From the Guidelines
To manage a locked jaw, start by applying a warm compress to the affected area and practicing gentle jaw stretching exercises, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. The goal is to relax the muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve jaw function. Some key interventions to consider include:
- Jaw mobilisation
- Jaw exercise
- Jaw stretching
- Trigger point therapy
- Postural exercise These interventions are supported by strong recommendations in favour, as they are likely to provide benefits in pain relief or function that outweigh harms or burden 1. It's also important to note that conservative approaches should be pursued first, including reassurance and education, avoidance of wide mouth opening or aggravating activities, soft diet, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 1. If symptoms persist or worsen, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider or dentist for further evaluation and potential treatment with muscle relaxants, a custom mouth guard, physical therapy, or in rare cases, surgical intervention. Recent studies have emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and longitudinal evaluation in managing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which are often associated with locked jaw 1. By prioritizing these evidence-based interventions and seeking professional help when needed, individuals can effectively manage their locked jaw and prevent long-term complications.
From the Research
Managing a Locked Jaw
To manage a locked jaw, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the condition. The following are potential causes and treatment options:
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc displacement without reduction with limited mouth opening (closed lock) can be treated with medical management or rehabilitation 2
- Temporomandibular joint ankylosis due to fracture can be treated with surgical intervention 3
- Masticatory muscle myositis can be treated with immunosuppressive therapy and gradual opening of the mouth 3
- Tetanus can be treated with antibiotics, human tetanus immune globulin, and wound care 4, 5
- Temporal arteritis can be treated with early identification and initiation of therapy to avoid serious complications 6
Treatment Options
The following treatment options can be considered:
- Medical management, including pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications 2
- Rehabilitation, including physical therapy and exercises to improve jaw function 2
- Surgical intervention, including arthroscopic surgery or arthroplasty, may be necessary in some cases 3, 2
- Antibiotics and human tetanus immune globulin may be necessary to treat tetanus 4, 5
- Immunotherapy may be necessary to treat masticatory muscle myositis 3
Important Considerations
It is crucial to note that the treatment of locked jaw should be directed towards the primary cause of the condition. In some cases, a combination of treatment options may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Additionally, early identification and treatment of the underlying cause can help to avoid serious complications and improve outcomes 4, 5, 6, 3, 2