Lock Jaw TMJ questions

[Evilwhopper]

Ok, I think I have tmj, I have problems opening my jaw, It only opens 1 inch wide. And I read on the internet all about tmj, it's damaged nerves, and things like that. Everytime I get a sore throat this always happens. EVERYTIME? I don't know why this always happens like that. And I would like to know some treatments to get rid of, It's kind of sad when I can't even stick a spoon, or a french fry in my mouth. Please Help me, I would really appreciate it.

Symptoms now:

1. Really bad Sore Throat
2. Jaw not opening anymore then a inch wide.

[scottma]

Sore throat is not a common manifestation of temporomadibular disorders.
Limited jaw opening may be caused by mechanical blockage of TMJs or masticatory muscle spasm . Seeing a tmj specialist is advised.

[Evilwhopper]

Everytime i get a sore throat my jaw locks up, then what is it?

[scottma]

Assuming sore throat is associated with infection, which may activate myofascial trigger point of masticatory muscles. Active myofascial trigger point of masticatory muscles tend to cause tightness of muscle, which may restrict range of motion, i.e., limited mouth opening. if the restriction is caused by internal derangement of tmj, it tends to result in hard end feeling, which means you try to depress the jaw, ther is minimal increase of further opening. On the other hand, if the restriction is caused by muscle tightness or spasm, which tends to yield soft end feeling, which means if you depress your jaw further, there is somewhat more increase of opening. I don't know whether this writing is understandable or not. I am not good at verbal English, you do need to consult a tmj specialist.who may give you thorough exam and detailed explanation. General dentists may not understand what I am talking about.