My TMJ symptoms have been getting progressively worse over the years. It first clicked out 15 years ago and it's now at a point where I'm in excruciating pain that doesn't respond to any painkillers, not even to opiates, for 1-2 days per month. After a day or two the pain subsidies and only some soreness remains until the next flare up. I've been to an orthodontist who says braces might help, but first he referred me to a TMJ specialist. I got a Michigan splint that has been utterly useless and my pain is getting even worse. I never had an MRI or CT scan done, and I have lost faith in my TMJ "specialist" as she just readjust the splint every time I go and hasn't offered any other solution yet.

I wonder how severe jaw pain can get? It literally feels like the whole right side of my face has been smashed to pieces, and my joint is on fire. Icing helps a bit, but not always. I'm not even sure this much pain is normal, so I'm leaning towards requesting an MRI because what if there's something else at play? How severe is your pain? I also heard of a K7 machine that some specialists offer, but should I still get an MRI before? Anyone has experiences iwth that?