tmj/anxiety relation - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

gennileigh · 04-23-2003, 07:47 PM

i have tmj problems from clenching constantly and grinding my teeth at night. I am a very anxious person. I feel I constantly worry which makes my whole body especially my jaw tighten up. If anyone has this same problem please tell me anything you can to help me. Has anyone gotten help for their anxiety and has it helped your TMJ problems??

TiffanyAnn · 04-23-2003, 10:12 PM

Hi:
I can sure relate to you. I am an extremely nervous person. Do you take any medications for anxiety, any muscle relaxers or anything to help you sleep at night. I used to take medication for anxiety although I don't any more. I do take the muscle relaxer Flexaril and I also take Ambien to help me sleep. For me it seems that I have been better able to control my nerves as I age. I know how awful it is to be nervous all the time. I have always felt that I would give anything to not be so nervous. To me it always felt like a curse. Hang in there and maybe you can ask you doctor for medication to help you.
Tiffany

sunshine123 · 04-23-2003, 10:32 PM

Hi: I can relate as I remember being anxious all my life. Lately, I've been taking 0.25 mg. Xanax in order to fall asleep. Once in awhile, I take one during the day. Deep breathing helps me sometimes and also liquid calcium/magenesium. Massage and Acup. relax me, although I prefer the massage much more. I hope you find something that helps. Sue

CherylLynn24 · 04-23-2003, 11:06 PM

Hi,

I agree with Sue and Tiffany. I've always been a terribly nervous person. You have to find a hobby or something to take your mind off your nervousness, or some time type of physical exercise that will burn some nervousness off.

Cheryl

[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-30-2003).]

uscoastiewife · 04-23-2003, 11:13 PM

Hi there!I am a high anxiety person also.I tightened up so much that I now have TMJ with a jaw that isn't alligned anymore.I have an open bite now,with facial,head,neck,and shoulder numbness from the muscles being so tight,for so long.I also clench at night and wake up with sore teeth!I was getting 5-7 headaches a week.We are still working on the TMJ.My cheek,head,shoulder,and neck muscles are extremely tight.Two things that I have tried so far really work.(all the others didn't)Acupuncture can help anxiety,and there is something I'm taking now called Narural Calm.It is a powder form of magnesium that absorbs quickly.These are natural things that work if you don't want side effects of meds.I personally don't take meication because I have a little one to chase after.Natural Calm works for headaches,pain,and it is really known to help you get a good nights sleep!There is nothing to lose trying this before you go to medication.(Don't get me wrong I was on 15 different medications over the past 11 or so months.)If you are interested I can let you know how to get it.Talk to you soon!