my jaw cracks/clicks everytime i open it more than half way. it's only on my left side. if i put pressure on it with my fingers it stops clickingg. sometimes i got headaches too that feel related to my jaww. my jaw hurts mildly. sometimes the clicking/cracking is worse than other times. im 13 and this has been going on since the beginning of summer. i dont know why, and i dont know waht to do. can someone help?
2007-12-29 08:05:29 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Hi Brooke. There is a disc (the intra-articular disc) inside the jaw joint (the TMJ - temporo-Mandibular Joint). This disc must move in rhythm with the opening and closing of the jaw. When the disc does not move in rhythm with the jaw opening and closing, it 'clicks'.
There is a jaw muscle called the External Ptyerigoid (pronounced 'ter - i - goid') that is connected to the disc and moves the disc in rhythm with opening/closing jaw. Most clicking discs are the result of a tightening, spasm, or trigger point in this muscle. Simple treatments to relieve the muscle dysfunction are often very effective.
You may want to see your family Chiropractor for a thorough evaluation. Treatment is usually simple and effective. Be careful if you consult a dentist. If the dentist wants do use lots of expensive 'therapy' machines, put in braces, or do actual surgery to correct what is usually a simple problem - beware!
Best wishes and good luck.
2007-12-29 08:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor J 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like you, I have the same problem, only mine is on the right side. I saw a chiropractor for the problem, and he placed heavy pressure on the joint and held it for about a minute or slightly less. he told me to do this every day, twice if I remembered to do so. since I've been doing that, I've noticed that the clicking has began to stop. It still happens every now and again, but its much better than before. He also suggested to lay back on the gum chewing, since the constant chewing motion disrupts the ease of the joint movement (or something like that, lol) Good luck.
2007-12-29 08:29:14 · answer #2 · answered by Life Is Just... 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TMJ, it could get stuck open or closed too, I had it when I was 11-13
2007-12-29 09:25:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Typically, they are left in place. On the rare occasion that they cause problems, the doctor will use anesthesia and remove them.
2016-05-27 19:32:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk with your dentist its probably TMJ
2007-12-29 08:10:21 · answer #5 · answered by SunLover 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋