Episodic jaw pain, alternating sides, stinging usually, throb now and then, lasts 5 to 60 seconds. often followed by facial tightness?

Episodic Jaw pain: This sounds like it might be TMJ pain resulting from chronic grinding or clenching. However, there are other possible causes. This should be checked and evaluated by your dentist.

Nerve issue?: All of your symptoms can be related to one or more of the various nerves that service the jaws. You should have your tmjs evaluated by a dentist with experience/training in the treatment of TMJ disorders. If no relief, you should also consider a referral for nerve conditions--either oral surgeon or neurologist as the source of all the nerves is from similar areas in the spinal column.