is such a big factor! Years ago when I was first dianosed with tmj, the one thing that dentist did right was suggest that I get into some counseling to learn how to handle stress and anxiety. I am a person who STRESSES at a high level over things. When the tmj started that was just a whole new BIG stressor in my life. I was sooooooooooo stressed out over the way I felt, the symptoms I had, UGH it was like the end of my life. I did get into the counseling he suggested and in fact I am still in it. I got a splint and did the muscle relaxer/pain med thing and did get myself straightened out, but I have to say that by my counselor putting me on meds for anxiety and stress i.e. Xanax during the day and Trazadone at night for sleep, really made a HUGE difference. In about 6 months I was just taking the anxiety meds and didn't need any meds from my dentist. Like I said I have continued with the counseling and the medication for all these years and up until last year having some quack dentist work on me for a year........my tmj was totally under control. My dentist now explained to me yesterday how when the tmj flare up occurs and then that shoots my stress up high, which in turn causes me more tmj symptoms, which then causes me more stress, and it just becomes such a viscious cycle. I am just wondering how many of us here feel like this and I was just wondering if anyone else takes anxiety medication to help with their tmj condition?
Karen