How can i alleviate my tmj?

See a dentist: If you are clenching your jaws while asleep, you can ask your dentist about jaw excercises, or a bite guard, look into hypnotherapy, available live or downloadable.

Hot moist compress: Hot moist compress will give some relief, but you need to get a complete check up done for TMJ and get the necessary treatment started.

Conservative: In most cases rest, ice/heat, antiinflammatory medications, physical therapy and daytime behavioral therapy are quite effective. In some cases, the use of an oral splint is beneficial.

A few things: Depends on symptoms, and cause of symptoms. 3 signs of TMJ dysfunction: joint noises, joint pain & limited oral opening. Self treat with soft diet, jaw exercises, massage, heat/cold, OTC pain meds. A splint or physical therapy would be next. Occasionally muscle relaxants, biofeedback. Xrays are done for diagnosis. Surgery usually reserved for serious symptoms not responsive to other treatments.

See OFP specialist: Orofacial Pain provides diagnosis and management of pain in the face, TMJ disorders, locking jaw as well as, associated headaches and neck pain. They are the experts in this field. Good luck.