Geeta Singh Geeta Singh Asked 5 months ago

Can tmj cause shoulder pain?

I've been dealing with chronic shoulder pain for years, and now my jaw also hurts quite a bit. Someone suggested that TMJ could be affecting my shoulders. Is there a connection between TMJ and shoulder pain?

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8 answers

Meera Nair Meera Nair Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago
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I am also starting to feel a dull ache in my left shoulder along with jaw clicking. Is it really possible for jaw issues to travel all the way down to the shoulders? If anyone has faced this, how did you manage it?

Asha Deshmukh Asha Deshmukh Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

In this community, we see this connection very often. The muscles of the jaw, neck, and shoulders work as a single chain, so TMJ tension easily radiates down. Gentle physiotherapy and a custom dental splint can bring great relief. Please visit a dentist or physical therapist.

Priya Kapoor Priya Kapoor Joined Apr 2026 5 months ago

It definitely can! All those upper body muscles are like best friends, so when the jaw is stressed, the shoulders join the party too! Try some light shoulder rolls and stay positive, a good dentist can easily help you fix this.

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Consult a orthopedist

Sanjay Srivastava Sanjay Srivastava Joined Jan 2026 5 months ago

At my age, any random joint can start hurting for no reason, but TMJ definitely makes the shoulders feel like they are carrying bricks! The jaw and shoulders are closely linked by muscle pathways. Best to see a specialist before you blame your office chair like I did!

Kiran Rao Kiran Rao Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Yes, TMJ tension commonly spreads to the neck and shoulders. You should consult a dentist or physiotherapist for relief.

Manpreet Singh Manpreet Singh Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Haan, bilkul ho sakta hai, na! When you have TMJ, you unconsciously tighten your neck and shoulder muscles to balance the jaw posture. Try to apply a warm gel pack on your shoulders and definitely consult a doctor soon.

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Sunita Banerjee Sunita Banerjee Joined Feb 2026 5 months ago

My teenage daughter had severe shoulder stiffness and we were so worried about her posture. It turned out she was clenching her teeth due to exam stress, causing TMJ. A dental night guard and hot water fermentation really helped her. Do get it checked for peace of mind.

Rohan Mehta Rohan Mehta Joined Mar 2026 5 months ago

Before you spend a lot on expensive shoulder MRIs, get your jaw evaluated by a dentist first. TMJ often refers pain to the shoulders, and treating the jaw might save you from unnecessary bone joint scans. Plan your consultations wisely to avoid extra expenses.

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