12/22/2025
Holiday jaw clenching is a thing… and you’re probably doing it right now.
Extra gatherings, packed schedules, financial stress, travel, school pressure, finals, busy schedules, social stress, lack of sleep but the holidays can be joyful and overwhelming.
What many people don’t realize is that stress often shows up in the jaw.
If you’ve been experiencing:
• Jaw tightness or soreness
• Headaches or migraines
• Clicking or popping when you open your mouth
• Neck and shoulder tension
• Waking up with a tight or tired jaw
You may be clenching or grinding without even realizing it.
The TMJ (temporomandibular joint) is closely connected to the nervous system, neck, and posture. When stress increases, those muscles tend to hold tension, especially during the holidays.
Chiropractic care can help by gently addressing jaw alignment, muscle tension, and nervous system stress, while also teaching simple habits to reduce clenching before it becomes chronic.