TMJ Discomfort : Jaw clinching stress or a case of seasonal allergies?

Spring is in full bloom, and so are seasonal allergies accompanied by those problems they commonly create—sneezing and itching, watery eyes, congestion of the upper airways, and throat symptoms including discomfort and cough. But one set of conditions that is not typically considered but is often worsened by those same allergies are temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

The TMJ is the joint on either side that connects your jawbone to the rest of your skull. Congestion of the nose and sinuses can lead to increased mouth breathing, which in turn results in clenching and grinding of the teeth, which causes increased pressure on the TMJ. Sudden weather pressure changes and increased activity can also lead to stiffening and inflammation of the TMJ, which impacts chewing and even opening and closing of the mouth. 

While 5% of the general population may experience severe TMJ Disorders (TMD), TMDs actually affect half of the general population, and half of those affected have awareness of the TMD symptoms. 

TMJ disorders cause tension, spasms, pain, and fatigue not only in the muscles of the jaw, but elsewhere in the muscles of the face, neck, and shoulders.

Localized massage therapy and a self care routine engaging the muscles of the cheek and temples can decrease muscle stress and improve all of these issues.

Posted April 12, 2026