Is this really tmj?

[elizabeth27]

I don’t know where to start!
Five months ago I thought I had an ear infection - pain from that area and neck and jaw area- had two lots of antibiotics and they didn’t work.
Was getting no where with the gp so went private and saw an ent consultant- he said throat and ear looked fine physically so perhaps tmj - recommended a camera up nose to complete check which I had about three weeks ago and all was fine.
The only other thing I have noticed is I have a lymph node - doc thinks 1cm x 1.5cm - in neck under chin. Doc didn’t feel worried but am having an ultrasound in two weeks time to check it.
I’m so tired of feeling pain - it’s not unbearable just tiring. Right under the ear and into my neck. I don’t grate my teeth but perhaps am a bit stressed and therefore clench a bit.
Does anyone have any experience of tmj? I feel like there is no help for me! Thank you for any advice x

Is it worse in the mornings? I grind and clench at night and have suffered for years with jaw, ear and tooth pain. I see my dentist for this and originally had a gum shield but now have ear plugs which prevent you doing it (only had them for days but already my teeth don't hurt). Doesn't explain the lymph node thing though.

Elizabeth, I've been suffering terribly with this recently. I had a dodgy filling and impacted wisdom tooth on the same side. I think eating on the other side and sleeping with my mouth open due to the gum swelling set off my jaw pain. It gets worse when you're aware of it as you can't relax the jaw fully. I also had the ear ache and swelling in front of my ear - like a pea sized lump. My lymph nodes on that side have also been inflamed. I've had naproxen which helped a bit, and also bathing in magnesium flakes and getting your neck under the water. I also started taking strong glucosamine and magnesium supplements. Mentally it's exhausting being in constant pain. My dentist said that it takes time to heal, which helped a bit psychologically.

Oh, and also pain across the face - above the upper row of teeth - I'm not convinced this is TMJ - is this something you've experienced?

I have TMJ which has resulted in over 60 dislocations of my jaw in the past 8years. Usually happens if I forget to stifle a yawn.
I cannot open my mouth enough to eat a burger bun. Have to use a teaspoon and small amounts of food. No steak or chops.
Soft food only.

Thanks all - I’m going to book a dentist appointment this week as that’s the only thing I haven’t done. Legolammb that’s really interesting- maybe the lymph gland is something to do with it being inflamed. Every now and then my teeth hurt but the main problem is under and behind the ear and into my neck. It’s all definitely worse the more I think about it and the more stressed I become. Butterfly56 I’m sorry that sounds terrible and it’s definitely nowhere near that stage. Will book the dentist and wait for my ultrasound....thanks all

Yes it is stress related. I have had it in the past, Dentist gave me TMJ exercises to do. You can google. It is very frustrating. Havent had it for a while now.