I have been having jaw pain on the left side near my ear. It does not have the popping and clicking associated with TMJ although the pain in that general area. It interferes with the opening of my mouth. At times I cannot open my mouth wide enough to put even a small spoon into my mouth. Other times, I get stabbing pains when chewing. Other times I can open my mouth for regular talking. Sometimes I get a stabbing pain in the tmj area for no known reason such as .... not chewing, not talking, not opening mouth for eating or drinking etc. Can you lead me to some reason this may be happening?
Dear patient You are having symptoms of left TM joint arthritis.  This needs to be investigated with MRI of left TM joint to confirm diagnosis.  Visit radiology center nearby you and get it done. Meanwhile, avoid solid foods and put yourself on liquid diet semisolid diet. You can take tab diclofenac 50\u00a0mg twice a day for pain relief.  You need to consult expert ENT specialist with MRI report. All the best.