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Sep 23, 2009, 07:25 PM
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Member Since: Feb 2009
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 12,269
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Hi Faylowell,
I'm a long time sufferer of TMJ for 15yrs. I went through the same diagnosis problem as the other poster with doctors thinking it was my ear and throat - it was actually my jaw joint. I went to the othodontist and it's turns out I had an uneven bite line, so I got braces and had to have surgery to extend the lower jaw. I know it sounds scary but it wasn't as bad as I imagined it. I was wired shut for 2 months and pureed all my food. I'm glad I had the surgery because he said if I didn't I would end up with severe joint problems.
I have also found that putting ice directly on the jaw helps even though it hurts at first. Moist heat with those heat bags made with seeds inside also help and there are stretching exercises you can learn. The other poster made a good point about how it's good to be aware of how you have your jaw during the day - because we hold alot of tension in our jaws.
Several years ago I purchased this battery operated pen like device that works like acupuncture - you hold it to the skin and it gives a mild zap - it really works wonders in releasing the spasms in the muscle. After you apply heat or ice, open your mouth as far as you can and pull down from your chin and hold for 30 seconds - this will help stretch the muscles. Please feel free to PM me anytime if you need help. 
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