Many conditions can cause neck pain and ear pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, neck problems can cause neck pain and pain in other parts of the body. Pain in the head, ears, back, shoulders and arms can be referred from the neck. Simultaneous neck pain and ear pain may be caused by the same condition or by two or more distinct conditions.
Bruxism
Bruxism can cause neck pain and ear pain. According to MayoClinic.com, bruxism is a condition in which a person grinds, gnashes or clenches her teeth and jaw. Many people with bruxism are unaware of their teeth grinding, both at night and during the day. Grinding the teeth at night is known as sleep bruxism. Bruxism ranges from mild to severe. In some cases, bruxism can cause health complications, such as jaw disorders, headaches and damaged teeth. Possible causes of bruxism include anxiety, tension or stress, suppressed anger, teeth and jaw growth and development, non-aligned upper and lower jaws and certain medications. MayoClinic.com states that common signs and symptoms associated with bruxism include earache, headache, upper neck pain or discomfort, hypertrophied or enlarged jaw muscles, face pain, worn down or chipped teeth and increased tooth sensitivity.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, disorders can cause neck pain and ear pain. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that TMJ disorders are a collection of conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the TMJ--the joint that links the jaw with the skull--and the jaw muscles. The TMJ is located just in front of the ear. TMJ disorders fall into one of three possible categories: myofascial pain, internal TMJ derangement and inflammatory conditions. Common signs and symptoms associated with TMJ disorders include radiating pain into the face, ear, jaw or neck, jaw muscle stiffness, reduced TMJ active range of motion, jaw popping, clicking or grating with mouth opening or closing and non-alignment of the upper and lower teeth and jaws. Possible causes of TMJ disorders include trauma, stress and teeth grinding, although the institute states that the exact cause of TMJ disorders is unknown.
Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis can cause neck pain and ear pain. According to Medline Plus, mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone. The mastoid bone is in the skull, just behind the outer ear, and is composed of honeycomb-like air cells. One of the most common causes of mastoiditis is a middle ear infection, or acute otitis media. Medline Plus states that a middle ear infection can spread from the ear to the mastoid bone, causing an accumulation of infected material within the mastoid bone. The infection can cause the structure of the mastoid bone to degenerate. Common signs and symptoms associated with mastoiditis include ear pain or discomfort, neck and skull pain or discomfort, drainage from the ear, headache, hearing loss and redness and swelling behind the ear. Mastoiditis most commonly affects children.
