"Lockjaw" or cramp like sensation

FifeFlyer75 said:

Firstly apologies in advance as I seem like I only post on here when I have a new 'problem'.

Don’t apologise. It’s what we are all here for. 
I would get it checked for reassurance. Are you doing your jaw exercises still? 
It could also be residual salivary function. The salivary gland could be trying to work? Worth asking. 

Hi Firefly. I would definitely get it checked out. However I did have something similar after my left maxillectomy surgery. It was like a cramp just below my jaw where it met my neck on the left side. It seemed to happen when I was eating. It was relieved when I massaged the spot where the focal point was and then it seemed to release and then be O.K. It happened intermittently for a few months and then went away never to appear again.  Always pays to get these things checked out but may be just one of those things that will pass with time. 

Lyn

Sounds a bit like trismus to me. I suffer with it loads despite being really active and exercising as per the suggestions. I am nil by mouth permanently and often have quite severe cramps or moments when everything locks up - during severe painful episodes, my wife massages the area and in time it subsides. Guess it’s a bit like ‘use it or lose it’. As I don’t eat or drink anything anymore the muscles, ligaments and tendons forget certain ranges of movement. I’d liaise with your local SALT and get someone to have a chat about it.

Thanks for the replies folks.

Still doing my exercises (although probably not as often/regularly as I really should).

Interestingly doing them in a quiet room today I can actually hear a real grinding noise from the side of the jaw where the cancer was treated. Have requested appointment with GP and will see where it goes from there.

Initial panic over it all is at least subsiding !!

I still get this 11 years out, just like you describe. It’s on the opposite side for me and it tends to happen when I yawn- a sudden cramp like knot, which tends to pass within 10 seconds. Always comes from No where. 
I’ve always assumed it’s just another one of those little gifts it’s given us ( Along with the dry mouth, bad breath!) 

2018 when I had my treatment.

I get what you describe, but fortunately, very infrequently (5 or 6 times over the years). As with you, it only last seconds but is really frightening when it happens.

I also occasionally get it in my neck/clavicle, head droops to one side and very briefly feels like neck is stuck