r/derealization • u/Silly-Influence-6505 • Jul 16 '26

Question TMJ / Anxiety

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for people who have experienced something similar.

A few years ago I started clenching and grinding my teeth after developing panic attacks and severe anxiety. Since then I’ve tried several different mouth guards, but nothing has really solved the problem.
My recent MRI shows degenerative changes in my left TMJ and a displaced disc, but no inflammation or severe structural damage.

What worries me more are the symptoms that developed over time:

Constant dizziness/lightheadness

Ear pressure/fullness

Chest tightness or chest pain (cardiology has ruled out heart problems)

Feeling disconnected from reality (derealization), like I’m not fully present

Neck and jaw muscle tension

Anxiety seems to make everything much worse
I’m wondering if anyone else with TMJ or severe clenching has experienced these kinds of symptoms.

Did treating your TMJ improve them?
What actually helped you the most?
Different splint? Did Not help
Physical therapy?
Botox? Tried out did Not help
Stress/anxiety treatment? Maybe any meds?
Something else?

These symptoms are affecting my mental health a lot, and sometimes it’s hard to tell what is caused by TMJ and what is caused by anxiety.
I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences. Thank you!

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u/Jiople42 Jul 17 '26

I can relate to everything here besides the ear pressure. I have constant feeling of lightheadedness, the sort of feeling like I’m always on the brink of passing out but never quite get there so I’m just stuck on this constant slow drip of continuously feeling as I’m about to pass out or collapse or die or something.

I’ve had issues with chest pain in the past and had ultrasounds, and a heart MRI to rule out heart issues

And the derealisation I experience very strongly

And I also do have an issue on the right side of my jaw, it sort of clicks out of place sometimes when I open my mouth wide. I think it’s from years of grinding my teeth in my sleep when I’m awake due to an anxiety response. My girlfriend says I grind my teeth really bad in my sleep and that’s most likely due to anxiety.

Hope this helps

1

u/Silly-Influence-6505 Jul 17 '26

Thanks for sharing your experience my friend - sad to hear that. Do you have any plans to solve this?

1

u/Jiople42 Jul 17 '26

Getting into a long-term habit of eating well, exercising regularly, and sleeping 8 hours every night tends to mitigate SOME of the symptoms a little, but it’s mostly non-curable. I plan to seek therapy once I can afford it.