How TMJ-Related Lockjaw Differs from Tetanus Jaw Locking

By Medical Writer, Jeannie Hill

While there is less urgency in treating TMJ-related lockjaw, both medical conditions improve from seeking timely treatment. Though both involve limited jaw movement, TMJ-related lockjaw and tetanus lockjaw have distinct differences that are crucial to understand.

TMJ-related lockjaw and tetanus jaw locking differ in multiple ways, including:

Cause: TMJ-related lockjaw is caused by a physical occurrence, such as jaw injuries, bruxism, or sustained stress on the jaw joint. Tetanus jaw locking is caused by a bacterial infection. This is a serious disease of the nervous system that is triggered by a toxin-producing bacterium called Clostridium tetani.

Symptoms: Symptoms may overlap and be confusing to the average person. An orofacial pain specialist can sort through the differences. TMJ-related lockjaw is often characterized by achy pain or soreness in the jaw muscles, clicking or popping sounds when opening or closing the mouth, and difficulty chewing. In contrast, tetanus lockjaw typically begins with difficulty swallowing and stiffness in the neck and jaw muscles, which progresses to muscle spasms, difficulty breathing, and even changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

Tetanus often starts with lockjaw, while TMJ lockjaw is usually preceded by other TMJ symptoms.

Severity: TMJ-related lockjaw is painful and serious, but it won’t lead to near-death conditions. Tetanus jaw locking is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. While both conditions limit jaw movement, their severity differ significantly.

Treatment: Following a professional diagnosis and treatment plan, TMJ-related lockjaw can improve with managed self-care at home. Tetanus jaw locking requires immediate treatment and is best carried out at a hospital. Treatment is best provided by a physician or provider specializing in oral and maxillofacial conditions.

Often a primary healthcare physician or dentist initially identifies that a (temporomandibular joint) disorder or lockjaw issue exists. Other specialists like an ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor or a neurologist might be involved depending on the symptoms present.

Prevention: Tetanus can be prevented with vaccinations. This is why children and preteens are recommended to receive the tetanus vaccine, and why adults should get a booster shot every 10 years. What is TMJ-Related Lockjaw? TMJ-related lockjaw refers to the restriction in jaw movement caused by issues with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Unlike tetanus lockjaw, which is caused by a bacterial infection, TMJ-related lockjaw is typically triggered by factors like:

• A jaw injury
• Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
• Stress on the jaw joint

Why Seek Treatment?

Although TMJ-related lockjaw is not life-threatening, ignoring this medical condition can lead to more frequent episodes, increased pain severity, and chronic discomfort. Early diagnosis and treatment can potentially prevent these complications, or a severe TMD disorder, and provide a lasting solution.

Benefits gained by seeking treatment for TMJ-related lockjaw:

• Pain Relief: Pain can absorb your energy and focus; it can also be debilitating. Lockjaw treatment can address the underlying causes of your pain, providing relief, and improve your ability to enjoy a pain-free lifestyle.
• Prevent Worsening Symptoms: Without intervention, the condition might deteriorate, leading to chronic pain, more frequent locking episodes, and further limitations in jaw movement.
• Improve Jaw Function: Treatments like physical therapy and oral appliances can help restore normal jaw function, making it easier to eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene.
• Address Related Issues: TMJ disorders can contribute to headaches, neck pain, earaches, and even sleep disturbances. Addressing the TMJ issue can alleviate these associated problems as well.
• Peace of Mind: Receiving a diagnosis and understanding the cause of your jaw pain can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety related to your symptoms. Often, a lack of peace of mind contributes to restless sleep, which can trigger further jaw issues.

Lockjaw Treatment Options

Your lockjaw treatment plan will be based on the existing cause indicators. TMJ-related lockjaw treatment focuses on managing symptoms and addressing the root cause. Common approaches include:

• Trigger Point Injections: Injections into specific jaw muscles can help relieve pain and reduce muscle tension.
• Mouth Guards: Custom-made oral appliances (splints or bite guards) can reposition the jaw, reduce stress, and prevent teeth grinding. Your facial pain specialist may recommend comprehensive splint therapy.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and jaw stretches can improve jaw mobility and strengthen the surrounding muscles. Manual jaw-opening exercises include using your hand to manually manipulate the jaw open and close until it loosens.
• Medications: Prescribed muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatories can provide short-term pain relief.
• Lifestyle Changes: Stress management techniques and behavioral therapy can help reduce jaw clenching and teeth grinding. Often, a partner is the first to notice nocturnal teeth grinding. Ask someone to observe your stress level and parafunction habits while sleeping in order to identify which lifestyle changes can help prevent or reduce TMJ-related jaw lock issues. Relaxation and stress management techniques commonly imvolve deep breathing.
• Self-care Diet Changes: Eat softer foods that put less stress on the jaw while chewing. Avoid excessively chewing gum or clenching your jaw; by reducing these jaw movements, it has a better chance to heal.

Understanding your Basic Jaw Anatomy

The TMJ has a few key parts:

1. Condyle: The bony knob at the end of the jawbone. The condylar position is how the mandibular condyle is situated in relation to the glenoid fossa when the teeth are in maximum intercuspation.

2. Fossa: A small indentation in the temporal bone where the condyle sits when the mouth is closed.

3. Articular eminence: A small bony bump in the temporal bone that the condyle slides down when the mouth opens.

4. Articular disc: A flexible cartilage that cushions the bones in the TMJ.

Each of the above are important factors in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. An orofacial pain specialist can assess your fossa, disc, and condylar position (the location of the jaw joint in relation to the skull).

Why Face the Potential of Lockjaw Worsening Without Intervention?

An orofacial pain specialist can best assess a patient’s condylar position in an open mouth. They can also evaluate other aspects of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health and proper functioning levels. If you’re experiencing jaw pain or limited jaw movement, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing TMJ disorders and preventing further lockjaw complications.