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Everyday Habits That Can Trigger Lockjaw

Most people don’t realize how much their jaw does for them until it stops cooperating. If you’ve ever woken up unable to open your mouth fully or felt that strange click when you yawn, you may have experienced the early signs of lockjaw. While severe cases can develop from injury or infection, many stem from simple habits that place too much strain on the jaw joint and muscles.

Chewing Ice and the Cold, Hard Truth

It might feel satisfying to crunch down on ice after finishing a drink, but your jaw disagrees. Chewing hard substances like ice forces the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to work overtime. The cold temperature also stiffens the surrounding muscles and tissues, reducing flexibility. Over time, this repetitive strain can inflame the joint and cause spasms that make opening your mouth difficult.

If you’re craving that satisfying crunch, try chewing crushed ice or skip it altogether. Your jaw will thank you.

The Sticky Side of Gum Addiction

Chewing gum seems harmless and great for your breath, but constant chewing keeps your jaw in a near-constant workout. The repetitive motion can fatigue the masseter and temporalis muscles, which control jaw movement.

When those muscles stay tight for too long, they lose their ability to relax properly, leading to stiffness, soreness, and even temporary locking. If you can’t resist gum, limit it to short periods and alternate sides to reduce strain.

Nail-Biting and Its Hidden Jaw Stress

Biting your nails isn’t just a nervous habit. It’s a jaw stressor. The motion places uneven pressure on your TMJ, especially if you tend to favor one side of your mouth. Over time, this uneven load can pull the joint slightly out of alignment.

Nail-biting also engages smaller facial muscles that aren’t built for heavy use, which can cause fatigue and micro-spasms. Think of it as a mini workout your jaw never asked for. If you need something to keep your hands busy, try a stress ball or fidget ring instead of your fingertips.

Poor Posture and Its Effect on Jaw Pain

Surprisingly, your jaw pain might start at your desk. Slouching over a laptop or phone causes your head to put forward, tightening your neck and shoulder muscles. These muscles connect directly to the structures that stabilize your jaw.

When your head stays misaligned, the TMJ compensates by shifting slightly out of its natural position. This constant tension can make your jaw click, pop, or even lock. The fix is simple. Keep your screen at eye level, draw your shoulders back, and take frequent breaks to stretch. Even two minutes of mindful posture resets can prevent long-term strain.

How Stress and Clenching Make Things Worse

We all carry stress differently. Some in the shoulders, some in the stomach, and others in the jaw. Bruxism, or clenching and grinding, is often an unconscious reaction to anxiety. You might even do it in your sleep without realizing it.

Clenching keeps your jaw muscles tense for hours, which can lead to micro-tears, inflammation, and that dreaded “stuck” feeling when you wake up. Try adding small relaxation rituals into your day like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or gentle jaw stretches.

If your jaw still feels tight, place the tip of your tongue lightly behind your upper front teeth and let your jaw hang slightly open. It’s a quick, easy reset.

How ProFysio Can Help with Lockjaw

When home remedies aren’t enough, physical therapy can make a huge difference. At ProFysio Physical Therapy, our therapists take a personalized approach to help relieve pain, restore movement, and retrain the muscles responsible for jaw function.

Several of our treatments target the underlying causes of lockjaw:

Physical Therapy helps improve alignment, mobility, and muscle relaxation through targeted exercises and manual techniques.
Graston Technique® uses specialized instruments to gently break up tight fascia and scar tissue that limit jaw movement.
Cupping Therapy promotes blood flow, reduces muscle tension, and releases trigger points in the jaw and neck area.
Spine Rehabilitation corrects posture-related imbalances that often contribute to TMJ dysfunction and jaw locking.
Telehealth Sessions allow you to receive guided jaw exercises, posture tips, and pain management advice from home.

Persistent jaw stiffness shouldn’t be ignored. The earlier you address it, the faster you can regain normal movement and comfort.

Ready to get your jaw moving again? Schedule an appointment with ProFysio Physical Therapyby calling (732) 812-5200 to find out how our hands-on treatments can help you break free from lockjaw and restore your jaw’s natural motion.

Blogs from October, 2025

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