you. This has to be so frustrating and painful for you.

My professional background is in dentistry for 30+ years. Though not common this type of situation can arise after a lengthy procedure where the mouth is open for an extended period. But usually the muscles relax and respond well to alternating ice/warm compresses. That needs to be done the first day or so. @jenniferhunter went into more of the technical details and she’s spot on with the description.
Since this sounds muscular, search for an Osteopathic Doctor. They specialize in the manipulation of the body’s muscles and bones. They’re very familiar with myofascial release (MR). If none are available in your area, then a massage therapist who has special training in MR would be another option or a Physical Therapist through your physician.

I do hope you find some relief soon and really want to follow you along in this. Will you let me know how you’re doing and if you’ve found someone to help?

REPLY
RW | @nbkod7b | Feb 11, 2022

Yes I will. Thanks again for all your input and encouragement..

REPLY
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