Okay this might sound wierd but I've been having a bit of a problem with my jaw for a while. Up until now it's been just a minor problem but in the past few months or so it's gotten considerably worse so here goes. For a while it just clicks when I open or close it but sometimes (mostly when eating chewy food eg french bread) it tenses up and I can't open it or I get the feeling like it's popped out of place and sometimes it can be really painful. Usually after some time it seems to go back to normal but it really worries me. Does anyone know what it might be?
hmmm no idea, would suggest making an appointment with your dentist who'll probably refer you to an orthodontist.
my jaw pops all the time and it drives me crazy. my moms does the same thing. i wonder if its out of place or if thats just normal. although since yours is giving you pain maybe it is best to see somebody.
it happens to me, and that drives me nuts, if I stop chewing gum for while, it will go away. But if it is still bothering you, go see an orthodontist, they can help you
it sounds like lock jaw. i have it, it's a bitch. go to your gp they sould refer you to a specialist. they make you do some stupid exercises but it helps x x
My jaw pops too, especially when I eat. I've never had it tense up though. You might have TMJ. Temporomandibular Joint (jaw) Disorder. It is a condition similar to the one you are explaining and it seems to get worse with stress. Basically your jaw doesn't align properly. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temporomandibular_joint_disorder
Mine does it, too. It's called TMD (I believe) and mine was caused by an injury. Though, I believe, it has many different causes.
Sounds like TMJ. Can be quite painful and require surgery to correct some of the problem, as the membrane between the joint area will wear holes into itself. Gets worse with certain foods, especially those requiring a lot of chewing. Causes are stress, strain, or injury. Use of NSAIDs are pretty much the standard and avoidance of those things that increase the problem. The clicking is from tendons slipping out of grooves at the joint area because of swelling.