hows the tmj thing now?
I have it...I cant chew gum anymore cuz my jaw pops and OMG does it hurt.
I never get the pain you describe though

and I've been told by 3 dentists that i had pretty severe tmj. The knots got so bad in the joint that they had a struggle to get a needle through to numb me up.
Aint it irritating that health insurance doesnt cover the dentist? Last time I checked-the mouth WAS a part of the HUMAN BODY!!!!! Plus your teeth/jaws can affect your health......I just dont get it I guess.
My sister is a hygenist and says the over-the-counter guards are no good. Need a hard one-not a soft one. I dont use them, but I really should