TMJ and A Cheek Muscle Knot

I finally broke down and went to a specialist about my TMJ ("slipping jaw") issue. The left side of my face/jaw has been aching for weeks. The specialist (Dr. Leo Menendez in Maryland) was awesome. He did a lot of tests on the jaw and the muscle. He concluded that the jaw is being pulled out when I open my mouth wide from the left cheek muscle. He said the muscle on the left side of my face is almost twice the size of the muscle on the right side (likely because I chew more on that side) and it was one big knot! So, he prescribed muscle relaxers (which I can only take a night because they knock me out) and another medication (which makes me lightheaded- okay, no jokes here, please)... and told me to put warm compresses on the jaw every night (which I do). **I've noticed improvement** I also wear a mouth guard when I sleep (you get get a sports one for $1.00 at Target and it works better than some the dentist will make and charge you $300 for- BEEN THERE).
- I also went to my acupuncturist, and today she treated it. The area that was giving me the most discomfort was pain free after the session. Tonight, I only have a slight pull in the bottom part of the jaw. Hopefully, it stays there or goes away overnight. Acupuncture works!!