Fact Checked
Lockjaw is a temporomandibular joint disorder which causes pain in the joint where the lower jaw is connected to the skull.
Symptoms of lockjaw
- Pain in the jaw, ear and face
- Difficulty chewing or biting foods
- Headache
- Difficulty opening or closing the mouth because the joint is locked in place
- A clicking or grating sound can be heard when moving the mouth
Difficulty opening or closing the mouth because the joint is locked in place. - Painful muscle spasms of the jaw
- Seizures
- High blood pressure and fast heart rate
Causes
- Tetanus
- Inflammation of the soft tissue in the mouth due to over mastication or excessive chewing
- Oral diseases, fever and other conditions that have symptoms in the mouth
Treatment
- Mustard oil improves the circulation of blood in the affected area and garlic is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that lessen inflammation of the area. Boil a few cloves of garlic in mustard oil. Use the cooled oil to massage the jaw at least 2-3 times every day to lessen the pain and promote fast healing. Another option is consuming a few cloves of raw garlic every day.
- Apply a warm compress on the jaw area. Apply a hot water bag on the affected area to lessen the pain. Another option is using a heating pad to loosen stiffness of the muscles and lessen pain due to lockjaw at least several times every day.
- Apply a cold compress on the affected jaw. Apply a cold compress on the neck and jaw to lessen the pain at least several times every day. Avoid applying ice directly on the skin. Wrap the ice pack with a towel before placing on the affected area.
- Maintain proper posture to lessen the symptoms of lockjaw. Sit in an erect position when working and take breaks in between work to relax the spine. Sleep on the back and avoid sleeping on the side since this can worsen the condition.
- Increase consumption of magnesium to lessen the symptoms of lockjaw. Magnesium relaxes the muscles of the jaw and the nervous system. It also lessens the pain and promotes fast healing of the condition. Some foods rich in magnesium include avocados, Brazil nuts, almonds, oatmeal, corn, yogurt, sesame seeds, spinach, watermelon seeds and pumpkin.
- Increase the calcium intake to strengthen the bones in the body. Foods rich in calcium include cabbage, milk and milk products, banana, spinach, oranges, unpolished rice, almonds and coconut.
- Keep the body hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water every day.
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