The Use of Cyclobenzaprine in The Treatment of TMD

The treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, can be multifaceted. On some occasions, the symptoms can be muscular in origin. When this is the case, a muscle relaxant, such as Cyclobenzaprine can be in order.

How Does Cyclobenzaprine Work?

Cyclobenzaprine is a tricyclic antidepressant, or TCA; however, working on mental disorders is not the only place this TCA is effective. By being able to prevent misfires of neurologic pathways, Cyclobenzaprine can, in turn, reduce the muscle contractions that are correlated with these misfires.

How Does Preventing a Muscle From Contracting Help TMD?

By preventing skeletal muscles from contracting as readily, the forces generated by those muscles on the joints will be lesser. One of such joints is the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ.

As the TMJ is given a break from excessive stress, this often will lessen, or even completely eliminate, the symptoms of TMD.

Conclusion

If lesser therapies, such as mouth guards and Ibuprofen are unsuccessful in reducing the symptoms of TMD, Cyclobenzaprine should be discussed bor use. As with any other pharmaceutical therapy, this treatment must be thoroughly discussed with your medical provider prior to beginning.

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