What needs to be done to make tmj better?

Eliminate the cause: If you are having a joint problem there has to be a cause. Often the cause is malocclusion. Sometimes it's injury. There are many treatment modalities including balancing the occlusion, pain killers, exercises, orthotics (splints), managing stress, etc. As a starting point ask an orthodontist to evaluate your occlusion, the most common cause of jaw-joint dysfunction.

Other than rest,..: Pain meds, and time you may need to see a dentist or facial pain specialist for a diagnosis. Tmj is a collection of problems related to the jaw joint and prior to treating it, it needs to be diagnosed. See www.Aaop.Org or www.Aacfp.Org for a listing of dental specialists.

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.