Jaw Subluxation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If your jaw sometimes “slips” or feels like it’s momentarily stuck open before popping back into place, you may be experiencing a jaw subluxation. This condition can be uncomfortable, alarming, and, when recurrent, a sign of underlying temporomandibular joint (TMJ) instability. Understanding why it happens and how it’s treated can help you prevent further episodes and protect your jaw health.

What is Jaw Subluxation?

Jaw subluxation occurs when the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, does not function properly. This misalignment can happen due to various factors, including trauma, excessive jaw movement, or underlying health issues. The TMJ is essential for jaw movement during activities such as speaking and chewing, and when it's compromised, everyday life can be affected. Subluxation of the jaw is a partial dislocation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge joint that connects your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull. In this condition, the rounded end of the lower jawbone (the condyle) moves too far forward, slipping out of its normal position in the joint socket but not staying completely dislocated. Unlike a full dislocation, a subluxation often resolves spontaneously when the mouth closes, though it can cause pain, clicking, or temporary locking.

Jaw subluxation commonly occurs when the mouth opens too wide—such as during yawning, laughing, or dental procedures. It may also affect people with joint hypermobility, ligament laxity, trauma history, or connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Common Signs and Symptoms

• A sudden feeling that the jaw has “slipped” out of place

• Inability to close the mouth completely for a few seconds or minutes

• Clicking, popping, or locking sensations when opening or closing

• Pain or tightness in front of the ear or along the temple

• Recurring episodes of the jaw shifting or “getting stuck”

• Anxiety or fear of opening the mouth wide after repeated episodes

If these symptoms occur frequently, it’s important to be evaluated by a TMJ or orofacial pain specialist to determine the underlying cause and prevent progression to chronic joint instability.

Causes of Jaw Subluxation

Trauma or Injury

Trauma to the jaw is one of the most common causes of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) subluxation. It can occur after falls, blows to the chin, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents, where an external force drives the mandibular condyle out of its normal position. Even mild trauma can overstretch the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments, predisposing the TMJ to future episodes of instability. Early evaluation and supportive care after facial trauma can significantly reduce the likelihood of chronic subluxation.

Excessive Jaw Movement

Frequent or forceful jaw movements can lead to excessive translation of the mandibular condyle. Yawning widely, prolonged mouth opening during dental procedures, singing, laughing, or biting into large foods can stretch the joint capsule and articular ligaments. Repeated episodes may gradually loosen these stabilizing structures, allowing the joint to slip forward more easily. Patients with parafunctional habits like clenching or bruxism are also at increased risk due to constant loading and fatigue of the surrounding musculature.

Stress and Muscle Hyperactivity

Chronic stress and anxiety can increase activity in the masticatory muscles, especially the lateral pterygoid, which assists in jaw opening and protrusion. When this muscle becomes overactive, it can pull the mandibular condyle excessively forward during function, contributing to transient joint displacement. Patients under high emotional or physical stress often report jaw tension or clenching, which can aggravate joint instability over time.

Medical and Structural Conditions

Certain medical and structural conditions increase the risk of TMJ subluxation by compromising the integrity of the joint capsule or ligamentous support. These include:

• Generalized joint hypermobility or connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos or Marfan syndrome

• Arthritic changes, particularly in inflammatory arthritis, which weaken and deform joint structures

• Neuromuscular disorders, including oromandibular dystonia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, tardive dyskinesia, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, post-stroke motor dysfunction, and multiple sclerosis, may also lead to abnormal or involuntary jaw movements. These uncontrolled muscle contractions and coordination deficits can pull the mandibular condyle out of its normal position, predisposing the joint to recurrent subluxation or dislocation.

These factors can cause the joint to move beyond its normal range, resulting in repeated subluxation episodes.

Anatomy of the temporomandibular joint

Symptoms of Jaw Subluxation

Recognizing the symptoms of jaw subluxation is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:

Pain and Discomfort

Individuals with jaw subluxation often experience pain that may radiate to the face, neck, or ears. This pain can be sharp or dull, intensifying with movement. Approximately 60% of individuals report that pain worsens when they use their jaw for eating or speaking.

Limited Jaw Movement

Limited movement is a noticeable symptom of jaw subluxation. Many may struggle to open their mouths fully or experience a clicking or popping sound while moving their jaw. A survey found that nearly 75% of individuals with TMJ disorders encountered some form of restricted movement.

Swelling and Inflammation

Swelling around the jaw joint is another symptom of jaw subluxation. Inflammation can result from the strain on the joint, causing discomfort and tenderness. Many individuals notice this swelling as a visible change around the jawline.

Headaches

Many individuals with jaw subluxation report tension headaches, often resulting from muscle tension in the jaw and neck. Statistically, about 40% of those with TMJ disorders experience frequent headaches, and these can vary from mild to severe.

Ear Pain

Due to the TMJ's proximity to the ear, individuals may also experience ear pain or a sensation of fullness in the ear, which can be mistaken for an ear infection. In fact, studies indicate that around 20% of TMJ disorder patients report ear-related symptoms.

Diagnosis of Jaw Subluxation

If you suspect you have jaw subluxation, it's essential to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional will typically conduct a thorough examination, which may include:

Physical Examination

A physical examination of the jaw helps assess the range of motion and identify signs of misalignment or tenderness. This hands-on assessment can reveal the extent of discomfort experienced during jaw activity.

Imaging Tests

In certain cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to visualize the TMJ and assess the subluxation's severity. Studies have shown that MRI scans are particularly effective, providing valuable insights into the joint's condition.

Physical therapy for jaw rehabilitation

Treatment for Jaw Subluxation

Treatment focuses on stabilizing the joint, controlling symptoms, and preventing recurrence. The approach may vary depending on whether the subluxation is acute (sudden) or chronic (recurrent).

1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management

Most patients respond well to non-invasive therapy, including:

• Manual reduction: If the jaw remains displaced, a clinician can gently guide it back into position.

• Cold or warm compresses: Ice packs to reduce inflammation initially, followed by heat to relax muscles.

• Activity modification: Avoiding extreme mouth opening or hard foods that strain the joint.

• Physical therapy: Gentle jaw exercises to improve coordination, strength, and range of motion control.

• Oral appliance therapy: Custom-made stabilization appliances or bite guards to support jaw position and limit excessive movement.

• Medications: Anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants may be prescribed to relieve discomfort and tension.

2. Minimally Invasive Options

If jaw subluxation is recurrent, additional treatments may be considered, such as:

• Botox® injections to relax overactive muscles contributing to hypermobility.

• Autologous blood or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections to strengthen and tighten the joint capsule.

• Prolotherapy to encourage mild scarring that limits excessive motion.

These options help stabilize the joint while maintaining functional movement.

3. Surgical Management (In Severe or Persistent Cases)

Surgery is rarely needed but may be indicated when conservative therapies fail:

• Capsulorrhaphy: Tightening the joint capsule to prevent overextension.

• Eminectomy or eminoplasty: Altering the shape of the articular eminence to restrict forward movement of the condyle.

• Arthroscopic repair: A minimally invasive technique to restore joint alignment and integrity.

  
  

Prevention and Long-Term Care

• Avoid opening the mouth excessively wide during yawning or dental visits.

• Support the jaw with your hand when yawning or laughing.

• Follow prescribed home exercises and jaw relaxation techniques.

• Maintain proper posture and avoid leaning on your jaw.

• Regularly follow up with your orofacial pain specialist to monitor joint stability.

Taking the Next Steps

If you experience any signs of jaw subluxation, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

When to Seek Professional Help

Jaw subluxation can significantly impact daily life, causing pain and discomfort. Understanding the causes and symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and effective treatment. If your jaw locks open, frequently slips out of place, or causes pain and anxiety when speaking or eating, professional evaluation is essential. Recurrent subluxation can lead to joint wear, chronic pain, and degenerative TMJ changes if left untreated. With the right approach, you can manage your symptoms and restore normal jaw function, leading to an improved quality of life.

📞 Call 206-880-0119 or visit advancedtmjsleep.com to schedule your TMJ evaluation in Seattle.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or orofacial pain specialist if you experience jaw locking, pain, or recurrent dislocation. Results and treatment outcomes may vary among individuals.