My jaw

[skepticalpeach]

For the past 4 or 5 years my left jaw has been locking almost every day. It is the most frustrating thing ever. Now it just feels swollen all the time. I have no pain though. I've had it x-rayed by several different dentists who all say they can find nothing wrong with it. They do tell me not to EVER force it open because it will just irritate it even more. I've never had braces because I was lucky enough not to need them.

Lightly massaging my face and getting a back massage helps unlock/keep it unlocked. I also have to sleep on my left side or I will wake up with a stiff, locked jaw. When I take my calcium pills regularly I noticed that my jaw feels a lot better. I'm beginning to wonder if I have arthritis in my jaw. I'm only 23 but my body doesn't absorb calcium very well so I have to take calcium supplements. I really don't want surgery on my jaw because I have to have surgery for other ailments that I won't go into; so unless I can get a real answer, I'm stuck!

[missy126]

wow I was 23 when this all start with me You need moist heat, I us a long heating pad you can raped around you head, some times to tie it at the top of it. I know it sounds weid but it word for me. Take care and a few deep breath just to relax.

[skepticalpeach]

I just remembered that my mother ground her teeth in her sleep, I wonder if that's what I've been doing.

[scottma]

Locked jaw could be caused by masticatory muscle spasm, disk displacement, or anchored disk phenomenon.Seeing a tmj specialist is advised.