Which of the following activities can cause temporomandibular joint pain?

Jaw clenching can indeed cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. This activity places significant stress on the muscles and joints that control jaw movement. Clenching the jaw often leads to muscle tension, inflammation, and even potential misalignment of the TMJ itself, resulting in discomfort or pain that can be felt in the jaw, chin, neck, and even the ears. Over time, habitual clenching can lead to chronic conditions, such as bruxism, which further exacerbates TMJ issues.

In contrast, the other activities—neck stretching, shoulder rolling, and mouth breathing—are generally not associated with TMJ pain to the same extent. Neck stretching may actually provide relief by alleviating tension in the associated muscles. Shoulder rolling typically promotes relaxation and does not contribute to jaw stress. While mouth breathing can have its own set of issues, it does not directly lead to the mechanical stress and strain on the jaw that clenching does. Thus, jaw clenching stands out as a primary activity that contributes specifically to temporomandibular joint pain.