Hi Katrina,
I'd recommend first getting your teeth checked out completely to make sure there's no abscess or anything, OR, that your wisdom aren't trying to come in, etc. Have you been checked out by a dentist to see if you grind or clench your teeth at night? This can definitely cause the symptoms you mention without popping of the jaw.
A lot of force is used when eating and your muscles may be rebelling. For the time being, eat only softer foods, no gum chewing or anything the like. Use lots of MOIST heat and try talking less. Ibuprofen tends to be a better pain reliever. Add Magnesium to your daily diet. It can help reduce any night-time clenching. Watch your posture especially when in front of a computer. Check out nismat.org/ptcor/tmj for basic information and pictures about TMJ, posture, etc.
God bless...
Carol