A 48-year-old female presents with pain and tightness in her jaw that started a few weeks after she was involved in a car accident where she was hit from behind. She recalls her head snapping back and then forward at the time of the accident. She has been having difficulty opening her mouth wide. What could be the cause of her symptoms, and how would you proceed?
This patient's symptoms suggest that she may be experiencing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction as a result of a whiplash injury from the car accident. The sudden force during the collision could have led to straining of the muscles and ligaments around the TMJ. A physical examination focusing on the TMJ, including observing the range of motion of the jaw, palpating for pain or tenderness, and listening for clicking or popping sounds, is necessary. Management typically includes a combination of pain control, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, and sometimes a referral to a dentist or oral surgeon for further management.