Unable to close jaw on right side, bite changed, is this TMJ?

[OneWithQuestions]

I am 45 years old, and have never experienced any significant TMJ problems.  I had orthodontic treatment, and my wisdom teeth were removed, when I was a teenager.

7 days ago I felt a small amount of pain in my right jaw.  There had been no physical injury, and I was not under any stress.  I had been fighting a cold, and had some coughing / sneezing fits in the previous week.

5 days ago I awoke with difficulty closing my jaw.  For that and the next day at mealtime after my jaw "warmed up" I was able to chew more-or-less normally.

Now, for the last 3 days I am not able to close my jaw on the right side, and I am not able to chew normally.  My bite feels quite significantly off (the bottom teeth are too far forward).

Are these symptoms consistent with a TMJ problem?  Will this problem likely resolve itself with the standard home therapy?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I think that the symptoms you are exhibiting certainly have some relation to TMJ dysfunction. You should seek the aid of a dentist that specializes in TMJ  problems ASAP.

[OneWithQuestions]

Thank you for your help.