I wrote an article back in 2017 called "Are you a chronic muscle clencher? Woe to you!". And, although it may be the least appreciated piece on my website, it is probably the most important one.

Back in 2015 or 2016, I noticed what seemed to be an obvious connection between very highstrung patients and their propensity to having lots and lots of MSK problems, regardless of being seemingly young and healthy. I've had this notion confirmed numerous times since then, and am at this point convinced that chronic "clenching" is the most common cause of nontraumagenic (ie. non physical injury induced) cause of chronic pain. Especially common sequelae are thoracic outlet syndrome, lumbosacral plexus entrapment syndrome, migraines, tinnitus, dizziness, and fatigue.

Lots and lots of patients, indeed it is an epidemic, continuously "tense up" to get through their days. Most of these patiets are anxiety sufferers, but it can also occur secondary to obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, and similar problems. Some patients are just "high strung" even if they don't have anxiety.

Regardless of the underlying cause, abolishing this dreadfully bad habit is paramount when treating nontraumagenic incidences of chronic pain. If you think you may be suffering from this, then identifying its presence and starting to work on it may be one of the most important things you will do for your musculoskeletal health in your life.