how long does tmj last - #26116
I am dealing with this really frustrating jaw pain that I think might be TMJ. It started about a month ago after I noticed I was grinding my teeth a lot at night. I didn't think much of it until I woke up one morning with this dull ache that just won't go away. The pain seems to be constant, and somedays it locks up on me, and I can barely open my mouth. I've tried some over-the-counter pain meds, heat packs, and even changed my pillow to help with possible neck tension but nothing seems to help much. I keep reading online that TMJ can go away on its own, but how long does TMJ last typically? I've got some plans coming up and don't want to be dealing with this when I should be enjoying time with friends, ya know? Some people are saying weeks, others are talking about months, which is kinda worrying. Am I gonna be stuck like this forever? Do I need to see a specialist to get this checked out or can I manage it on my own? I really dont wanna jump into anything too drastic unless I have to. Just trying to figure out if this is gonna be a long-term thing and how long does TMJ last for most people? Anyone had something similar and can share their experiences, please?
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