I have unbelieveable jaw pain and ear pain. It hurts when I open my jaw and when I try and eat there is pain in my ear. There is also clicking in my jaw. Anyone know what could be?

By Boxzgrl on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 05:00 pm:

I am in no way diagnosing but I found this:

http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/j/jaw_conditions/intro.htm

By Trina~moderator on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 05:03 pm:

It could be an ear infection. A visit to the doctor is in order. If it is an infection antibiotics will be necessary. I had the same symptoms in college and that's what it was. Hope you're feeling better soon!

By Mommmie on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 05:39 pm:

Is it TMJ? If so, the pain can be relieved with an anti-inflammatory like Motrin or a glass or half a glass of wine.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 06:09 pm:

Definitely see your doctor. It could be TMJ, or it could be an ear or a tooth infection. In the meantime, Motrin or aspirin won't hurt. The glass of wine - it probably can't hurt, and may help you feel better. But, generally the medical community recommends against alcohol with pain medications of any kind because it isn't good for the liver - it gives the liver too much to process in the same time period. Though I doubt one glass of wine would cause a problem.

By Karen~moderator on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 07:13 pm:

Ditto Ginny, could be any of those things.

By Pamt on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 07:28 pm:

Definitely see a doctor ASAP---my thoughts are TMJ, ear infection, or absessed tooth, but since I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on TV, well just go for a visit. This isn't one of those things to wait on either. If it is a severe ear infection or maybe even mastoiditis it really needs to be treated quickly.

By Shann on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 07:41 pm:

I have tmj and I really don't have alot of pain with it just a little anoying when mY jaw isnt aligned right and it gets stuck. but about a year ago I had some pretty awful pain in my ear and jaw and had a huge knot infront of my ear. went to the dr and had a severe ear infections but I would definitely see a dr.

By Mom2three1968 on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 08:13 pm:

Thanks guys for the advice..... I'll let you know what I find out... Took some motrin, does feel alittle better.....thank goodness...

By Mommmie on Friday, September 30, 2005 - 09:27 pm:

I suggest a bit of wine as an alternative because too much Motrin can cause stomach ulcers.

By Ginny~moderator on Saturday, October 1, 2005 - 03:54 am:

Oh, absolutely, Mommmie. That's why I never take Motrin or other pain medications on an empty stomach and always drink at least 8 ounces of water when I take it. But taking it over the weekend until a doctor's appointment early next week shouldn't (probably, but not certainly, shouldn't) cause stomach problems.