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Lockjaw is a commonly observed condition that causes muscle spasms in the jaw muscles and the affected person is unable to open the mouth. The pain may even radiate to ears, face, neck and the shoulders. A clicking sound is heard when the affected person tries to open the mouth as the joint locks in place. Apart from Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ), there are other causes of lockjaw such as inflamed muscles and soft tissue, injury, grinding of teeth, arthritis and tetanus infections.
Certain drugs and medications can also cause temporary locking of the jaw. Lockjaw is a temporary condition that goes away on its own in a few days. So, it’s a good idea to use some natural cures to get relief from the pain and faster healing of the condition. If you are having this problem repetitively, you may have to take therapy and proper medical advice in order to diagnose the underlying cause of this disorder. Given here are some natural cures which will be very beneficial for treating lockjaw.
Mustard oil helps to improve the blood circulation in the affected area and is very useful as a natural cure for lockjaw. Garlic has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the inflammation in the affected area.
It contains natural antimicrobial properties that can help cure any infection that might be responsible for lockjaw. So, boil a few garlic cloves in some mustard oil and use the cooled oil to massage your jaw two to three times a day. This will help provide relief from pain and provide faster healing. Also, consume a few raw garlic cloves every day.
Lockjaw can cause a lot of pain in the jaw region, which may even radiate to your neck and shoulders. A hot water bag can be applied on the affected area to get relief from pain. You can also use a heating pad that will help loosen the stiff muscles in these areas and reduce pain due to lockjaw. Repeat heat treatment several times a day.
Many people affected with lockjaw find relief from the pain by applying cold packs. You can apply cold packs to your neck and jaw in order to get relief from pain.
Place some ice cubes in a cloth and apply this cold pack for a few minutes. This should be done several times a day. Alternate heat and cold treatments also benefit many people suffering from lockjaw.
Wrong posture can contribute to the onset of this condition and is a major cause of TMJ that causes lockjaw. Sit in an erect position whenever you are working. It is important to take breaks now and then that will help relax your spine. It is best to sleep on your back and avoid sleeping on your side as that can worsen this condition. Using cervical pillows while sleeping can help prevent lockjaw.
Magnesium is very helpful in treating the symptoms of lockjaw. It relaxes your jaw muscles and the nervous system as such, which can provide relief from pain and also heals the condition quickly. Some of the natural food sources of magnesium are almonds, Brazil nuts, avocados, flaxseeds, oatmeal, yogurt, corn, sesame seeds, watermelon seeds, spinach, pumpkin, etc.
Calcium helps to strengthen the bones in your body and is an effective natural cure for lockjaw, providing relief from pain due to this condition. You can get it naturally from food sources such as milk and milk products, banana, cabbage, spinach, oranges, unpolished rice, coconut, almonds, etc.
Many herbs such as valerian, passionflower, kava kava, catnip, nettle, chamomile and feverfew are useful as natural cures for lockjaw. An herbal tea prepared with any of these herbs can be taken regularly to get relief from the symptoms of lockjaw.
Kava kava is especially useful for reducing anxiety and helping a person affected with lockjaw to relax. Feverfew is effective in treating pain and reduces the soreness in the affected muscles, thus acting as a perfect natural cure for lockjaw.
Homeopathy is very effective in treating the symptoms of lockjaw with the use of natural medicines that do not cause any side effects. These medicines are very safe to take and can be consumed by pregnant or elderly people as well. The homeopath prescribes these medicines according to the symptoms observed and the personality of an individual.
The treatment aims at treating the condition from its roots and providing a permanent solution. Homeopathic medicines like Bellis perennis, Hypericum perforatum, Hecla lava, etc. are used to treat lockjaw and are prescribed according to the symptoms observed in the patient.
Nutrition plays a very important role in the treatment of lockjaw. It is important to have a well balanced diet as deficiency of certain vitamins can cause conditions like lockjaw.
It is best to eat a variety of foods so that you get all required vitamins and minerals to keep your body healthy. Include lots of fresh vegetables and fruits in your daily diet. Consume whole grains, and avoid eating junk foods completely. A proper diet will prevent the recurrence of lockjaw. Chew your foods slowly as this allows good exercise to your jaw muscles.
There are certain special jaw exercises for lockjaw that can help treat this condition and prevent it in the future, if done correctly and regularly. You should move your jaw from one side to another, and try to open your mouth. Do this exercise regularly every day till you hear a clicking sound, and then you will be able to open your mouth completely. The jaw will get unlocked now. You can also learn other exercises from a physiotherapist. Exercises will make your jaw muscles stronger and prevent locking.
One of the main causes of lockjaw is dehydration. It is important to keep your body well hydrated in order to prevent this condition. Dehydration can cause muscle cramps and affect the joints. This can even affect the jaw muscles and cause lockjaw. Drinking water regularly will keep your muscles and joints in good shape, thus preventing lockjaw. So, have at least 8 glasses of water every day.
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