What Causes Trismus (Lockjaw) and How Can It Be Treated Naturally?

Question

A few days ago, I woke up with a strange tightness in my jaw. I didn’t think much of it at first, but as the day went on, I realized that I couldn’t open my mouth fully. It felt like my jaw was stuck in place, and whenever I tried to open it wider, there was sharp pain. I looked it up, and it seems like I might have trismus, also known as lockjaw.

I didn’t injure my jaw recently, but I did have a wisdom tooth removed about a month ago. Could that be the cause? I read that trismus can happen after dental surgery, but I didn’t expect it to last this long. How do I know if this is just temporary or if I need treatment?

The scariest thing I read was that trismus can be caused by tetanus infection. I had a tetanus shot a few years ago, but I’m still worried—how can I tell if my trismus is from muscle tightness or something more serious? What are the warning signs that indicate I should go to a doctor immediately?

I’m looking for natural ways to loosen my jaw and relieve the pain. Would heat therapy or jaw massages help with trismus? I’ve heard that some Ayurvedic oils, like Mahanarayan Oil, can help relax muscles—has anyone tried using these for trismus?

Also, should I be doing any exercises to help my jaw movement, or could that make things worse? I don’t want to force it open and cause more pain.

If anyone has experienced trismus before, how did you recover? Did it go away on its own, or did you need physical therapy or medical treatment? Any advice would be really appreciated!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Trismus or lockjaw can sometimes occur after dental procedures like wisdom tooth removal, as the muscles and tissues around the jaw may become tense or inflamed. While it can also be associated with infections like tetanus, since you’ve had a tetanus shot and there’s no obvious wound, it’s likely related to muscle tightness or a mild injury from the surgery. You can try gentle heat therapy to relax the jaw muscles or use Mahanarayan Oil, which is known in Ayurveda for its muscle-relaxing properties. Mild jaw massages can help, but avoid forcing your jaw open, as that might worsen the pain. It’s important to also stay hydrated and avoid any foods that may irritate the jaw. If the pain persists, or if you notice swelling, fever, or other signs of infection, it’s best to consult a doctor to rule out any complications. Otherwise, with gentle care and relaxation techniques, your jaw should improve over time.

What Causes Trismus (Lockjaw) and How Can It Be Treated Naturally? - #15540

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