I suffer from TMJ

I realized just recently that I have TMJ. Luckily it is not that bad just yet. My symptoms are pain and swelling in my jaw near my ear, and I am unable to open my mouth very far. This is limiting my ability to eat! Normally I ignore pain in my body and do anything I can as far as natural remedies so as not to go to the doctor. I really hate going to the doctor. I have tried massaging the area with a warm moist towel. I have tried stretching it out (ouch!!!). I have tried over the counter pain medications...... The only thing that seems to have worked so far surprisingly is making sure as best as I can to not sleep on my stomache with my head tilted to the side. I read somewhere that TMJ sufferers should not sleep on their stomache and I thought how could that work? But, it did a little at least. Also, limiting jaw movement, which stinks but if you suffer I think you understand that if it helps a little then... great!