Why is my jaw trying to lock up?

Locking jaw: The joint itself is very mobile and the disk in the joint is very mobile as well. The disk is often out of proper position, as the disk attachments may have been stretched. What you feel is the jaw bone sliding over the displaced disk, a "catch" often with a popping noise as you open. The management of TMJ disk problems is usually conservative unless pain or decreased function or locking is severe.

TMJ Disc Displaced: This condition is characterized by displacement of the disc on closing followed by a failure to reduce the disc on opening and cause the jaw lock. The disorder is sometimes referred as "closed lock.". Initial therapy should be directed toward reducing the disc displacement through a manual mobilization. Rec.: see orofacial pain specialist for conservative solution. Very common and treatable.