I have had tmj for about 40 + years. It is usually caused from clenching and grinding your teeth. You might want to get a mouth guard to sleep with. I have been going to the same chiropractic clinic for approximately 30 years now. They use accupressure on the seized up muscles and once the muscle releases they slide my jaw back into position. This lasts for a couple of years if I am not going through a lot of stress. I feel that my chiropractor keeps me walking!

I had TMJ in both joints. Got to the point I couldn't open my mouth. Dentist sent me to dental surgeon and ended up having surgery in the hospital with both joints being fixed. That was a good 20 years ago. Past couple of years I have a bit of discomfort but nothing to complain of.

Above suggestions are all great ones and I pray that you find something that helps to make you more comfortable. Surgery as last resort as it is fairly painful and uncomfortable. At least for myself as both were done at same time.

With the pain I have used ice packs for 10-15 minutes followed by a microwave heat pack 20-30 minutes later. Then I will massage the muscles and use acupressure. Finally, after the pain goes away I work on stretching exercises throughout the day…they becone somewhat automatic after awhile. A night guard has helped me in the past for ckenching when I sleep. Its been awhile bow since I’ve had a real “attack” where it feels like someone has stuck an ice pick in my left ear. Pray you can find some relief!

I know someone who has tmj and takes celebrex and uses cannabis.