RA destroyed my TMJ’s. The left side was completely gone and the right had very little joint left. JohnsHopkins performed bi-lateral joint replacements Titanium and a TMJ concepts prosthetic for my joints. That was done in 2013. I was out of pain for about 5 years but now the scar tissue causes me problems. Plus I Feel like getting a T-shirt that says “No, my throat wasn’t slit. I had bilateral jaw joint replacements”. People stare. I would only recommend that surgery if you are in TMJ pain all day - every day.

Yes, doctor said he thought I was gritting my teeth and when I paid attention to it, realized that I was! He recommended that I go to the dentist to get a bite guard to wear at night that keeps me from clenching my jaw. I have been using it for about 5 months now and it has helped significantly!

Crushed ice in a ziplock bag wrapped in a damp Terry cloth towel or a large ice pack in a towel. Ice jaw and ear area for as long as you can stand it. Helps to reduce swelling and pressure.

Yes, I deal with jaw pain off and on, switching sides. Aggravates my ear. I use ice, and tea tree oil on cotton ball in my ear other times

Sometimes a warm-hot wash cloth at the joint helps. It relaxes the muscle so the joint releases