[nikita forde]

About three days ago I was chewing gum and I felt and heard a crack in my jaw(similar to when your joints crack). Soon after my neck got stiff and started hurting.the next day I realized that my neck was swollen on that same side,later in the day it went back to normal but I then discovered two small lumps behind my ear; both very painful. Now there is another painful lump in front of my other ear, and both of my eyes are swollen,itchy and red?
Could the cracking be the cause of all this? What could be my possible problem? Please help me! :confused: thank you

[nikosmom]

I doubt the itchy, red eyes are related. Probably just allergies.

But it sounds like your TMJ (temporomandibular joint) "cracked"- just like any of your other joints can "crack" sometimes. You can feel this joint when you open and close your mouth. It's essentially the hinge of your jaw.

Chewing gum is one thing that may have caused it (excessive chewing). This joint can also cause headaches from the excessive chewing because it causes your temples to flex as you chew. The lumps are probably just the joint swelling I'd recommend seeing a dentist to have it evaluated however.

Here's an exercise: take both of your pinkies and press into your ear. Now open and close your mouth. You can feel the joint working and some people even have clicking in the joint. Take a couple of ibuprofen to help relieve the pain and make an appointment to see your regular dentist.