If you experience a popping or clicking sensation in your jaw, it is probably due to dysfunction of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), including displacement/subluxation of the TMJ disk(meniscus). These joints connect your jawbone to your skull, with one on each side, and are responsible for the hinge action that allows you to chew, talk, and yawn. When the TMJ doesn’t function properly, it can cause jaw popping/clicking and discomfort/pain.
What causes jaw popping/clicking ?
If you have been injured, it is possible to have a broken or dislocated jaw. A dislocated jaw happens when the joint of the jaw is no longer aligned properly. Trauma to the head, jaw, face and neck / broken or dislocated jaw can all be causes of jaw popping/clicking.
Common causes include:
- a physical assault to the face
- vehicle accidents
- falling at home
- industrial accidents
- sports injuries
If your jaw is broken or dislocated, you may also experience:
- swelling
- bleeding
- numbness
- bruising
How is jaw popping/pain treated ?
Your doctor may prescribe some remedies that you can use at home to help relieve your TMJ discomfort/pain.
Home remedies may include:
- applying an ice pack or moist heat to the jaw
- taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin, or muscle relaxants
- eating soft foods
- wearing a night guard or TMJ splint/appliance
- performing TMJ/jaw specific exercises
Your doctor may also recommend medical treatment, such as:
- Physical therapy
- Ultrasound therapy or cold laser therapy
- Electrical muscle stimulation
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- Trigger point injections
Surgery may be considered an option depending on your average daily pain level &/or jaw dysfunction, if other treatments have failed.
Relevant surgeries include:
- arthrocentesis (washing out the joint space)
- open-joint surgery (repair or replace the joint)
- arthroscopy (small surgical instruments are used for lysis of adhesions within the joint and lavage of the joint- irrigation/washout)
