I seem to have a TMJ erruption, since, Wednesday. I ve been talking Aleve two twice aday It seems a little better, but ,I notice a swelling on the left side of my up neck like a bulge right below the ear area. Is that the coratid artery do I need to be concerned right now? Can I wait to see a dentist or Dr. Monday? It s making me very anxious Thx for your help I just took two Aleve.Myabe, I need to put warm compress. Do you think it s something with the heart? I m 65 years old. overweight.
Hello. first don't be anxious at all, it's a minor problem.  The swelling of neck may be your inflamed muscle. As u had taken alive your inflammation is reduced. As per your description I think its disease of TMJ related muscles and is called MPDS. Your clinical and radiographic investigations can properly diagnose the condition. Pain in TMJ region is the commonest by MPDS . Causes include excessive causal load on TMJ. Removal of excessive load on TMJ, Soft diet, Muscle relaxation by muscle relaxants, NSAIDs gel/ tablet, warm fomentation will resolve the tenderness and swelling in region. Carotid artery is rarely involved in TMJ diseases. So don't worry.