Wow, I really feel for you and am almost at lost as to how to help you. I understand your hesitancy about going to your doctor but what about your dentist (or orthodontist, even OS)? Or even see if you can find a local TMJ "specialist."
You are right - the jaw should not be forced back into position. I'm going to give some tried and true self-help methods to see if they'll help you. Use moist heat around your neck and put ice (in a towel) directly on both joints. Frequently it is the jaw that isn't hurting that is the problem surprisingly. Lie down in a quiet dark room for at least an hour or two (ice should be rotated off and on for 15 minutes each). It would be best to do all this after taking a muscle relaxant, Valium or Xanax first.
Don't try and pop the jaw during this time. Work at relaxing your body bringing shoulders down. Keep your mouth shut (even use a nasal spray to
breath thru your nose if you have to). Keep your teeth apart;
do not clench them. Even try "dropping" your jaw keeping the tongue on the roof of your mouth as you attempt to relax the body. After an hour or two, have husband or a friend deeply massage your shoulders and neck (it should hurt somewhat).
The jaw should return to position. If not, you really should see a TMJ dentist. A good chiropractor might help but many of them "crack" joints and I don't feel comfortable with that practice.
After all this, I hope you will seek help from a TMJ specialist. Popping or cracking the jaw can cause DJD when you get older. You are young and a good specialist should be able to help. I would focus on finding a Functional Joint Orthotic (FJO) dentist or a neuromuscular dentist.
I hope and pray that you will get relief soon. Remember that stress is an enemy of TMJ.
God bless you...
Carol
This pain is unreal.
