Jaw stiffness/ locking

Posted Thu 28 Sep 2023 22.33 by k.longstaff@sky.com

Hi, I was diagnosed with plaque psoriasis when I was 17/18 by a dermatologist. It affected my legs from knees down and elbows, scalp and a few areas would show up on my face from time to time. I used creams and shampoos but eventually most areas calmed down as I found the less I focused on them the better it got. I just get patches on elbow and scalp and between my bum lol which gets quite sore. I don’t think my GPs are even aware I have psoriasis now. Anyway over the last 15/ 20 years I’ve had problems with a foot swelling, a knee swelling, frozen shoulder, pain in elbows and hips and neck. All at different times. I’ve always felt fatigued and mentioned to GPs in the past. I feel I’ve always been fobbed off because all of these issues have never cleared as you would expect injuries would. My feet ache especially my ankles and I have discoloured big toenails with ridges and the right one lifts off at times. At the beginning of the year I mentioned to my dentist that I had discomfort on the left side of my jaw and would wake me if laying on that side and it clicks like my knee joint does. She referred me to the hospital dentist but unfortunately I missed the appointment last month as it took that long for the referral but now have to be re referred if I’m still having problems. Typically the jaw has locked for the last two weeks now and it’s quite painful and stiff like other joints get and I’ve managed to get a appointment with the GP on Monday. I’m wondering if all of these symptoms are related to psoriatic arthritis and wondering how to approach it with my GP. I’ve been putting symptoms over the last 10 years down to perimenopause as I’m now 55. I started reading about psoriasis this summer because my scalp really flared up this year and I remembered I use to use poly tar shampoo. I bought some and it’s really calmed my scalp. I had no idea about psoriatic arthritis until I started looking into ways to help my scalp. I’m wondering if the jaw thing is also related. Sorry for the long winded message.

Posted Fri 29 Sep 2023 19.00 by Billy bass

Any joint ect is a target for S.Arth,also a loss of teeth is common among sufferers of psoriasis,little has been done in the uk regarding affects of psoriasis other than treatment of the skin and linking it to the immune system ect,its classed has a nuisance condition that can be treated with steroid cream ect,but with new studies more has been learned about psoriasis over the years but the treatment remains basic,the n.h.s is in crisis so treatment for none life threatening genetic diseases are put to the back of the que,its a postcode lottery on treatment, See your gp explain your symptons ect,and see if you can get a refferal to a dermatologist,also when you see your gp book a double appointment,gp,s are limiting time with patience to 10min or less now saving money is a priority,i wish you well and hope you get all the help you need in these strange days we live in now !

Posted Fri 29 Sep 2023 23.17 by Steview
A P sufferer for over 30 years, through good and bad times.

You say it is 'quite' painfull. I would say excruciating when the jaw locks and can be very embarrassing. Anyway there is a link between TMJ and Psoriasis or PsA. I would say the best thing would be to get a referral to a rhuemotologist and dermatologist. They may be able to treat you or again refer to a specialist dentist. I had it bad years ago and my dentist was aware but they never offered further examinations or xrays. I just have to be careful now especially not to yawn too wide. Good luck.

Posted Sat 30 Sep 2023 01.46 by Berry (edited Sat 30 Sep 2023 05.06 by Berry)

I get lock-jaw [TMJ] as well, and sometimes it can be quite painful. It's yet another joint in the body which can be affected -by any kind of arthritis, or so it seems- but with a combination of skin and joint issues, getting accurate diagnoses appears to be quite difficult. Perhaps I am one of those who has had this my whole life but it was always said to be something else... I'm trying to learn more about how inflammation from this may affect the gastrointestinal system, as well.

Posted Sun 1 Oct 2023 22.30 by k.longstaff@sky.com

Thanks so much for your advice guys. Yeah it is excruciating the pain in my jaw as well as my neck and shoulders at times but I tend to play pain down. We just get used to it I think. Hopefully tomorrow gets results but yeah I agree the state of the NHS may just stop me getting any further. Berry, it’s strange you mention gastrointestinal issues as I was also diagnosed with IBS in my early 20’s but just another thing I cope at home with without bothering the GP. I know what I can and can’t eat. Also migraines from early 20’s which have settled more so over the last couple of years thankfully. Thanks again.

Posted Sat 31 Aug 2024 14.03 by BigA1988

As StevieW said there is a connection between TMJ and psoriatic arthritis. I have been dealing with TMJ for at least 15 years now. I’m still not sure if it’s connected to my psoriasis. I’m actually going to Kings in October after I finally after years, got an MRI done on my TMJ. I don’t know what they’re going to do yet, but will be interesting. You mention you have IBS, I have never been diagnosed with IBS but I have severe gastrointestinal problems, and have done for years. My TMJ Is worse on my right side, but I also have a painful tight neck and shoulder, a painful right hip and knee. I also discovered I had a vitamin d deficiency, found out fairly recently I have allergies to milk and eggs as well. Have you ever heard of PRi? If not, I urge you to have a look on YouTube about it. It’s all related to TMJ and posture, etc. it has helped my hugely recently from a physical and understanding point of view. On YouTube, look up “PRi TMJ” and particularly a practitioner of PRi called Neal Hallinan. I’m sure you will relate to much of what is said. It was a game changer for me, as I was then able to explain to doctors and specialists the problems I am going through and what needed to be done and who I needed to see - NHS - as well. Hope this helps, and keep me updated on if PRi makes sense to you. A

To take part, sign in or register with us