Could a car accident result in tmj?!

Could a car accident result in tmj?

i have always been able to pop my jaw..butit never hurt before.. i was in a car accident about 3 weeks go and the airbag hit me pretty hard... now after i have stopped taking my pain pills i have noticed that my jaw is hurting pretty bad and i can only open it about 75% of the way... without it hurting really bad and straining myself.. could this be a result of the car accident.... and how do they fix it? i really dont want another surgery?

Yes, sounds like the car accident has made your problem worse, perhaps your jaw has come out of alignment. Do you know someone in your area who does Bowen's technique? Light manipulation of your muscle/joints to realign your body and jaw, or alternatively osteopathy. I would visit your doctor first though and perhaps get your jaw x-rayed to see the extent of the damage. Best of luck.