TMJ question?????????

i know i have tmj cuz my left and right jaw crack when i open my mouth wide open it cracks 3 times like first the right side cracks then left then when it goes down i guess then the both crack idk its complicated and i dont know get the use a a nightguard i didnt go to a dentist yet. do a night guard only stop the jaw cracking aat night does it stop it for like idk forever lol help i really dont get how to use a nightguard. when i open my mouth like a inch i can feel it about to crack and i feel the pain and it hurts do u think is severe enought to go through surgery im scared of them i dont wann die.