{"id":111,"date":"2023-05-05T18:17:36","date_gmt":"2023-05-05T18:17:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.centersleeptmj.com\/blog\/?p=111"},"modified":"2023-06-22T19:00:27","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T19:00:27","slug":"stiff-jaw-what-does-it-mean","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.centersleeptmj.com\/blog\/2023\/05\/05\/stiff-jaw-what-does-it-mean\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Jaw Feel Stiff?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Do you wake up with a stiff jaw<\/a>? Do you find it difficult to open and close your mouth, especially when trying to eat? This problem can many times be attributed to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Causing much discomfort and frustration, you may wonder if there are things you can do at home to improve your symptoms. Read on to find out what you can do to minimize the pain and when it\u2019s time to see a professional for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Can Cause a Stiff or Locked Jaw?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

No one wants the feeling of being able to move their mouth. Unfortunately, this is all too common for individuals who experience TMD. A stiff or locked jaw can also be the result of poor muscle movement in the face, a lack of jaw development, facial trauma, or cartilage or a disc shifting out of the joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When looking at your facial structure, there is what is known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It sits at the base of the skull and meets with the jaw. When working properly, your mouth will open and close with no issues. However, when it becomes inflamed or damaged, the disc that creates a cushion between the joints can slip out of place, resulting in pain as well as a stiff or locked jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apart From Pain, What Other Symptoms Are Associated with a Locked Jaw?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When suffering from problems associated with your TMJ, you\u2019ll not only experience much discomfort, but you\u2019ll also find it makes a clicking or popping noise when opening your mouth. You might even discover that when you do move it, the lower part of your jaw doesn\u2019t go straight down but instead, moves to the side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are There Home Remedies That Can Help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you want to try and treat your jaw pain at home, there are a few techniques you can use to improve your symptoms, some of which include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n