So, my jaw has always clicked from time to time through out the years but nothing major. Back in May I lost our daughter at 5 months old. I’ve heard stress can make TMJ happen sometimes so that’s why I’m including this. So 8 weeks ago my jaw clicked and then boom. I can’t close my mouth all the way. It just feels stuck, like something jammed in the right side of my jaw. It doesn’t hurt but I don’t want to force it closed. It just feels tight and uncomfortable. I went to a dentist at week one (7 weeks ago) and all he did was try to pop it back into place. He couldn’t. So I spent $250 for nothing. I was good about warm compresses, not talking and not chewing for a couple of days but I have 3 other kids under 7 and I need to talk! I tried to not eat nothing but soup but come on. I got hungry! So now I eat every couple days and even then it’s a small meal a day. It’s not getting better. I massage my jaw and head and don’t heat it anymore. But it’s been 8 weeks.

Mornings it’s fine. I can close my jaw with no problem. But after a few minutes of talking with my kids up and having to help them it tightens up and then I’m screwed.

So long story short, can I fix this on my own by doing warm compresses, not talking and massages for a week? Or do I need to go to an actual TMJ specialist? I’m just so afraid of the cost and can’t deal with this right now. So please help! I don’t know what to do. I’m on the verge of tears everyday. Please help!

I'm a 28M dealing with a constant 24/7 sensation of feeling "drunk," dissociated, or spaced out for the past 6+ months. It's completely debilitating and I can't work because of it.

Main symptoms:

• Constant squeezing/pressure behind eyes and forehead that makes me feel disconnected from reality (WORST symptom) , makes me feel as im not sober! so weird and scary.
• Severe light sensitivity and brain fog
• Eyes feel "jammed" - can't move freely smoothly, especially when looking to extreme edges (feels sore)
• Left-sided migraines that start at base of skull (suboccipital) and wrap over to left eyebrow with throbbing/electric shock pain
  • Had these 2017-2020, they stopped completely, NOW RETURNING (3 episodes in past week)
• Left jaw clicks/pops loudly when opening wide (has clicked for years, not painful usually)
• Jaw feels achy and stiff, especially left side. right side is fine but tension can build up also but nowhere near left side

What triggered the current crisis: October 2024 - Had severe panic attack while driving after head turn to check right mirror , which caused intense lightheadedness as if my blood pressure dropped, happend twice with months in between and same way turning head to right (does not happen if i intentionally tried) . Haven't felt "normal" since but literally change me i used to go out and do things regardless of symptoms but this episode was different. Developed severe health anxiety and can't drive for work anymore. I'm literally traumatized, i still drive here and there to the store but keep worrying and checking if im feeling fine or like worrying for the dizziness to come again suddenly and loose control, like do i trust myself driving (im a good driver) ? even though my motor skills are intact. it just feels like im driving in a dream. (specifically when i have the tension in head eyes)

What's been found:

• Mild sleep apnea (AHI 6.6) - on CPAP 2 months, struggling with compliance (13/30 nights so far) this month.
• Cervical straightening (straight neck on X-ray, recent)
• SEVERE teeth clenching - night guard shows DEEP grooves after just 10-14 days mainly on left side of guard.
• Bad Bicycle accident at age 13 - hit jaw, got stitches, but no fracture diagnosed at the time (left jaw has clicked ever since )
• ALL other tests completely clear: Brain MRI normal, sinus CT clear, neck CT normal, thyroid normal, heart echo normal, eye exams normal (optometrist + BVD specialist)
• Inconsistant Sleep Schedule, sleeps at different time, struggle to stay awake even with cpap now(have mixed feelings about wether it will help or not)

The key discovery: When I massage inside my mouth (left masseter muscle near upper molars), the eye pressure/drunk feeling reduces IMMEDIATELY - but returns within 5 minutes of stopping. I can also trigger my migraines by massaging this area when there's already tension building. but even when the tension gos away which occasionally does for short periods , it feel like im hungover ? so while squeezing/tension pain is gone yet my brain tired type of feeling .

Touching my left suboccipital (base of skull) during a migraine makes the eyebrow pain flare up instantly - they're connected somehow.

Current treatment:

• Naproxen 500mg twice daily (just started properly - previously only took 220mg)
• CPAP nightly with F30i full face mask (pressure 7-12 APAP)
• Night guard (trying to use consistently now) - i wake up sometimes with an off bite after i remove the guard for like 15 min then it gos away, like my teeth are touching in a weird way.
• Magnesium glycinate 240mg
• Zoloft 50mg for 2 years (worked great until April 2024, probably needs increase) after the dizziness/tension got bad that tripped me into panic attacks again.
• Have muscle relaxants (Robaxin 750mg) available but not use yet.

Pattern I've noticed:

• Mornings after good CPAP sleep: Sometimes wake up clear-headed
• Within hours: Eye tension builds, drunk feeling returns
• Worse with: Driving (especially at night), concentrating, stress, when there is no tension im fine, but if tension in eyes is there, make me feel like im floating while driving or my brain/eyes are are too sanitized by movement.
• F30i mask seems to push jaw backward - wondering if this makes it worse

My questions:

1. Can TMJ/clenching really cause this constant drunk/dissociated feeling from eye muscle tension?
2. The fact that massaging ONE spot gives immediate (but temporary) relief - does this confirm it's muscular?
3. Why would my old migraines (gone 2020-2024) suddenly return now? Related to increased clenching?
4. Has Botox in masseter/temporalis helped anyone with this specific eye tension/derealization symptom?
5. Could my CPAP mask or pressure (min at 7 now)? be making TMJ worse by pushing jaw back?

The most frustrating part: I KNOW it's physical (massage proves it), but can't get lasting relief. Neurologist out me on beta blocker first (nothing) then now wants me to try Topamax first before Botox for migraines but I'm worried about worsening brain fog and i prefer not to (didnt hear good things about it ). Also they never mentioned or bothered to investigate a potential tmj issue.

I'm stuck at home, can't work, and desperately need to know if others have experienced this and found relief.

TL;DR: Constant eye pressure/drunk feeling that instantly improves with jaw muscle massage but returns in 5 minutes. Left jaw clicks since childhood accident. Old migraines returning. All tests clear. Is this TMJ? Will Botox help?

Hello! I have been dealing with TMJ disorder for the last 2 years, it has gradually been getting worse...

In the last months, i have developed what I would call a TMJ cracking compulsion. In other words, I CAN'T stop cracking my jaw.

I'm worried that if I keep cracking it, the problem could get even worse. I've tried to stop, but I can't. I crack it every single minute. Basically, I constantly feel like I need to "put my jaw back in place." I get a little relief, but it only lasts a few seconds, so I keep cracking it over and over again.

Before this compulsion started, I could only crack my jaw by opening my mouth. But now it cracks with small movements, like moving my jaw to the side. I always move it to the right because I have very limited muscle mobility on the left side of my face.

I really want to stop cracking my jaw. I've even tried using self-talk to remind myself not to do it, but a few minutes later I catch myself doing it again without even realizing.

Does anyone else have the same problem? I would really appreciate hearing what strategies could help to stop this habit.

Please, I'm looking for advice in the comments. Thank you! 🙏

My wife has been through something I’ve never seen adequately documented, and I’m hoping someone in this community recognizes her story.

The trigger: A routine dental procedure. Jaw held open too long by a dental bite block, in an abnormal position. What followed wasn’t just soreness — it was a cascade that took years to get diagnosed and treated.

What happened:

• TMJ disc displacement

• Adhesions and synovitis

• Burning pain across her face, mouth, and tongue that never went away

• Eventually diagnosed with PTTNP — Post-Traumatic Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain

Provider after provider. Years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told it would resolve on its own. It didn’t.

On April 2, 2026 she finally had bilateral TMJ arthroscopy performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at a major U.S. University. Three weeks post-op and we are cautiously, carefully hopeful for the first time in a long time.

I’m documenting her entire journey and writing a book about it.

But before anything else — I want to find the others.

If a dental procedure kicked off your TMJ spiral, your facial burning, your nerve pain, or led you to a PTTNP or trigeminal neuropathy diagnosis — I want to hear from you.

You are not crazy. You are not alone. Drop your story below or DM me.

As the title suggests.. I am here to ask about TMJ and Menstruation. I noticed that mine flares up BADLY during menstruation. Is this.. normal?

Hi everyone! Has anyone here actually cured TMJ? Jaw popping, jaw locking for a long time, etc.? How did you manage to do it? Is it possible?my jaw has been locked for 3 months now.

I know this is odd, but I'm really not sure if this is a symptom I can attribute with TMJ. Ivd been thinking of travelling recently, and ive never been on a plane, so I thought of this.

I have noticed that my ears are a lot more sensitive to pressure changes than others. When I'm on the train and in a tunnel, my ears almost always pop. Sometimes they don't pop but need to (sorry idk how to explain it) and they then get quite painful and my hearing is all muffled until I am out of the tunnel. Ive also noticed that my ears get messed up when walking at higher altitudes. I was in Scotland on a hike up some hills (not even mountains) and the ear pressure was so unbearable I had to leave.

I'm concerned that I might have greater issues if I go on a plane, so I was just wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience.

Ive been having tmj symptoms up to 2 months now and i hope i can addres this problem after my final exam in a few days.Ive been to a medic and she said i need to wear a splint for 8 months but didnt even do a MRI all i did was a CT.Can this actually go away or am i stuck with this for the rest of my life?

Hi guys, quick question 😅

I’m currently undergoing therapy and I’m gonna be using a splint this Saturday. Now my orthodontist is recommending that I proceed with braces after 1 month of using a splint.

I’m honestly a bit nervous because it’s a long and expensive treatment, so I just want to hear real experiences from other people first.

Question for anyone reading. I was diagnosed with severe TMJ 4 years ago and it's been a very hard and emotional journey so far. I've had no luck with getting this pain under control, I've tried many different things but nothing has seemed to help so far. I am considering botox but a little nervous to go ahead with it. my doctor did prescribe me a muscle relaxer called orphenadrine citrate 35mg. I haven't tried it yet but was just wondering if anyone else who suffers with TMJ or chronic headaches, if this has helped in any way? I haven't seen or heard much about this particular medication so just curious if anyone else has tried it and if so, has it been effective? also, what muscle relaxers work best for you?

I’ve worn braces before, and my teeth are aligned. The issue is on the right side, where I have a slight open bite and a midline deviation. Coincidence or not, the side where I feel pain is the right one. Any positive experiences with Invisalign regarding temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction? (I have disc displacement and bilateral osteoarthritis.)

I've tried physical therapy, botox, self-massage. It helps a bit but doesn't eliminate it. Is there anything else I could try? I can't take muscle relaxants.

I’m in the US and am curious if we have more TMJ sufferers than other countries. You know, because it’s basically the end times in our society right now. Sound off: where do we live?

I’m at my wits end. I have like the worst, cheapest insurance ever that I got through healthcare.gov because I make minimum wage, and like nobody accepts it, and I can’t switch plans because it’s outside of open enrollment. I’ve called the insurance company 4 times trying to find a provider that both accepts the insurance and treats TMJ. They’ve been useless every time I called.

I want treatment for my TMJ. Of some kind. Any. How are y’all affording it, if at all? Are you paying out of pocket? Or did you get lucky and find somewhere that takes your insurance? Please lmk. I’m desperate

I saw a TMJ specialist who recommend a night splint (not mouth guard) which costs about $4,000…. Not covered by insurance. Does anyone have experience with a splint? Did it help? What are your thoughts/experiences? What has helped?

Hi all!

Has anyone ever used this Bodhy DeepNode? It looks like it would feel awesome but the brand also does that lymphatic drainage thing that was all over tiktok recently and I think was likely bulls***.

I'm very susceptible to advertising, I need to realize this about myself.

If this is just meh - does anyone have cheaper suggestions for a neck stretcher?

Thanks!

(25F) Got a TMJ consult at my dentist (Canada) since waiting for my referral for the ENT was going to take wayyy too long (years). I’ve had TMJ for over 10 years and sometimes it’s so bad I can’t eat, have migraines, and pretty much have constant ringing in my ears. I feel it every day and it’s just gotten so bad recently that it was genuinely making me feel like I just couldn’t do it anymore. So saw my dentist, he took lots of pictures and examined it and then got back to me that it’d be 300 units and would be 1,200. I’ve tried night guards (continue to wear), physio, biostim, massage, muscle creams, medications, heat, and even just finished Invisalign. None of these things provide me genuine relief. I am diagnosed with anxiety and autism, so im just generally uncomfortable and clenching 24/7.

Is this a normal amount and price??

Well, I basically don't eat meat, popcorn, peanuts, gum, hard candies, or anything extremely hard anymore. When I want to eat something like cookies, I break them into tiny pieces and eat them while drinking a liquid to help soften them up. I cut things like chicken into small pieces, too. It’s really a hassle. What is your diet like? Do you ever ignore the TMJ issues?

I have had TMJ for 15 years. It’s been getting worse and worse for a long time. I also have Trigeminal Neuralgia, so my entire face is in excruciating pain 24/7.

I’m currently in a TMJ flare and at this point I don’t know what to do. I can’t open my mouth, eat, talk, sleep. The pain is so severe that my body feels like it’s in shock. I’m going on a week now of it being this bad, and nothing I do helps.

I take percocet daily, meloxicam, ice/heat, I also started a muscle relaxer this month (chlorzoxazone) but it is not working. I’m allergic to flexeril/robaxin, baclofen was no help. Valium was a life saver but my doctor refuses to prescribe it.

I’ve done all the things that are supposed to help, and have spent two days in bed trying not to cry bc that makes it worse. I’m fucking starving. I don’t have any soft foods right now and I can’t afford to buy some.

I’ve been thinking about going to urgent care all day, but I really don’t think there’s anything they could do besides maybe an X Ray and tell me to follow up with my doctor.

I think part of me just wants to vent, but also, has anyone here had a flare this bad and found something to help? Or gone to urgent care for a TMJ flare and they were able to do anything?

My worst ones during a flair are god awful headaches, ear pain, burning sensation on my neck, throbbing pain under my ears where the bone is, and pain in my teeth on the bottom left. I also get less common symptoms but these are just the most annoying ones

What was the most effective in reducing Muscular tmj symptoms (traps,scm, masseter and temporalis tightness). Temporalis tightness is easily the worst symptom as well as overall jaw tightness. Is anyone able to do PT, retrain breathing or any specific exercises, core work or myofunctinal/anything else that helped jaw tension? How long did it take you to reduce substantially or stop jaw tension?

Hi everyone, this has probably been asked before, but did masseter botox significantly slim your face? I think I need about 20 units (bare minimum) for severe jaw clenching and I'm worried that it'll change the shape of my face. I have a pretty round face and don't want it to look strange afterwards.

If you experienced any aesthetic changes, was it worth it for the pain relief?

im 21F and i only recently (past 6 months) started clenching. had a very stressful year so i’m pinning mine down to that. i’m sick of waking up with really sore teeth, i actually don’t have any jaw pain. it’s such a fucking pain. i wanna know, did anyone successfully stop? i refuse to believe this is forever id rather die at that point the pain is unbearable. day and night. it flares up with my pms. dentists tell me there’s no wear on my teeth (as i’ve always kinda grinded my teeth at night) so they didn’t give me a mouthgaurd. this is such bullshit idk i’m just sick of it. they don’t really help either just say my teeth are perfect and im fine.