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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.

 

 

References

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Chronic orofacial pain in dental patients: retrospective investigation over 12 years.

Tomoyasu Y, Higuchi H, Mori M, Takaya K, Honda Y, Yamane A, Yabuki A, Hayashi T, Ishii-Maruyama M, Jinzenji A, Maeda S, Kohjitani A, Shimada M, Miyawaki T.

Acta Med Okayama. 2014;68(5):269-75.

 

Successful use of stellate ganglion block and a new centrally acting analgesic with dual mode of action in a resistant temporomandibular joint pain.

Jones GP, Tripathi SS.

BMJ Case Rep. 2014 May 20;2014. pii: bcr2013203308. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-203308.

 

The effectiveness of adding pharmacologic treatment with clonazepam or cyclobenzaprine to patient education and self-care for the treatment of jaw pain upon awakening: a randomized clinical trial.

Herman CR, Schiffman EL, Look JO, Rindal DB.

J Orofac Pain. 2002 Winter;16(1):64-70.

Justin Clemens
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