Pain behind your ear can be caused by several different factors. Sometimes it is related directly to a problem with the ear, while other times it might be caused by an issue with your jaw or even compressed nerves causing a headache. Depending on the cause, the pain might be described as: Show
Often there are other symptoms that accompany the pain that can help determine the cause. These include:
Let’s examine a few of the main culprits of behind-the-ear pain. Pain Related to Ear There are several causes of behind-the-ear pain that are directly related to problems with the ear. These include ear infections, swimmer’s ear, and earwax compaction. Some clues your pain might be related to your ear include:
Dental and Jaw IssuesSeveral dental conditions that can cause pain behind the ear include cavities, abscesses and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Signs that your pain may be related to a dental issue include:
Occipital NeuralgiaOccipital neuralgia is a severe stabbing or shooting pain that spreads through the neck, back of the head, and behind the ears. While the condition is not fully understood, it is thought to be caused by pinched occipital nerves which start in your neck and run to the top of your head. If you experience any of the following, you may have occipital neuralgia:
Rare But Serious—MastoiditisMastoiditis is a rare infection of the mastoid bone, located behind and below your ear. It is usually caused by an untreated ear infection. It can occur at any age but is most often seen in children under two. Symptoms include severe pain behind the ear, fever, and headache. If left untreated, mastoiditis can lead to serious conditions including:
If you or your child has any of the symptoms of mastoiditis, seek medical help immediately. Bottom LineBehind-the-ear pain has many different causes, some are relatively minor while others may be quite serious. Treating the pain depends largely on identifying the cause. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your pain and any additional symptoms so they can make an accurate diagnosis and help you feel better. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an expert, call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates, P.C. today.
What research is being done? The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes at the National Institutes of Health conduct research related to pain and occipital neuralgia in their clinics and
laboratories and support additional research through grants to major medical institutions across the country. Much of this research focuses on understanding the basic mechanisms of pain and testing treatments in order to find better ways to treat occipital neuralgia. Information from the National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus
Definition Definition Occipital neuralgia is a distinct type of headache
characterized by piercing, throbbing, or electric-shock-like chronic pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head. Typically, the pain of occipital neuralgia begins in the neck and then spreads upwards. Some individuals will also experience pain in the scalp, forehead, and behind the eyes. Their scalp may also be tender to the touch, and their eyes especially sensitive to light. The location of pain is related to the areas
supplied by the greater and lesser occipital nerves, which run from the area where the spinal column meets the neck, up to the scalp at the back of the head. The pain is caused by irritation or injury to the nerves, which can be the result of trauma to the back of the head, pinching of the nerves by overly tight neck muscles, compression of the nerve as it leaves the spine due to osteoarthritis, or tumors or other types of lesions in the neck. Localized inflammation or infection,
gout, diabetes, blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), and frequent lengthy periods of keeping the head in a downward and forward position are also associated with occipital neuralgia. In many cases, however, no cause can be found. A positive response (relief from pain) after an anesthetic nerve block will confirm the diagnosis. Read More Read Less
Treatment Treatment Treatment is generally symptomatic and includes massage and rest. In some cases, antidepressants may be used when the pain is particularly severe. Other treatments may include local nerve blocks and injections of steroids directly into the affected area. Read More Read Less
Prognosis Prognosis Occipital neuralgia is not a life-threatening condition. Many individuals will improve with therapy involving heat, rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Recovery is usually complete after the bout
of pain has ended and the nerve damage repaired or lessened Read More Read Less Clinical Trials Clinical Trials Why does my ear and head hurt on one side?A dull, aching pressure on the side of the head, face, or jaw may indicate an ear infection or a vestibular migraine. Symptoms that usually accompany ear-related problems include: pain in the ear, jaw, or temple. dizziness or vertigo.
What causes pain behind the ear down the neck?Occipital Neuralgia is a condition in which the occipital nerves, the nerves that run through the scalp, are injured or inflamed. This causes headaches that feel like severe piercing, throbbing or shock-like pain in the upper neck, back of the head or behind the ears.
Can ear problems cause neck and head pain?A bad ear infection can cause pain as well as swollen glands in your neck. This may cause your neck to feel stiff. If you have a stiff neck and a bad headache or fever, it could be something much more serious like meningitis.
What does it mean when your neck and ear hurt?Ear ache and stiff neck could be spinal meningitis or aseptic meningitis. Less likely could be temperomandibular joint dysfunction, ear infection (middle or external ear), neck muscle tightness, cervical radiculpathy (pinched nerve in the neck) or eustachian tube dysfunction. Cholestetoma, ear wax blockage.
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Ear neck and head pain on one side
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