just found out about this tribe!

I've had problems with my TMJ for quite some time now (too long to remember exactly when it started) but it all seems to be a direct result of clenching my jaw when feeling stressed and grinding my teeth at night. I tried one of those tooth-guard things, but I admit that I never got used to wearing it. I still have it, but now it's so old and narly looking, I'm afraid to actually put it in my mouth! yuck!
being more aware of when I'm clenching my jaw and doing jaw-stretching exercises seem to have helped me the most so far.

the thing that I've found most interesting so far in reading the threads here is the connection between TMJ and ear problems.
I have small eustachian tubes to begin with (it's genetic, my mom's got the same problem) and I used to get lots of ear infections as a kid. hasn't been too much of a problem in adulthood, though I have been getting that "plugged ear" feeling a lot. I never made the connection before that it could be related to the TMJ! interesting!!
I've thought about seeing an ENT doc, but haven't persued it. any thoughts on that?

anyway, just wanted to say hello to everyone!
:)