tmj symptoms or something else?

[bbuster]

Can any other disorder besides tmj cause these symptoms?....
jaw deviates significantly open and closing
multiple sounds when CLOSING ONLY - not on opening
pain from notch behind ear down through under jawline
pain moves around the face - in front of ears/ high on cheekbone
no pain while sleeping - only once I wake up - this is confusing!
upper back and neck always seems like in spasm
I just recently have opened my mouth quickly - like rice crispies!! and then it seems i get some relief.
Thanks for any feedback

[dana007]

when the pain happens after sleep is usually because people clentch and grind their teeth during sleep (and not aware of it) and wake up being sore. This is very common, and the symptoms seem typical for TMD. I would get on top of it sooner than later, as things can get much worse. See a TMD specialist, and a Neuromuscular Dentist. I would also suggest you see a massage therapist and exercise regularily, eat softer foods, and hold your joints during any activity that would cause your mouth to be wide open (yawning, bigger bites, etc), and try  not to over-extend your mouth's capabilities. good luck

[TMJDoc]

It sounds like you have a displaced disc in you TMJoint.  May go back into place occasionally, but most of the time not.  Find a good TMJ specialist as this will usually become a larger problem as time goes by.  

[scottma]

Your symptomatology is consistent with classical presentation of temporomandibular disoreder.