Can loss of tooth enamel lead to tmj and also lead to neck and upper back pain? i feel like i need more enamel after the dentist ground it away to make them look even.

Possibly: If your dentist ground away enamel on front teeth to make them look even that may have changed the bite enough to minimize, or perhaps eliminate what is known as anterior guidance. When you grind, the anterior teeth ride against each other and cause the back teeth to separate which protect the TMJ from damaging forces. Ortho may be an issue and back/neck muscle strain can also refer TMJ symptoms.

Yes possible: Loss of tooth enamel can lead to a change in your occlusion. This can affect your TMJ and neck. However, the enamel loss will have to be severe where the bite changes so that it starts to affect your tmj. Consult your dentist.

Different opinion: There is more and more research indicating that there is little connection between occlusion and tmd. The only time occlusion is important is when the teeth touch... During normal function the teeth rarely touch. If you are clenching that is not normal and controlling clenching is a lot easier and cheaper than changing the occlusion... Best wishes.

It's complicated: I can't give you a simple yes or no answer. The subject of tmd, occlusion, muscle and joint aches, postural influences are somewhat controversial, somewhat inter-related and complex to say the least. My suspicion is that you have several issues going on which may or may not be related and we can't attribute it to a simple cause\effect relationship. This requires a one on one individual evaluation.

Definitely: Loss of a tooth, depending where it is located, can definitely lead to a tmj/tmd problem. Teeth can shift- the ones adjacent to the extracted tooth and the ones above/below it. The shift affects the bite, the muscles of the head, neck and face; and the jaw joint positions. Ask questions or get another opinion. Consider replacing the tooth.

Not sure: Complicated question. See a TMJ expert to sort out. 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.