Can tmj cause painful symptoms (ear, eye, head, neck) even when the jaw itself only has occasional or mild discomfort?

Yes it can be TMJ: The most common musculoskeletal disorder causing orofacial pain is a temporomandibular disorder (tmd). Tmd can be divided into disorders related to the muscles of mastication and those emanating from the tmj. Earache, headache, neck pains are common symptoms. Rec.: orofacial pain practitioner for diagnosis and treatment.

Yes: Yes. Likely. See a TMJ expert for advice. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society for referrals.