I've been dealing with these exact issues for 2 years now. If you are like me, your ears do have fluid in them and the ear canal is inflammed and swollen. No infection though.
A chiro helped me in the beginning. He said I'd probably need 6 treatments and I'd be on my way. Well, I did 3 treatments and then moved, never bothering to find a new chiro b/c I felt great again. A year later I got flu, was under a lot of stress, and lived in a house that turned out to be full of mold. The symptoms came back along with an enormous amount of mucus, which I attributed to the flu. I found another chiro and we worked to get me back to normal but it just wouldn't happen. I was definitely more comfortable though. Turns out I developed food allergies and mucus was a huge symptom for me. I cut dairy out first which helped a ton. I started noticing reactions to other food like gluten and then it just snowballed.
I'm working with an ND now and another new chiro that I adore. Acupuncture also helped but it was more support than a fix. If you try this route, have the acupuncturist load your ear with needles. It worked wonderfully for me a couple time before it lost effectiveness.
If it were me, I would find a chiro that is very familiar with TMJ and allergies. Next, I would either eliminate dairy/gluten/refined sugar for a month OR get tested for allergies though an ND. I realize you don't have the problems I have but your reactions are just how mine began and it's MUCH easier to heal from a little damage rather than a ton like me now.
To get a little relief, try tugging back and down on your earlobe. It will often pop and give you a little relief.
Edited to add:
Laurienna, I just realized you are in Sacramento! It's where I lived when this began.
I went to Chiropractic Health on Truxel in the beginning though I don't think he's on the up and up when it comes to allergies. He gives a cash discount, no xrays, and was very knowledgable. My massage therapist recommended I get chiropractic care instead of massage for my issues.
As of 2 years ago, there were only 3 ND's in town, 2 of which work very part time. I took my DD to Dennis Godby, ND to have her tested for allergies and we were happy with him.
