1. Know Tense Neck Muscles Can Lead to Pain Behind the Ear
A large muscle called the sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, runs from the base of the neck to the lower jaw and behind the ear. It is a prime source of many muscle tension headaches, which usually begin in the neck. Prolonged tension in the SCM sometimes causes referred pain where it attaches, behind the ear and into the ear canal. You may be able to reduce SCM pain with heat or massage, which will help to relax the muscle. If your ear and neck pain is caused by a muscle tension headache, it will fade away when the tension is released.
2. Understand Ear Pain Can Cause Tension in the Neck
Pain that originates in the ear can actually cause tension and pain to radiate down the neck. In this case, the SCM may also be tense, but the pain will not fade away with heat and massage. Some common causes of this type of ear and neck pain are ear infections, or certain cancers of the head and neck. If you have a family history of any of these conditions, you should consult an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who can further investigate potential disorders.
3. Remember the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Is Also a Common Culprit
If you have neck and ear pain that is worse when you eat, or if your jaw clicks when you chew, you may have swelling in your TMJ. The TMJ is your jaw joint, and is located just beneath each ear. If you place your fingers in front of your ears and open your mouth, you will feel it move. TMJ pain often causes tension which may be felt under the ear or referred to the neck. This condition can be treated with anti-inflammatories, rest, and even physical therapy.
4. Believe It or Not, You May Need to Consult Your Dentist
Certain dental conditions can cause referred pain behind the ear as well as down the neck, such as an impacted wisdom tooth or an infection in the upper molars. Pain can result from a failed root canal, an abscessed molar or even excessive grinding the teeth. A dentist can examine your teeth and jaw to determine if any of these factors are the cause, and can provide appropriate interventions. This can range from removing impacted molars to providing a night splint for the teeth.
5. It Could Be More Serious Than You Think
If, in addition to your neck and ear pain, you have a fever or tenderness in the neck area behind the ear, you may have a condition called mastoiditis. Mastoiditis is a swelling of the lower jawbone, and is usually caused by an ear infection and lymph node enlargement. An infection that is caught in time it can be easily treated; however, severe cases can be life threatening. If these symptoms sound familiar, you should consult your doctor immediately.
