Does stress and constant worrying make the... - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

tnjpainneverdie · 04-06-2004, 09:54 PM

headaches even more severe forsome people? I have a big time problem with worrying about everything and thus causing more stress for my self. Does anyone believe that this causes more pain?

Katie G · 04-07-2004, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tnjpainneverdie

headaches even more severe forsome people? I have a big time problem with worrying about everything and thus causing more stress for my self. Does anyone believe that this causes more pain?

Hi there - stress/worry is the ultimate pain inducer. If you have methods of relieving stress (like exercise, quiet meditation, a nap, reading for pleasure, whatever), I would encourage you to find ways to de-stress because worry over pain causes stress which in turn increases pain - it's a viscious cycle that can be difficult to break. For me, professional counseling plus massage therapy has been a tremendous help to getting through the ups/downs of life. Although life will always have stress, I have ways of coping with it and not letting it ruin my day.

Thinking of you,
Katie G

tnjpainneverdie · 04-08-2004, 12:20 AM

It ruins my day everyday, if it's not one thing it's another thing that I worry about. I have always been like this, I anaylize everything way too much and can't stop.

westin4 · 04-08-2004, 08:28 AM

I agree, stress and anxiety will do you in if you have tmj. When I was first dianosed with it about 8 years ago..........the one thing that dentist did right was to suggest that I get into psychotherapy to learn how to handle stress. I am still going all these years later because it is true that alot of us "carry" all of our stress and worries in our jaw. It was amazing to me how many times a day I would find myself clenched so tight that my jaw would be throbbing, something you don't realize you do til you start getting help for it.
Maybe you could try some type of anxiety counseling???
Karen

SarahF · 04-08-2004, 09:38 AM

Sometimes just saying the things out loud to someone can free you from that worry. I did it about two weeks ago and I feel freer than I have in a long time. I don't know if you are a religious person or not, but a caring pastor is who I opened up to.

And I am a huge advocate for massage therapy.