ockjaw, or locked jaw, also known as trismus, is a disorder in the jaw muscles. It’s a spasm in the muscles of the jaw that help with chewing, talking, and generally opening and closing the mouth.
Locked jaw can also be colloquially used as a term for TMJ, a disorder in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (the joint in the jaw just in front of the ear).
In both cases, locked jaw can be a very disruptive and painful experience, and, if not treated, will continue to get worse. In the former case, lockjaw, it can actually be due to a serious bacterial infection caused by tetanus. More likely, however, it’s an inflammation in the soft tissue of the jaw, and the reasons can vary–anything from chewing too much to sleeping wrong.
In any case, locked jaw will cause pain to the jaw, to the mouth, to the head, and even radiating down into the neck and shoulders. It can cause insomnia, lack of appetite (because chewing hurts or it is too difficult to open the mouth), or earaches.
Is There a Natural Remedy for Lockjaw? Is There a Natural Cure for TMJ Pain?
The first treatment that a dentist or oral surgeon will try is to apply cold packs and hot packs, a warm compress, on the jaw, alternating each side of the face for approximately 10 minutes each. They will recommend stretches several times a day where you move your jaw from side to side, and open and close your mouth. Heating pads can also be used.
Staying hydrated is important, because you’ll likely only be eating soft foods, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re taking care of your nutritional needs while you’re going through this.
A traditional dentist may offer anti-inflammatory drugs, or in some cases narcotic analgesics for pain relief. Doctors have even been known to prescribe low doses of antidepressants to patients with locked jaw. They may also recommend a mouth guard.
But, holistic biological dentists have different approaches to TMJ: ayurvedic treatment.
What is the TMJ Treatment in Ayurveda?
Many choose finding relief from locked jaw through ayurvedic tmj treatment options. Ayurveda is a natural system of medicine that has been practiced in India for more than 3000 years. The words in Sanskrit mean ayur (life) and veda (knowledge), so ayurveda is the knowledge of life.
There are three primary ayurveda treatments for locked jaw.
The first is the application of oils. Til oil, which is a cousin of sesame oil, can be applied to the ears every morning. Til oil is an all-natural substance which has properties which are believed to loosen muscles and relieve tension. By applying the oil every morning to each ear, the patient will soon notice a difference in their jaw’s mobility and jaw pain.
The second ayurvedic method for dealing with lockjaw is something called Nirmult Chikitsa, which is a powerful meditative act of removing emotional obstacles that may be standing in the way of better health. According to the ayurveda, locked jaw can be caused by emotional stress, including not speaking up when you need to and letting heavy emotions weigh on your mind instead of letting them out.
Finally, the ayurveda teaches about Majopeksha, which is also known as the great forgiveness. This therapy allows you to release emotions that you have bottled up inside, emotions which are causing long-term, chronic pain.
What Ayurveda Can Do For You
Ayurvedic treatment may be just the thing you need to solve your TMJ without surgery, or to help the life of someone you love. There are many ways the holistic dental therapies and treatments can help that traditional dentistry can’t. Our staff is always happy to answer any questions and let you know how ayurveda can change your life.
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