Jaw Region Pain / Intermittent Jaw Locking
Jaw Region Pain / Intermittent Jaw Locking
Case Description: The patient is 21 y/o female with a ~5 year history of progressively more and more “popping” of her jaw. Over the several weeks leading up to starting PT, this “popping” had intensified and on multiple occasions her jaw had locked in a shut position before experiencing a sharply painful “pop,” as she forced it open. This would typically occur with chewing crunchy foods or with attempting to open wide. She was also experiencing considerably increased temporal headache symptoms. She had never had any formal care for her jaw.
Intervention: The patient was seen for 10 physical therapy visits over 6 wks
| Opening | Treatment / Function | |
| Initial Evaluation (IE) | 20 mm at onset of pain(R sided painful “popping”) | Diet modification, light self-massage, lateral gentle excursion stretching. “Locking” occurring multiple times each day. |
| 2 weeks after IE | 34 mm at onset of pain(R sided non-painful “popping”) | Light jaw stretching routine (including gentle opening stretch). “Locking” occurring each day, but less painful |
| 4 weeks after IE | 40 without pain (minimal “popping”) | Re-introduction of a normal diet with crunchy/chewy foods. Only 2 instances of “locking” and they were over 2 wk period |
| Discharge (6 wks after IE) | 40+ mm without pain (no “popping”) | Education in an advanced home program to maintain results. No instances of “locking” over a 2 wk period |
Summary: This patient had experienced some level of jaw dysfunction for nearly 5 years, only seeking out more formal help as symptoms intensified and her function significantly worsened. Her presentation was consistent with anterior disc displacement with reduction with intermittent locking. With ~6 weeks of conservative care, she achieved functional opening and had returned to her normal diet. Physical therapy can be an excellent conservative option to improve quality of life related to jaw dysfunction.
Patient Comments at Discharge: “I am able to eat and do everyday activities like brushing teeth, flossing, etc., normally and without pain or locking. My headaches have also been reduced…Very nice staff (at Full Potential). Easy scheduling and good communication. Welcoming to patients. Really good at listening to concerns and giving detailed explanations.”