Think I Sprained My Jaw in Sparring

[ViddyWellLilBro]

I've trained BJJ for several years and just got into training boxing earlier this year. I've recently started sparring and at the end of a session on Saturday I took a hard shot right to the jaw. I had a lot of adrenaline pumping so at first I thought I was fine but then realized something seemed off. I decided to call it quits for the day as to make sure everything was ok.

I had a bit of trouble eating for about a day. And now it seems pretty good, only hurting when I bite down all the way. It sort of feels like my teeth/bite doesn't line up the way it used to (if that makes any sense?) I'm pretty sure I must've had my mouth open when I got punched. I also probably had my jaw up high in the air. FWIW I was wearing a $10 boil and bite mouthguard from Walmart and headgear.

I've decided for starters I'm going to invest in a good mouthguard and am about to order a Gladiator. I plan to train with it in to practice breathing and throwing punches with my mouth closed. Does anyone have any tips other than keeping my chin tucked and mouth closed to protect my jaw in the future? Thanks in advance.

 

[TheNightmanCometh]

I've trained BJJ for several years and just got into training boxing earlier this year. I've recently started sparring and at the end of a session on Saturday I took a hard shot right to the jaw. I had a lot of adrenaline pumping so at first I thought I was fine but then realized something seemed off. I decided to call it quits for the day as to make sure everything was ok.

I had a bit of trouble eating for about a day. And now it seems pretty good, only hurting when I bite down all the way. It sort of feels like my teeth/bite doesn't line up the way it used to (if that makes any sense?) I'm pretty sure I must've had my mouth open when I got punched. I also probably had my jaw up high in the air. FWIW I was wearing a $10 boil and bite mouthguard from Walmart and headgear.

I've decided for starters I'm going to invest in a good mouthguard and am about to order a Gladiator. I plan to train with it in to practice breathing and throwing punches with my mouth closed. Does anyone have any tips other than keeping my chin tucked and mouth closed to protect my jaw in the future? Thanks in advance.

Don't wear headgear, it is pointless really unless you're a fighter. Why? The only reason to wear headgear is to prevent yourself from getting cut from headbutts. Headgear prohibits your peripheral view in my opinion, gives your head an odd weight making slipping awkward, and you get caught with punches that you normally might not have gotten caught with, so I say to hell with the headgear.

Your jaw is probably bruised, sprained, swollen. So I would try to speak as little as possible, chew as little as possible, and let it rest as much as possible. At least for a few weeks if not a month. Also if you want to protect your jaw in the future get a better mouth guard and don't spar hard. Find someone who will pull all punches to the face and spar light.

 

[NAKMUAY18]

Guy above is just bullshiting, ignore him.

You probably have what I had and its dislocated. If you put your finger inside your ears you might feel a lump in your ear canal where you jaw has moved slightly out of position.
I was a bit dumb and ignored it, eventually it always resets itself when you bite into something or move you jaw a certain way. You'll feel a pop and the pain will go away instantly. You can get it reset at the hospital if is sticks around.

The problem was I ignored it and it when it was back I went straight back to sparring. It became chronic in the end and I probably dislocated it 6-8times over 3-4 years. My bro-science research say that I ended up stretching the ligaments that hold the jaw in place because it never really healed.

My advice it to buy head gear with a chin protector. I know it's hipster to say "headgear just stops cuts", but chin protectors also protect your chin!

Buy a good mouth guard, you need the keep your jaw closed, a bulky lump of plastic doesn't help.

Work your cardio. If your mouth is wide open sucking air and you get hit, it will go again.

The biggest most important thing!! Don't spar for a month or so!!! You'll feel stupid because it will feel fine, but I have chronic TMJ problems now for the rest of my life from it. Let it heal!!!

 

[wilddeuces]

I've trained BJJ for several years and just got into training boxing earlier this year. I've recently started sparring and at the end of a session on Saturday I took a hard shot right to the jaw. I had a lot of adrenaline pumping so at first I thought I was fine but then realized something seemed off. I decided to call it quits for the day as to make sure everything was ok.

I had a bit of trouble eating for about a day. And now it seems pretty good, only hurting when I bite down all the way. It sort of feels like my teeth/bite doesn't line up the way it used to (if that makes any sense?) I'm pretty sure I must've had my mouth open when I got punched. I also probably had my jaw up high in the air. FWIW I was wearing a $10 boil and bite mouthguard from Walmart and headgear.

I've decided for starters I'm going to invest in a good mouthguard and am about to order a Gladiator. I plan to train with it in to practice breathing and throwing punches with my mouth closed. Does anyone have any tips other than keeping my chin tucked and mouth closed to protect my jaw in the future? Thanks in advance.

Get the mouthguard that protects the top and bottom teeth. It may seem clumsy or cumbersome but I've used it for sparring and an exhibition and I appreciated the safety and peace of mind that it affords. They aren't that expensive either.

Get decent hear gear too. Especially if you are new. No shame in protecting your brain. Especially when you are young in the deed.

Good luck!

 

[Pope Leo VII]

do not fuck around when it comes to mouth guards. go to your dentist and have one custom built. the moment you sink your teeth into this beauty you will be thanking me. Ive had mine now for 3+ years and theres almost no damage/wear and tear. Barely notice when its in aka breathing comes naturally and free flowing

as far as protecting your jaw.. this exercise did wonders for me. next time you decide to shadow box tuck a tennis ball under the chin. forces you to keep the chin tucked

 

[So Fresh]

lol I had the same thing yesterday
did some hard sparring and got hit flush on the chin, heared my jaw crack
it hurted like hell after training, but now i don;t feel much

I must say, i've had problems with my jaw before due to grinding my teeth at night

as far as protecting your jaw.. this exercise did wonders for me. next time you decide to shadow box tuck a tennis ball under the chin. forces you to keep the chin tucked

thanks for the tip

 

[roventu]

only you know how bad it is. sometimes it just happens you get punched with your jaw opened, it will be sore, will close like 95% and it will feel like your teeth dont align lol. goes away in a few days. if you're just thinking thats abnormal, its not. but if its really painful, yeah you should get it checked out.

if you're really new, then you just have to learn to breathe properly without your mouth wide open lol that will help much more than a better mouthpiece, but get one if you want

 

[FadeLess]

If the pain and disconfort continues ... dont f*ck around , get yourselfe checked by a real doctor
Im pretty sure your coach can advice you where you can get or make a custom made mouth guard.
You should use your shoulders to keep your chin tucked in, both while defending or attacking , and if your cardio is not on point yet, one little trick you can use is never keep your mouth open while being inside the distance.. or your perceived notion of distance

 

[fightingrabbit]

Is normal. Welcome to boxing.

 

[facePuncher7]

Head gear is fucking stupid.