The jaw is controlled by the temporomandibular joint, which can become strained or blocked due to stress, misalignment, and bruxism. A blocked jaw is a painful condition that can often lead to other problems such as headaches and pain in the face and neck. You need to massage the jaw and perform relaxation exercises to unblock it and release stress. If this ailment worsens or causes too much pain, you should see your doctor. In addition, you can put on an bite guard and control stress to keep the jaw healthy and relaxed.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Massage your jaw
Step 1. Apply a warm compress to the jaw to warm it
Wrap a heat pack in a towel or soak a clean cloth in lukewarm water. Apply it to both sides of the jaw and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes to relax the jaw muscles and reduce inflammation.
- Always make sure to warm your jaw before massaging it to unlock it and make it less tight.
- You should apply the heat pack (or compress) several times a day (10 to 15 minutes at a time) in order to treat your jawbone.
Step 2. Massage the jawbone with your fingers
Place them on the lower jaw (just below the cheekbones) and gently massage the area by moving the fingers towards the ear. You should feel a flat bone just below the ear. Use two or three fingers to gently press on this area and massage it in a circular motion.
- This movement helps warm the muscles and stimulate the area, which can cause it to relax.
- You should repeat the massage on the other side of the jaw to soften it.
Step 3. Apply pressure to the jaw muscle with the index finger
This muscle is found along the jawbone at the lower part of the jawbone. You need to apply pressure to it for five to ten seconds at a time so that you can loosen it up. If this procedure becomes too painful, you need to apply pressure for a short time.
Over time, you will feel the relaxation of the jaw muscle as you apply pressure. In some people, this procedure can help loosen the jaw or make it less strained
Step 4. Use your thumbs to stretch the temporomandibular joint
Place both thumbs on the jawbones, just above the jaw muscle. Apply pressure to it while moving the fingers downward, stretching it from the upper jaw. This exercise will allow you to relax the temporomandibular joint.
- You also have the option of placing two fingers on the jaw muscle and two more on the upper jaw. Then bring them closer together so that their ends are between the two areas. Keep them in this position for a few seconds to release the game.
- If you have trouble performing this massage on your own, you can enlist the help of a friend.
Step 5. Move your jaw from side to side with your hands
Keep her relaxed while placing your hands on both sides to move her gently from side to side. Do not stretch or press hard on the jaw. You just need to wiggle it slightly until you feel it is less blocked and tense.
- You can also try moving the jaw up and down using your hands. You should rub it lightly with your fingers during this movement to allow it to soften.
- If the jaw does not move or it hurts too much when you try to massage and move it, you should see a doctor immediately. Avoid forcing the jaw to move, as this may damage it further.
Step 6. Massage it once or twice a day
Once it starts to loosen, you should get used to massaging it once a day. Start warming her up with a warming gel pack or hot compress. Over time, the jaw will begin to release and the disc will snap into place. After that, she should regain her normal movement.
If you don't notice any improvement after two or three days, you should go to the doctor
Method 2 of 4: Perform exercises to move the jaw
Step 1. Lie on your back with your knees bent
You can start in a relaxed position on a mat or soft ground. Keep your head and neck relaxed on the floor while you are in this position.
You can rest your head on a thin pillow if it is more comfortable for your face and jaw
Step 2. Focus your attention on the neck, face and jaw
Breathe in and out a few times, focusing on these areas. See if the face or neck is tense and check if the jaw is tight and uncomfortable.
Step 3. Gently open and close your mouth
Inhale as you gently open your oral cavity a few inches. You just have to open it to the point where you don't feel any stress or tension. Then breathe out and close it without letting the teeth touch. You should keep your neck and face relaxed during this procedure.
- You should repeat these movements five to ten times, inhaling each time you open your mouth and exhaling each time you close.
- Do not force the mouth to open and close if it begins to strain. Let the jaw rest when necessary to avoid further damage.
Step 4. Move the jaw from left to right
If you feel too much pain, try moving it from side to side. You should inhale as you move it a few inches to the left. Then breathe out as you bring it back to the middle. Finally, inhale as you move it a few inches to the right.
- You should perform this exercise five to ten times on each side.
- If you start to feel pain or tension in your jaw, you should take a break. Avoid straining too much, as this may make the situation worse.
Step 5. Perform jaw movement exercises once a day
Try to do them at the same time every day so that the jaw gets used to the movements and stays relaxed.
If it does not loosen or the pain becomes more severe, you should see a doctor for treatment
Method 3 of 4: See a doctor for treatment
Step 1. Consult the doctor
Do this if the jaw is not released with home care. If she has not relaxed with the movements and massages, you should see your doctor to tell you what to do. This can help you determine the cause of the condition and give you options to unblock the jaw.
In addition, the doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), pain relievers, muscle relaxers, anxiety medications, or a low dose of antidepressants to treat trismus. Talk to him / her before taking any other medicine (even if it is over-the-counter)
Step 2. Go to the doctor's office
Do this if you experience headaches or neck pain from the jaw contraction. In some cases, the condition may get worse to the point of causing headaches and neck tension or swelling. You are also likely to experience pain and tension in your face. You should see a doctor if you experience these symptoms to prevent them from getting worse.
Step 3. Let the doctor examine your jaw and perform tests
He will begin by gently examining the jaw area to determine the severity of the disease. He may also suggest an x-ray to get a better idea of the damage or misalignment of the bones.
In some cases, he may use magnetic resonance imaging to closely observe the temporomandibular joint
Step 4. Let the doctor put the jaw back in place
Your doctor will either put you under local anesthesia or give you a muscle relaxer so that your jaw does not tighten. Then he will pull the lower jaw down and bring the joint disc back to its place.
- This can be done in the doctor's office and is usually not painful.
- You need to consume liquid food for several days after the procedure to allow the jawbone to recover.
Step 5. Receive botox injections to loosen the jawbone
Botulinum toxin can help relax jaw muscles and relieve stress in the temporomandibular joint. The doctor can give these injections directly into the muscles of the jaw to relax them and to unblock this part.
- Injections of botulinum toxin into the jaw muscles should only be given occasionally, as too much of this toxin can weaken the muscles.
- Be aware that health insurance is likely not to cover this operation, as it could be considered cosmetic treatment. You should check with your health insurance provider.
Step 6. Consider having surgery if your jaw continues to lock up
If this happens frequently, the doctor may recommend surgery on the joint to make sure it stays in place. This operation is considered invasive and requires a significant recovery period during which you must consume liquid food and keep your mouth closed so that it can heal properly. The doctor will advise you of the risks and recovery time from surgery before performing this.
In most cases, it is sufficient to perform exercises and massages (in addition to using a mouthguard) to prevent the jaw from locking up again
Method 4 of 4: Maintain a Healthy Jaw
Step 1. Wear an occlusal plate while sleeping
This plastic device covers the teeth and prevents you from rubbing them together or clenching your jaw. The doctor will design a custom mouthguard that you will use at night while you sleep. It will be designed to accommodate teeth and bites, which will make it nicer than a generic bite splint that you can get at a store.
Make sure the braces fit well and use them every night. Its regular use can prevent trismus and keep the jaw healthy
Step 2. Do not eat hard, crunchy or sticky foods
You should avoid tough meats (like steak) and raw vegetables (like broccoli or carrots). Do not take hard or chewy candies, as they can put pressure on the jaw. Avoid chewing ice cubes, as they may be too hard on your jaw and teeth.
Be careful not to open your mouth too wide while eating, as this may cause the jaw disc to move. Chew food slowly and carefully so as not to force the jaw too much or move it
Step 3. Perform jaw exercises and massages often
Get used to massaging her before going to bed or in the morning so that she stays relaxed and loose. You should perform jaw exercises once a day or several times a week to avoid contraction.
Step 4. Keep stress at manageable levels
Anxiety and stress can cause you to squeeze or contract your jaw, which can lead to trismus. You need to exercise once a day, run or walk to stay active and relieve stress. You can regularly perform a relaxing activity (for example, draw, knit, or paint) to stay relaxed.
