TMJ...Hopeful for answers

My name is Emma and I'm 20 years old. I've had symptoms of severe TMJ for a few years now and don't know what direction to move in. I can't eat anything without this embarrassingly loud popping in both joints of my jaw. People hear it even in seperate rooms. When I get tense or anxious my jaw barely opens at all without me strategically positioning it to open. It seems to be worse in my right joint but still affects the other one. I wear the splint (the thick retainer right?) everynight but see no difference. I don't feel pain but more of an achiness and extreme embarassment. Takes me ten times longer to eat an apple than it should. Are there things I should avoid eatin? Does surgery sound valid to anybody? And if so how is the procedure done? I don't want scars or anything. Does anybody use muscle relaxers for this or is that not appropriaet for my problem? I'm very interested to know what others think I should do. Thank you Tweet