This question goes out to all who know about the jaw and it's ligaments and all that.

For the past 5 years I have had the biggest problem with my jaw. Every morning when I wake up and my jaw is either out of place and locked up. Can't open it to save my life. However, after a few minutes and after I get up from bed and stand up straight, everything tends to go back into place. Doesn't really bother me that much, but it's not that pleasant either. I am assuming it's a condition called Trismus? Anyone know? I have not had my wisdom teeth taken out and have never had a Tetnus shot which I read somewhere could also be the cause of this. My biggest concern is going under the knife to solve this, so I'm hoping there are other methods to treat my jaw issues.

I'd suggest seeing your dentist. Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) could be the cause of your problem. He may suggest physiotherapy or wearing a splint (nightguard) when you sleep.

How do you sleep? Do you sleep on your hands or arm? If you do, this could cause your jaw to get misaligned as you sleep. You are pushing your jaw to one side and in the morning it takes a little time for it to work itself back into place.

Since you say the problem is worse in the morning you could also be grinding at night. Do you wake in the morning with headaches? Do you have a tooth or teeth that is hypersensitive for a day or two and then settles down? Do you have pain in your neck and shoulders? Can you feel notches on your teeth near the gumline? These are all signs of night grinding.

Again, make an appointment with your dentist and have him/her check your TMJ.

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Originally Posted by flossie

I'd suggest seeing your dentist. Your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) could be the cause of your problem. He may suggest physiotherapy or wearing a splint (nightguard) when you sleep.

How do you sleep? Do you sleep on your hands or arm? If you do, this could cause your jaw to get misaligned as you sleep. You are pushing your jaw to one side and in the morning it takes a little time for it to work itself back into place.

Since you say the problem is worse in the morning you could also be grinding at night. Do you wake in the morning with headaches? Do you have a tooth or teeth that is hypersensitive for a day or two and then settles down? Do you have pain in your neck and shoulders? Can you feel notches on your teeth near the gumline? These are all signs of night grinding.

Again, make an appointment with your dentist and have him/her check your TMJ.

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I do sleep on my side a lot and rarely lay flat anymore. From time to time my head will rest on my hand or my arm. Only way I can fall asleep really. I can honestly say I've had some stress the last few years so I may be grinding my teeth and I don't know about it. I don't wake up with any headaches or anything. Just my jaw in it's locked position until it finds its way back.

On a side note, as a result of sleeping on my side for the last few years, I ended up partially tearing my rotator cuff as a result. Don't ask me how, but the pain started after waking up on my side.

Thank you for answers.