Hello,
Your symptoms suggest a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which affects the joint connecting your jawbone to your skull. The cracking sound during horizontal movement (like side-to-side motion) and fatigue or pain with prolonged chewing are classic signs.
This can happen due to reasons like jaw joint inflammation, muscle overuse, stress-related clenching or grinding (bruxism), or even disc displacement within the joint. Chewy foods can strain the joint further, which is why you experience pain after a while.
Next Steps
I recommend:
Avoiding hard or chewy foods.
Warm compresses and gentle jaw exercises (under guidance).
Checking with a dentist or ENT specialist experienced in TMJ disorders.
In some cases, a night guard or bite splint helps if teeth grinding is involved.
Health Tips
Early management can prevent worsening, so it’s good you’re noticing the symptoms now.