It seems like I am having a lot of jaw issues. It's not my parotid, more pain in the ear and jaw. (Like my jaw is constantly clenched)
My last visit to the doctor she said I had muscle spasms in my neck....I am kind of wondering if I have TMJ....of course this will be addressed at the next scheduled appointment unless it becomes unbearable and I go in earlier! Anyone else have this problem?
Unfortunately, TMJ refers to any pain in the tempular mandibular joint. It takes a doctor to determine just what kind of problem it is.
Mine is degenerative arthritis in the joint--the kidney shaped manicus is all but gone and out of place; leaving bone rubbing against bone. The pain is just in front of my ear. Yes, I thought I had an ear problem for months, until an xray showed otherwise. This was several years ago, and I wore a splint(mouth piece) to keep the jaw separated. I don't wear it now. But I do keep my jaw slack to keep away the pain.