How to deal with jaw stiffness and pain based on the cause

Have you ever felt tension and stiffness around your neck? Apparently, this condition was caused by a tense jaw for various reasons. Because the causes are many and different, how to deal with them is different. Let's look at what are the ways to deal with a stiff jaw based on the trigger factors.

How to deal with a stiff jaw based on the cause

A stiff and tense jaw will certainly make you feel uncomfortable. This condition sometimes causes pain of different types, such as aches, throbbing neck, to pain that comes when chewing and yawning.

To overcome this you cannot be arbitrary, remembering that the causes are different. Here are some of the causes and ways to deal with a stiff jaw.

1. TMJ (jaw joint) disorders

TMJ or Temporomandibular joint is the jaw joint that functions to open and close your mouth. The joints that work together with these ligaments work so that your mouth can chew, speak, and swallow.

If there is a TMJ disorder, it will cause pain. The pain can be felt in the ears, jaw, and face, so that when you move it you can feel pain and produce a 'clicking' sound.

Tips for dealing with TMJ disorders:

Normally, this disorder is temporary and only requires home treatment. However, if the stiff jaw due to TMJ interferes with your activities, there are several treatments to treat the condition.

• Painkillers and anti-inflammatory, such as ibuprofen.
• Tricyclic antidepressant drugs which is included in depression medication. However, in low doses and as recommended by your doctor, you can use it to control pain.
• Muscle relaxants which is usually used for several days or weeks to reduce the pain caused by the TMJ.

2. Stress

It turns out, experiencing stress can also affect the joints and muscles around your jaw. This is because when you are stressed, you unconsciously make your jaw tense.

Tips for dealing with stiff jaw due to stress:

To deal with a stiff jaw due to stress, of course, do things that can reduce the stress you have, such as:

• Meditation which helps calm your mind.
• Write whatever you feel can be a way to manage stress.
• Rest and if necessary take a vacation and take time off for a while.
• Start exercising regularly and change your diet to be healthier
• Talking about problems which stresses you out to those who listen to you, such as friends and family.

Although the methods above don't seem to have much to do with jaw stiffness, managing stress can actually reduce tension in the joints and muscles around the neck.

3.Bruxism (grinding teeth)

Bruxism or grinding teeth is a condition that results when you are stressed. In addition, abnormal positions of the upper and lower teeth can cause this condition.

Bruxism occurs involuntarily, such as while sleeping or walking. As a result, several symptoms appear that irritate your jaw joints and muscles, such as:

• A stiff, tense jaw
• Ear, head, and neck pain
• The jaw is locked and it is difficult to open or close the mouth completely

Tips for dealing with stiff jaw due to bruxism

Source: Sekhon Dentistry

If this happens to you due to frequent grinding of your teeth, there are several ways you can treat stiff jaws due to bruxism, namely:

• Wear protective gear designed to keep teeth from being damaged by constantly grinding them. Typically, these guards are made of hard or soft acrylic to match the size of your upper and lower teeth.
• Reduce consumption of chewing gum because it makes you get used to grinding your teeth
• Take muscle relaxants to reduce muscle tension in your jaw.

4. Tetanus

One of the causes of a stiff jaw is tetanus. Tetanus is a condition when there is damage to the nervous system due to a bacterial infection Clostridium tetani which can also cause muscle contractions in the neck and jaw.

Tips for dealing with a stiff jaw due to tetanus:

Tetanus usually results from not cleaning wounds properly. Therefore, when your skin is exposed as a result of cuts, immediately clean it properly.

If it is too late, immediately go to the nearest hospital and consult this problem with your doctor.

There are several ways that may help you deal with a stiff jaw due to tetanus, such as:

• Wash the wound with soap and water, if necessary, use an antiseptic to make it cleaner.
• Consult a doctor

Another way to deal with a stiff jaw

1. The jaw opening exercise

So that your jaw is no longer stiff, you can try this exercise. Do a mouth opening and closing as a warm-up.

Afterward, place your fingers under the front. Try to pull your jaw lightly until you feel discomfort. Hold the position for 30 seconds and release the grip of your fingers. Do this movement three times.

2. Smile practice

In fact, stretching the mouth with a smile can reduce stress on the muscles of the face, upper and lower jaw, and neck.

You can do this exercise with a smile as much as possible which does not cause pain or soreness in the face. Simultaneously, open your jaw 5 cm wide, inhale through your mouth, and exhale with a smile. Do this movement 10 times.

3. Eat soft foods

When your jaw muscles feel tense, you may find it more difficult to chew. Therefore, for the time being, make it a habit to eat soft foods to facilitate the chewing process in the mouth, such as:

• Tofu
• Yogurt
• Porridge
• Juices and smoothies

In fact, there are many ways to deal with a stiff jaw. However, when you feel this condition is affecting your overall health, it is better if you consult your doctor first to get more appropriate treatment.