Tricyclic Antidepressants

• Individuals may get relief from TMJ pain by taking tricyclic antidepressant medications such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline. These medications need to be taken at bedtime for the best results.
  
  

Muscle Relaxants

• Muscle relaxers may be used for temporary relief of TMJ pain, but should not be used for long periods of time because they may be habit-forming. One medication that may help is Soma.
  
  

Nonsteriodal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

• NSAIDS such as ibuprofen and aspirin may help relieve some of the pain associated with TMJ. The Mayo Clinic asserts that over-the counter naproxen (Aleve) may be more effective in relieving TMJ pain. The effectiveness of these medications may be increased by doing jaw-stretching exercising along with taking the medications.
  
  

Injections

• Injecting botox into the jaw muscles can relieve TMJ pain. Also, corticosteroid injections may help to relieve inflammation of the joint and jaw pain.
  
  

Therapies

• Bite guard therapy can prevent night-time teeth-grinding, which is often associated with TMJ. Cognitive behavior therapy may help to reduce symptoms by helping affected individuals manage stress and anxiety better.
  
  

Surgical Interventions

• Dental procedures may be recommended to improve bite. Also, surgery may also be used to remove the disk that separates the temporal and mandible bones to improve jaw motion. A procedure known as arthrocentesis may be used to clean the joint by injecting fluid into the joint.
  
  

Home Treatments

• Applying warm or cold compresses to the face may help alleviate some pain. Also, stretching and massaging the jaw muscles may help as well. TMJ sufferers should also not overuse their jaws by chewing tough or chewy foods. Frequent gum chewing may aggravate symptoms.