What Causes Dislocation Of Left Jaw On Wide Opening?

Posted on Sat, 7 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 7 Jun 2014 Answered on

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My left jaw clicks when I open and close it constantly. It is not really painful, but kind of annoying. It occasionally seems to lock, but I can quickly unlock it. This doesn't happen often, but when it does, it is painful. Stress seems to make it worse. I also have some sort of strange feelings when I scratch the left side of my face. It seems to refer a pulled feeling, not painful though, in my jaw area. This happens when I apply pressure to my eyebrow area or inner nose bridge on the left side only. It is never painful and I don't get headaches. It just feels sort of like my face muscles are tight or being strained and it refers sensation to my jaw area. I also have some neck and upper back strain and pain. I think this is from the repetitive stress of carrying my three children. Any ideas what could be causing this odd sensation I feel in my face. I sometimes don't notice it, but when I think about it, it just feels sort of odd. THis has been happening for three years or so.

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Might be TMJ dislocation or neuralgia.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

Your symptoms indicate you might have TMJ dislocation with reduction that means TMJ dislocates on wide opening & retains back its position itself.If this is the case it doesn't need any treatment.
Secondly your pain & trigger points on one side of face indicates trigeminal neuralgia.
You need to visit oral surgeon & rule out the chief cause.
Take proper rest.
Don't take stress.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (7 hours later)

Can you have neuralgia without pain?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No there are pain episodes.

Detailed Answer:
Neuralgic pain occurs unilaterally in episodes & its too painful to even touch.
Better you consult oral surgeon.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj