TMJ can and does flare up. It can come and go just like you described. Certain things like dental work can cause it to flare up. Mine is pretty much constant unfortunately. You should get it treated as soon as possible by a good TMJ dentist. Don't let them tell you it is emotional issues. That is just stupid, and I bet it was a man that said that. Anxiety can cause added clenching and grinding, but that does not mean it is not a real problem that needs treatment. There are some things you can do for yourself right away until you see a dentist. Stay away from hard to eat foods like steak, sub sandwiches, hard candy, caramels, really chewy food, gum, stuff like that. You can use ice and/or heat on your jaw which ever makes you feel better. I like ice, but most people seem to like heat. Ice is better for inflammation and heat is better for muscle spasms. Try and be aware of things that are triggering your anxiety and be aware of your clenching. In the mean time, find yourself a good TMJ dentist. Not just any old dentist will do. You need to find someone who really knows how to diagnosis your particular problem and treat it. You can ask your regular dentist for a name of someone or start a new thread with your general location and perhaps someone here and point you in the right direction.

Good luck and don't let anyone tell you this is an emotional issue. It is a real physical problem that will not get better by itself.

VA-gal