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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Tight Sensation In The Jaw?

For the past 4 days, I have been experiencing tension and tightness in my jaw, this morning it turned into clicking and popping whenever I open it. Classic TMJ symptoms. However, I cut my finger pretty deep about a week ago with broken glass, and since it had been over 10 years since my last tetanus shot, the urgent care suggested I get one. Two days later (so, within 48 hours of the cut), I got the tdap shot. My arm where I got the shot has been sore ever since (fine), but a couple days later is when my throat and jaw stuff started. Should I be concerned? My arm is still sore, so maybe all these symptoms will just go away in a few days? I’m concerned since it has been a week since the vaccine, and I’ve been dealing with gut and stress issues for the past year, so I’m sure my immune system isn’t very strong and I’m worried this will all only get worse. Any suggestions? I’m trying to eat mainly soft foods, but w/my gut issues, that isn’t the most easy - I can only tolerate so many foods. I called the urgent care doc and he said it doesn’t sound like symptoms of the shot (of course), but I’m not convinced.
posted on Sat, 7 Apr 2018
Twitter Sun, 20 May 2018 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 22 May 2018 Last reviewed on
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Dentist 's  Response
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Well as you have got the tdap shot within 48 hours and also the symptoms began in a couple of days, so the chances of tetanus are less, as the incubation period of tetanus is 7 to 10 days and symptoms generally appear after this period.

However a confirmation is always needed, so should be done.

You should once consult an Oral Physician and get evaluated and a clinical examination and a panoromic X-ray can be done to rule out the exact cause.

In case if it is due to TMJ then you will be advised a combination of muscle relaxant and painkiller and along with it you will also be advised physiotherapy and mouth guards.

For now continue taking soft diet and massage the sides of the cheeks gently.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.