TMJ??

[Diane54]

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?

[quilt4fun]

         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.