I have tmj and lately its been really bad. it hurts to chew on my entire left side and a lot of the time it pops when i eat. what can i do?

Pankey or Dawson: There is probably a dawson or pankey trained dentist in your area. Go online and do your research. Find the office that looks right to you. Ask friends if they have TMJ and if they saw a dentist for it. Call the office and get a consultation. The dentist may also work with a chiropractor and or a massage therapist as well.

Probably dislocated: You probably have a dislocated jaw. If it pops you don't need surgery, but see if your dentist can help you or refer you to someone that can help you. Try a splint first (reversible) to see if you can move your jaw to a position where you can open and chew without pain or popping. Use this position to determine where you bite needs to be re-constructed if you can get out of pain.

A few things.: . 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.