Jaw arthritis may prevent Takeru Kobayashi of Japan from competing in the hot dog eating contest to be held July 4th in Coney Island, New York. Kobayashi has won the Yellow Mustard Belt, which is sponsored by Nathan's Famous Inc., for 6 straight years. Last year, the 165 pound man set a world record by consuming 53 3/4 hot dogs in 12 minutes! That record was broken earlier this month by Joey Chestnut a California man who ate 59 1/2 hot dogs (and buns ofcourse) in a competition held in Arizona.

With a winning streak to uphold at Coney Island and a shot at reclaiming the world record, Kobayashi and his fans are disappointed, to say the least, that he may not be able to compete. According to an MSNBC report, the hot dog champ can only open his jaw a little bit and opening his jaw just wide enough for one finger is very painful. Kobayashi has been diagnosed with arthritis of the jaw and he is receiving treatment in hopes of "healing completely" before the July 4th event which he still hopes he won't have to miss.

Related Resources:

• More About Jaw Arthritis
• What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
• Guide to TMJ / Temporomandibular Disorders
• 10 Things to Do if You Have a Repetitive Stress Injury

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