Can’t open jaw fully

[MinnieMountain]

Twice over the last week I’ve not been able to open my mouth fully. I get to half-way then it hurts too much on my left jaw joint.

The first time 15 minutes with a hot water bottle stopped it. Today it’s gone but the area feels odd.

It fits the description of TMD on the NHS website.

I’m going to try (ha!) to get a GP appointment tomorrow but I’m wondering if anyone has experienced this?

I've had it when my jaw used to dislocate. I was given some morning exercises to do by my dentist to try and loosen it up (think exaggerated 'eeee' and 'aaaa' faces) GP is a good idea though in case it's something else.

Jaw dislocating sounds scary @Bigfathairyones.

I’ll try some exercises if I can’t get through tomorrow.

Yes I had it for a few months I put it down to tension it slowly wore off

I can empathise, TMJ is awful. I suffer with this too, it comes and goes, sometimes it is excruciating pain, I can’t eat, and drink supplement through a straw. It’s quite common with my disability. Hopefully it will wear off soon for you.

From experience the GP won't do anything, you need a dentist to look at you.

Thank you @daisyjgrey. That would never have occurred to me. My dentist lists it as something he treats and it will be much easier to get an appointment.

That sounds nasty @Roselilly36. Mine’s not so bad that I have been unable to eat.

Hey @Roselilly36, I have the same issue with regards to eating during flare ups. I basically live off milkshakes. Do you find anything help at all whether it be medications/acupuncture etc?

Sounds like trismus? I got this once after a tooth extraction, apparently caused by the anaesthetic. Very painful but wore off after a few weeks

I get this from time to time, usually if I'm under a lot of strain at work.

Can you self refer for physio in your area? The physio should give you some ultrasound to relax the muscles and some exercises to do.

Don't go to your GP you need to see your dentist. They can give you jaw exercises and make you a bite raising appliance that you sleep with.

Sounds like tmjd your dentist can recommend simple jaw exercises or just google them. It's similar up spraining any other muscle, rest and heat works.

Yes, sounds like TMJ. You should see your dentist.
He might give you a muscle relaxant and advise you to wear an appliance at night.
I also have it badly on the left hand side. I had a flare recently, two lots of medication, but it's slow getting back to where it was (I've had it for years but it was reasonably okay). It's a real pain. You have my sympathy. Also, I had bad ear ache with it, so look out for that. Hopefully you won't get it.

@Fluffysocks88

Hey *@Roselilly36*, I have the same issue with regards to eating during flare ups. I basically live off milkshakes. Do you find anything help at all whether it be medications/acupuncture etc?

Usually I only suffer a flare for a few days at it’s worst, I generally avoid very chewy foods, any foods such as burgers that you need to open your mouth wide for and gum etc as that seems to trigger an attack. I have tried ibuprofen gel on my face, very sticky & looks awful but it helps a bit.

I also have Multiple Sclerosis, TMD/TMJ is quite common with my disability I also get numbness in my face at times, over my jaw on left side. I am weaker on my left side arm & leg, never recovered fully from my first inflammatory attack (Transverse Myelitis in 2012). Went on to have confirmed dx of MS in 2014, after a further attack, Neurologist did say he thought MS in 2012, everything else was ruled out. Been quite a journey!

I’ve booked to see my dentist in January. He’s full until then, but the receptionist said he’d see me urgently if it gets really bad.

Thank you for your help everyone.

That's tough. I hope it eases up for you soon. Get back onto the dental practice if it gets worse.