I was diagnosed with TMJ about 3 years ago, but it looks like my problems started in my early 20s when I had only my upper wisdom teeth removed, causing my bite to go completely out of whack over the years. This resulted in chronic migraines and neck pain that, at its worst, confined me to bed for days on end. I happened to change dentists and ended up with one who had lots of TMJ training and expertise. He diagnosed me. It turns out I also grind and clench my teeth at night. My jaw had adapted so well that I never had jaw pain until after I started treatment. It is slowly improving. My headaches and neck pain have mostly vanished. They only return when I need an adjustment of my night guard/bite splint. It is important to find a dentist who specializes in TMJ. There are many ways to treat it, most of them are not covered by insurance. However, my new dental insurance does cover night guards/bite splints as long as the dentist notes a grinding problem. Just don't let your dentist use the term "TMJ" or all treatment may be denied. My health insurance covered some physical therapy as well. Until you can find a proper dentist to see you, eat a soft diet and apply warm moist heat to the painful area. Try to reduce your stress and what ever you do, DON"T buy a drug store night guard. It will only increase your pain. You might also check out the Pankey Institute for a referral. My dentist is Pankey trained and is the best I have ever been to.
PankeyDentist.org
I wish you the best. PM me for more info.