WTBrown
I am a 74-year-old male with some joint arthritics. About three months ago I developed a swelling sensation in the left ear. This later developed into an earache and sore throat and swelling at the left jaw hinge and discomfort. A visit to the ENT doctor diagnosed it as in an ear infection and an arthritic jaw joint. Antibiotics were administered that seemed to work. My problem seemed to clear up except that he swelling sensation in the ear remained. Last week it became more intense with extreme soreness at the jaw joint and headaches at night that would extend to the left side of the brain area. Another visit to the ENT and a much more extensive check of the ear when opening the jaw seem to confirm TMJ as he could see the bulge in the ear when the jaw was in movement. I understand that the dental profession handles this. I wonder with my age and problems with degenerative arthritics whether there is any reasonable alternative to a reversal and return to normal outside drastic measures.