I am so sorry for you! This is basically an empathy note for you because I'm still trying to get mine better. Had it since Aug. 2008. I'm battling terrible pain in the jaw and ear right now! I feel for you! Hope you get some good help. Hang in there!

For TMJ try the drug buspar. It is the only thing that relieved me of that agonizing pain. 10 MG 2 x daily. it might even make it worse for a bit, but after 2 weeks, your jaw will feel so calm you won't even believe it.Take Ibuprofen for the two weeks until it kicks in

Also, if you don't want to go that route, look into the herb Rhodiola Rosea. This along with buspar are the only things that 'cured' (yes cured) my bruxism. Possibly because of Rhodiola's MAOI effect. Be warned though, people build tolerance to rhodiola rosea quickly, so it just might be a stepping stone to buspar.

And look in dry mouth. i found taking biotene before bed lubricated my mouth and I ground less.

I found Rhodiola to be a help in so many ways, and I am glad to see kk43 mentioning it. I've taken it for many years, and I did not "build up a tolerance." Some people feel that way because Rhodiola brings such fast benefits that you can "feel" the herb working within a couple of weeks, and then when it normalizes your body functions, the tendency is to say "Oh, I've built up a tolerance," and then stop taking it. WRONG. The herb is a long term immune builder, as well. You do NOT want to stop taking it when it could be helping you in so many ways that aren't apparent until you take it away. Use a good brand, like a Verde Botanica or a MIND BODY & SPIRIT.

I was so excited by talking about Rhodiola that I didn't address my TMJ issues. I actually had a chiropractor eliiminate the issue. Has anyone else seen a chiropractor for a TMJ issue --? -- for me, it worked. Marcy

I was wondering why they took your post off. I know that you feel very frustrated because most people cannot even begin to understand the pain that you are in. The first thing that I would do though is to go to a pain specialist if for nothing but to gain control over what you can. I know that you don't want to be on meds, no one does, but it's hard to work on the problem when you can't concentrate because your TMJ problems are a constant focus. I know...I am right there with you. I truely understand and genuinly care. Unfortunately that won't resolve the issue. You need to continue going to as many doctors that you can until you find the one that is going to help you. I know that it cost money but do you really have a choice at this point? As I mentioned before get on the phone and contact Social Security to file a SSD claim. I don't know if you work but this is a valid disability. I also mentioned to you about going to a Rheumatologist to rule out Fibromyalgia and look at all of your issues. This problem is one that does not get curred over night as you can tell. It's good that you are continuing the pursuit. To those out there that have ear pain you might ask your doc about Octicane which isjust RX ear drops. They help me when the pain increases.

I doubt that this will be resolved in two weeks with the problems that you are having but don't let that get you down. Keep trying!!!

I go back to the Mayo Clinic on Tuesday to schedule my bi-lateral joint replacement. Between now and then I experience pain all day and have for 7 years. I now have two screws from my last surgery poking inside my mouth and any time that I eat or drink something cold I am just hurting. I always try to find the positives though and as a result of my surgeries I have permanent Botox. Take care and keep us informed.