Hi, I have TMJ issues and have had them for awhile. It sounds like TMJ. Here's my suggestions:
1.) See a Dentist about this situation and/or and ENT Dr. they can diagnosis you properly. If you go to a Dentist, call and ask them if they treat TMJ-make a mouthguard or an appliance for it. Some do and some don't, it varies. Better to call and ask first. If you have co-workers or friends with the same issue, get a recommendation for an ENT or a Dentist.
2.) Chiropractor is an option as it might be a problem with your neck. Might want to go to them first to make sure there isn't more issues going on with your neck or spine. The Chiropractor will take an X-ray (majority of them do) and tell you if you have a neck issue or anything going on elsewhere back/shoulders, etc... Our Chiropractor also has red light therapy and deep compression machine, which might also help you. I tried the red-light therapy and didn't notice a difference with my TMJ, however I have swallowing problems and noticed my throat was a little better. Our Chiropractor told us that 80% of people absorb the red light and 20% of people do not absorb it.
3.) If they say you do have TMJ, a mouthguard could help you at night. Dentists can make these appliances and also specialty clinics- I go to one in Kentucky- Oral Facial Pain Clinic and they have others in the U.S. However, they are not in every state, so you may have to drive to get to one. I use one for my sleep apnea and I don't use the CPAP machine; I use this instead. For my mouth guard, I have many options- I have 5 different choices to choose from for the sleep apnea mouthguard. They offer more than a Dentist office can offer. Usually Dentists have 1 option, one brand of mouthguard and that is what they give you.
4.) There is physical therapy for TMJ. They do massage on your face and inside your mouth cheeks and TMJ area. They give you exercises to do at home, which can help. You would need to talk to your primary care dr. about this and get an order for physical therapy, in order for you to go there. My TMJ is definitely triggered my crunchy or hard foods and gets worse with those, as opposed to softer foods. I don't chew gum either as that can trigger it also.