Hi Jamesj07,
Yes, there is a good possibility you have TMJ. As a computer programmer you are definitely at a higher risk of getting TMJ. You also must add to that your imperfect teeth (balance is more important than looking perfect). The reason people who stay on the computer for a lot of time develop TMJ is because of posture and how the head is usually stretched towards the computer screen. Frequently this also stretches or pulls the ligaments holding the meniscus in its proper position on the condyle. If you do this for hours you can easily over-stretch the ligaments and even force the disc to slowly displace itself. Check out nismat.org/ptcor/tmj for some pictures showing bad posture and some good basic information on how to correct the problem.

Also, evaluate your stress level. If your teeth aren't perfectly balanced, stress can often make us grind or clench our teeth at night while sleeping.

You now probably have inflamed your jaw area. You now need to baby your jaw. Treat it almost like it has been sprained. Use ice to reduce the swelling. Alternate with moist heat to get the blood flowing and reduce the feeling of pain. Modify your diet for a few weeks and eat only softer foods; NO gum chewing or steak or taffy like foods. Don't open your mouth wide, even to yawn, for a few weeks to help the disc stay in its proper position. If you are experiencing muscle spasms, you might want to consider physical therapy or even massage therapy. If you think there is even a remote chance you are clenching or grinding your teeth at night, see a good dentist for a bite splint. Your doctor might also prescribe Valium for nights for a couple of weeks.

Once this "episode" has subsided, you are going to have to evaluate what you are going to have to do in the future to not have this happen again. No gum chewing is a start but the posture while on the computer and stress relief are the biggies to look at.

I hope and pray this helps you. If you have more questions, please feel free to post them (or even PM).

God bless...
Carol

Sounds exactly like TMJ you should see a doctor so you can get this corrected before it gets bad. I waited BIG MISTAKE!!

if you need help finding a good doctor let me know----I can get you a good one in your area. best to start working on this from the start than wait years

hi i also suffer from this and the pain gets so bad sometimes i cant do anythin but lay down.. its in my jaw, head, neck, ear, i need something to help but dont know what? i am goin to the dentist today hopefully they can help?

After I wore braces, my TMJ was basically gone. The balance and proper aligment of my teeth made all the difference for me. Rarely, if I have stress or bad posture, it will slightly pop...but nothing like it was. I've learned to relax my jaw and sit carefully in front of the computer.