I understand about the cold, I live in NH and it doesn't take long after September for the cold weather to come in. I'm kind of darned if I do and darned if I don't with the cold. On the one hand, I can be in a lot of pain because of it, but on the other hand, I do worse in many ways in the heat. To me though, it's always easier to keep warm then to keep cool.

Have you ever tried any time of massage? I know it can be painful around the trigger points (and others as well) but I also think it can help release some of the strained muscles in some areas which might help other muscles to release their tension as well.

I've had TMJ for years, mostly because I've had teeth removed and not replaced. I think, when you go in for your cleaning, tell the hygenist what issues you have with the TMJ and they should be able to give you breaks and help you (or the dentist can) to get your mouth closed with as little pain as possible.

Good luck to you!