I had an accident on the bike last week, where there was a decent impact on the right side of my head, mainly right side chin where i required stitches. Since the accident my left side jaw was very sore to the point where I couldn't chew hard foods or put any real pressure down. I could move the jaw laterally side to side without much pain but put pressure down when biting, and it was agony. About a week and a bit later now, and I can just start to chew with some normality. Problem is when chewing, I get the scratching/clicking sounds with every movement of the mouth to chew.
I had a CT scan of the facial bones and it returned clear. No problems there. My hearing is not impaired, with the exception of perhaps a very small dulling sensation whenever I chew and get the clicking. This sensation goes away when I finish eating. As mentioned, there is no more pain when chewing.
I've narrowed the problem down to TMJ, Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. My issue is, as there is no pain or hearing disorder (for now), is there a possibility that this could lead to arthritis issues or hearing problems in the future? And is there any form of treatment I can do at the moment to minimise a) the possibility of those said, and b) the annoying cracking/clicking sounds ?
A bit off topic from this, my work colleague showed me his "party trick" from a skiing accident where, if he applies pressure to this joint just below the ear, it causes him to cough and splutter (ie. choke) all over the place


Anyone had any similar issue or experience with this?
Thanks
Damian.