i had been diagnosed with severe tmj 5 yrs ago and got a splint. the splint never really helped and the tmj sort of went away. but for the last yr i go in and out of periods where my jaw is bad. when i am under stress, bored or when i wake up is the worst!it was always on my right side then all of a sudden went away then started on the left and hasnt left for about a yr now!! i thought maybe it was pain from a cavity or something but it cant be!! its about 3 mins after i wake up i get this feeling in my jaw like i need to move or click my jaw and when i do i feel it click and it aches! its not painful so much as worrisome! i mean its comfortable but i can handle it. i also found when i went on meds for depression it made me clench my jaw more and i also i grind my teeth very bad in my sleep to the point where ive worn some tips of my teeth down!! i try to relax but always catch myself clenching my jaw and even the tension goes all the way down to my shoulder!! i just got over a severe cold/flu and not once during that time did i have one bit of jaw pain! i was so involved in not feeling well its like i had no time to stress about my life! in a sense one could say it was wonderful!!! so what now?? i know this is from my own doing. should i go get another splint, are my pillows to high? there has to be some relief for me!

Hayley,

Sorry to hear about your returning pain. I would see about getting another splint.
I hope you are not still not the med which caused the grinding and clenching. Many of the AD meds have this side effect. If you are still taking it, perhaps you could wean off and try a different one? the clenching and grinding is certainly aggravating/causing your symptoms. Sleeping on your back on a flat pillow might be helpful- the Memory Foam pillows are recommended by a lot of people. Relaxation tapes, Yoga, or whatever you do to destress before bedtime might reduce the clenching also. Please don't feel this is all your own doing. Many people with the same issues do not develop TMJ, it is something your body is susceptible to for some reason that is not your fault.
If you have a regular dentist, I'd consult with him and see what he suggests.
Take care,
Ann

well going off the meds isnt really an option as its the only one that works for me...but i know this is stress related chanting and yoga and such doesnt do much for me i have a very stressful life i just wish there were other options for me...