36 y/o female, 335 lbs, 5’7”. Myriad of issues including Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (likely hEDS but no genetic testing done), Graves Disease (treated and currently with post ablative hypothyroidism), IBS, migraines, MCAS, and POTS. I can include meds if needed but only really relevant one for this is that I take Tylenol four times daily for pain and tramadol (50mg) as needed (generally about every other day) for break through pain.

Over the past year or so I have had right ear and jaw pain. I have had crepitus in my jaw for several years. The crepitus started with a jaw dislocation. I was eating a sandwich when my jaw popped out of place. Once I was able to relax enough I was able to guide it into place on my own. I did get X-rays from a dentist after the dislocation and everything appeared to be back in place. I don’t have access to those X-rays as they were not at my normal dentists as he was on vacation at the time. Within the last year I did do physical therapy to see if that would help with the pain. It did not help and if anything seemed to make things worse. I also tried a nighttime bite guard and it also seemed to make things worse. 

I was seen my neurology as we were thinking it was maybe a nerve issue. The neurologist ordered the TMJ MRI. When the results came back he sent a message saying I had arthritis of the TMJ and to follow up with my dentist or try to get into the TMJ clinic across the state. I am waiting for a call back from the clinic but they are booking out 6-12 months from now. I currently don’t have dental insurance so going to the dentist for management is out of my budget. 

So basically I was wondering if anyone could explain in more detail what the findings mean. I would also very much appreciate if anyone could point out what next steps could be and what I can do to minimize further damage to the joint. Finally any pain management techniques I can do on my own for this problem would be appreciated. 

Help interpreting this MRI of my jaw