Jaw pain when yawning can stem from various factors, most commonly related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects your jawbone to your skull, and any dysfunction can lead to discomfort. As yawning forces, the TMJ into an end of range position, if you are experiencing restriction in your ability to open fully, then it is likely that yawning would bring about some pain.

A locked jaw, medically known as trismus, can stem from a variety of causes, including dental procedures, jaw injuries, disc displacements, or even excessive muscle tension from stress. At My Jaw Physio, trismus is one of the more complex — and rewarding — conditions we treat. In fact, it’s my favorite condition to work with because of how life-changing the results can be for patients.

Disc Displacement: The joint contains a small cartilage disc that helps cushion the jaw during movement. The disc can lag behind and create air pockets, when the disc rushes to catch up with the moving jaw bone, it pops the air pockets that it has created, leading to clicking sounds as the joint moves.

What are the Symptoms of TMJ?

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/ TMD) can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Characterized by pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement, TMJ/TMD can lead to a variety of symptoms which can range from annoying to distressing. In this blog post, we will explore the common symptoms that patients may experience when suffering from TMJ/TMD.

1. Jaw and facial Pain 

One of the primary symptoms of TMJ/TMD is persistent pain in the jaw. This discomfort may be localized to the area near the joint or can radiate to the surrounding muscles. Patients often describe the pain as dull and acheing, with sharp or intense episodes occurring after or during activities such as chewing or yawning.