Yes, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can lead to neck pain. The TMJ is a complex joint located at the back of the jaw that connects the lower jaw bone to the temporal bone of the skull. It allows for movements of the lower jaw side to side and front to back. The TMJ is surrounded by a variety of muscles that help with these movements. When there is a problem with the TMJ, it can result in pain in the jaw, neck, shoulders, and upper back. This pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as bruxism (teeth grinding), clenching of the jaw, arthritis, or injury to the area. Additionally, neck pain can also contribute to TMJ problems due to the interconnectedness of the jaw and颈部 structures. For example, tightness in the SCM (sternocleidomastoid) muscle, which is responsible for turning the head and neck, can refer pain to the TMJ. Therefore, treating neck pain may also be beneficial for managing TMJ-related symptoms.
can tmj cause neck pain
