I have tmj and the dr i went to wanted to wait and see if it got any worse. what can i do for now to manage or stop the pain?

Find a TMJOINT speci: You don't wait see someone who. Treats this. You can do many things to help yourself you need an appliance to relax the muscles stop clenching if you are they need to check your bite as this may be the cause use some heat on the painful area no caffeine or smoking softer foods for now waiting is bad advice it's easy to correct so do it.

TMJ: See a dentist who can make you a nightguard to ease your symptoms. Please check with your local dental society. In addition many orthodontists make nightguards for treat their patients before active orthodontics begins. Once made please wear it as perscribed and you will be symptom free.

Rest, massage & ibup: Many causes for TMJ pain. If you've never had any before and it's not related to trauma or a fall, then it's likely the result from opening too far or clenching the jaw muscles. Two Ibuprofen every 6 hours while awake and a soft diet (nothing harder than a banana) for 3-4 days should make a big difference. Massaging in front of your ear and inside the back of your mouth (with a clean finger) too.

Palliative treatment: Soft diet, hot wet compresses to outside of face just in front of ears, short term nsaids if you can take them (advil, motrin, aleve, (naproxen) naprosyn), relaxation techniques no gum chewing. It would be a good idea to consult with a dentist who really has had some extensive training and experience treating patients with tmd\tmj for at least a consult.

See orofacial pain: specialist. They are the experts in TMJ and facial pain disorders and follow conservative, non-surgical reversible treatment. Here is the link to American Academy of Orofacial Pain:http://www.aaop.org/ Hope it helps.

Second opinion: Sometimes waiting to see if it gets worse is the wrong direction to take. It can vary from person to person, but waiting may exacerbate the problem and mis-alighnment.

TMJ pain: Unless there was an injury, most TMJ pain is caused by bruxism ( chronic teeth grinding and / or clenching) or a bad bite. In any case, this needs to be evaluated and treated by a dentist experienced in TMJ dysfunction. This often involves wearing a night guard. Waiting and watching rarely helps. Short-term: Soft diet, ibuprofen or Alieve for pain, hot, wet compresses on the TMJ next to the ear.

Self Care: 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.

TMJ dysfunction: The muscles and ligaments that cause your jaw to move are not working smoothly. If you chew gum stop. Eat softer foods next 2-3 weeks. Apply moist heat to the joint area. Stress plays a big role in triggering TMJ problems. Find activities to help reduce your stress level. A splint may help as well. See a TMJ specialist for more detailed help.