TMJ Archives

muscle tension or teeth clenching = nasal congestion

Would anyone be able to tell me:

Does muscle tension in the jaw also block the pterygoid venous plexus or any other sinus cavity/network?

I have been struggling with chronic sinus congestion for 6 months, an am, obviously, dealing off and on with some type of infection. I do not grind my teeth and don't appear to let them touch.

I do, however, lock my jaw nicely into place (without teeth touching) by creating a suction hold between my teeth with my cheeks and tongue. If this creates tension in my masseter muscles will this block the mucous flow?

I have searched, even looked for cranial anatomy, but still cannot find an answer to my question. By the way, I recently found this site - it's wonderful!! I'm waiting for my books to arrive.

Thank you,
De

Follow Ups:

• Re: muscle tension or teeth clenching = nasal congestion (Archive in Bracing.) Walt Stoll 08:49:17 1/21/01 (0)

In Reply to: muscle tension or teeth clenching = nasal congestion posted by de on January 19, 2001 at 14:46:40:

Hi, de.

Your "suction maneuver" will cause the same pterygoid blockage as the classical TMJ. Both are caused by total body bracing and are relieved by SR.

Reference: Hard-back Monograph by UpJohn; "Physical Signs of Allergy of the Respiratory Tract in Children"; Meyer B. Marks, MD, (University of Miami School of Medicine); pages 12-19; Published in the late '60s.

Hope this helps.

Walt