Hello all!

First, I have to apologize for my username, it's pretty dumb, but I didn't want anyone googling one of my more well known usernames and finding this post.

I'm a 22 year old college student. Last year around this same time I experienced mild symptoms of TMJ disorder. I didn't know at the time there was a name for it, but I more or less ignored it for a month (I took ibuprofen for night when it was worst). Eventually, it went away on it's own.

About a week or so ago, it came back, and this time it brought friends. Without taking anything, even in the day time my pain can range between 5-9. Needless to say, it's a bit inconvenient.

This time, I did some research, then saw an oral surgeon. After doing research, I noticed something I hadn't noticed before, my jaw clicks (eww). I also have the typical matching signs (pain in front of the left ear which sometimes radiates into my head, neck, back, and teeth). The oral surgeon diagnosed me with TMD, patted me on the head and told me to keep taking what I was taking, use heat/cold, and give him 200 bucks for his time. Obviously this wasn't what I was hoping for.

Now we get down to my questions:
1. I've not had my wisdom teeth out (it has been recommended by regular dentist just because I have trouble brushing back that far and tend to accumulate cavities). Could this be at all related? The oral surgeon was unclear.
2. I'm not what you would call a very stressed out person. Finals are coming up, but to be honest with you I'm mostly relaxed about them. I've been more stressed in the past year at different points with no TMJ issues. I've also noticed that my TMJ has occurred twice now at the same time of the year. Could it be some sort of strange seasonal issue?
3. Ibuprofen works like an absolute champ, almost entirely negating the effect of the TMD, as long as I keep myself constantly on it. The problem is, I've read that taking ibuprofen at the doses I'm taking it at (400mg every 4 hours) can do some serious damage to the stomach and liver. Since I happen to like both of those organs (especially the stomach), I'd prefer to keep them in tact. Does anyone know how long it would take to do damage? The last bout of TMJ issues lasted for about a month.
4. Has anyone had any positive results from using those little mouth splint deals that cost between 200 and 400 dollars? I'm willing to pay whatever I have to, but only if there's a chance it will actually work.
5. Other than giving myself massages/exercise in the jaw area, medicating, hot/cold, and watching what I do to my jaw... is there anything else I can try? I've been trying to watch my posture and make sure I'm not closing my jaw all the way as well.

Thank you so much for any help you can offer... my frustration is sky high from the pain disrupting my life. God bless.