Trismus
Trismus, also sometimes called lockjaw, is a painful condition caused by inflammation, stiffness or scar tissue in jaw muscles and joints in which the chewing muscles of the jaw become contracted and inflamed, preventing the mouth from fully opening. The earlier you receive treatment, the better the outcome
Trismus
For most people, fully opening the mouth means opening will be a little greater than the width of two fingers
When the mouth’s opening movement is restricted, a number of problems can arise. These include feeding and swallowing problems, oral hygiene issues, and even difficulty speaking.
While trismus is not widespread in the population, it’s sometimes commonly seen in certain groups, particularly in those who:
- have had oral surgery to remove their wisdom tooth
- have had head and neck cancer in a region involving structures that influence jaw movement
- have undergone surgery or radiation around the head and neck
How long does it last?
In most cases, trismus is temporary and resolves within around 1- 2 weeks. However, in some cases, it can take longer to resolve and may even become permanent if left untreated. Trismus can last longer and could be more resistant to conventional treatment in those who develop fibrous tissue due to radiation therapy.
Treatment options
Trismus is more commonly temporary than permanent. But the earlier you start treatment, the better the chance for a greater recovery. Some treatment options include:
- Use of a jaw-stretching device. These devices fit between the upper and lower jaw. A physical therapist will tell you which stretches to perform and how often.
- Medication. Your doctor may recommend or prescribe a muscle relaxant, pain reliever, or anti-inflammatory medication.
- Physical therapy. This typically involves massaging and stretching to help loosen the muscles and decrease pain.
- Dietary changes. avoiding hard, crunchy foods is often recommended to ease pain until symptoms improve.
Trismus exercises
Common causes
Trismus can occur when there’s damage or injury to the muscles of the jaw. This can happen due to trauma, oral surgical procedures, TMJ doisorders, mal aligned teeth, stress disorders and bruxism.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will perform a thorough oral exam, specifically looking for signs of oral abnormalities, bone and joint abnormalities, or any other abnormal tissue in your jaw that may lead to trismus. They’ll also:
- Measure how wide you can open your mouth
- Ask about any recent dental treatments or procedures
- Ask about any possible injuries to your jaw — for example, if you were hit in the jaw during a sporting or car accident
- Ask about any history of prior surgery or radiation therapy to your head and neck
- Order imaging studies a to help determine whether your trismus is stemming from a problem with your joints or tissues
The takeaway
While trismus can be painful, it’s usually temporary and responds well to both medication and physical therapy.
If you’re having dental surgery or radiation or surgery for head or neck cancer, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of developing the condition.
The earlier you receive treatment, the better the outcome, so don’t hesitate to seek help if you notice any trismus symptoms.