What causes neck, jaw, and ear pain? Discover the common culprits, effective remedies, and when to seek medical attention. Get the answers you need to alleviate your discomfort.

Navigating the Complex Web of Neck, Jaw, and Ear Pain

Neck, jaw, and ear pain can be a perplexing and debilitating issue, leaving many individuals searching for answers. From infections and injuries to joint problems and muscle strains, there are numerous potential causes behind this discomfort. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the most common reasons for this type of pain, explore effective home remedies, and discuss when it’s time to seek professional medical attention.

Unraveling the Mysteries of TMJ Dysfunction

One of the primary culprits behind neck, jaw, and ear pain is Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction. This complex joint, responsible for the movement of the jaw, can be the source of a wide range of symptoms, including ear pain, headaches, eye discomfort, and sinus pressure. Several factors can contribute to TMJ dysfunction, such as teeth grinding, misaligned jaw or teeth, muscle injuries, and arthritis. While TMJ can be a painful condition, many individuals find relief through home treatments like applying heat or cold, practicing stress-reducing techniques, and using over-the-counter pain medications.

Unmasking the Role of Sternocleidomastoid Pain

Another common cause of neck, jaw, and ear pain is an injury to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This thick muscle extends from the collarbone to just beneath the ear, and when injured, it can trigger a range of symptoms, including sinus discomfort, eye pressure, and, of course, pain in the jaw and ear. In the absence of other signs of infection, such as fever or a runny nose, an injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit. A healthcare professional can help rule out other potential causes and provide the appropriate treatment plan.

Exploring the Impact of Oral Infections

Surprisingly, oral infections can also contribute to neck, jaw, and ear pain. A tooth abscess, for example, can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw. In these cases, individuals may also experience swelling in the gums or tender spots around the affected teeth. If the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, it may indicate that the infection is spreading.

The Conundrum of Ear Infections

Ear infections, caused by viruses or bacteria, can also lead to intense pain in and around the ear. This pain can sometimes radiate to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth. Ear infections can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, congestion, and low energy. If left untreated, ear infections can potentially spread to other parts of the body, including the mastoid bone near the ear, leading to a serious condition called mastoiditis that requires immediate medical attention.

Tackling the Consequences of Jaw Injuries

Injuries to the jaw, such as a fracture or a strain or sprain in the surrounding muscles, can also result in pain that radiates to the ear. If the neck, jaw, and ear pain occurs shortly after a fall, a car accident, or a blow to the head, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the extent of the injury and receive appropriate treatment.

Unraveling the Link between Tooth Grinding and Ear Pain

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can be another contributing factor to neck, jaw, and ear pain. This habit places significant stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw, leading to tension and discomfort. In some cases, individuals may even experience damage to their teeth, slowly grinding them down or even breaking them.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Neck, Jaw, and Ear Pain

If home remedies and over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can perform a thorough examination, rule out potential underlying conditions, and develop a personalized treatment plan. In cases of severe pain, swelling, fever, or other concerning symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly to prevent the condition from worsening or spreading to other parts of the body.

Unlock the Secrets to Alleviating Neck, Jaw, and Ear Pain

By understanding the diverse range of potential causes behind neck, jaw, and ear pain, individuals can take proactive steps to address the issue and regain their comfort and well-being. Remember, seeking professional medical advice is crucial, as a healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the root cause and provide the most effective treatment options. With the right approach, you can find relief and return to enjoying a pain-free life.

Causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from a mild ache to intense pain. Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including infections, injuries, and joint problems.

In this article, we discuss the most common causes of ear and jaw pain. We also suggest home remedies to try before seeing a doctor and explain the medical treatment options.

Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain.

It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose the cause based on these symptoms alone, so they will take into account risk factors and recent history. For example, a person who has not been to the dentist in many years and has a history of tooth pain may have a cavity.

The following are some common causes of ear and jaw pain:

TMJ dysfunction

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including, most prominently, ear and jaw pain. Some people also get headaches, eye pain, and even sinus pressure. Several conditions and factors can cause TMJ pain, including:

• grinding the teeth
• problems with the alignment of the jaw or teeth
• muscle injuries
• arthritis

Although TMJ can be painful, home treatment often helps manage or even eliminate symptoms.

Sternocleidomastoid pain

The sternocleidomastoid is a thick muscle that extends from just under the ear down to the collarbone. Injuries to this muscle can cause jaw and ear pain, as well as sinus pain, eye pressure, and other symptoms that a person might mistake for signs of a cold or infection.

When a person has these symptoms but has no injuries and no other signs of infection — such as a fever or runny nose — an injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit. A doctor can rule out other causes, such as infections of the middle or inner ear, by carrying out a physical examination.

Oral infections

A tooth abscess can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw.

In most cases, a person will also have swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, which may signal that the infection is spreading.

Ear infections

An ear infection can cause intense pain in, around, or behind the ear. Sometimes, this pain radiates to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth.

In most cases, viruses or bacteria cause ear infections. Ear infections can also happen when water or other fluids build up in the ear.

A person with an ear infection may have other symptoms, such as fever, congestion, and low energy. The pain of an ear infection can be intense and may get rapidly worse without treatment.

Untreated ear infections can spread to other parts of the body. Some people develop an infection called mastoiditis, which is an infection in the mastoid bone near the ear. When this happens, a person may experience swelling close to the ear, hearing problems, or a high fever. Severe cases of mastitis can be life threatening and require immediate treatment.

Jaw injuries

An injury, such as a broken jaw or a strain or sprain in the surrounding muscles, could cause jaw pain that radiates to the ear. If a person notices ear and jaw pain shortly after a fall, a car accident, or a blow to the head, they may have a jaw injury that needs medical treatment.

Tooth grinding

Grinding the teeth at night places stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw. The tension can cause pain in the jaw, in the ears, and on the front or side of the face. Some people may also damage their teeth, slowly grinding them down or even breaking them.

Why That Earache Isn’t Going Away

Pain in the ears causes a lot of discomfort and will rob you of the much needed tranquility and quiet everyone wants after a long, hard day. An earache can also rob you of sleep, which is a critical component of good health.

A common way of treating pain in the ears is a dose of antibiotics to get rid of an ear infection. Most infections respond to normal drug therapy, whether it is a chest, tooth or throat infection. Relief from pain indicates that the infection has been dealt with.

But, what do you do when medication fails to alleviate the discomfort? The following post points to what could be the cause of your “untreatable” earache:

Do You Have an Ear Infection or Is It Really TMJ?

At least once a day, someone comes into our offices complaining of ear pain. Most of our patients think that they have an ear infection based on assumption (the pain is coming from the ear region after all!) … but it may come as a surprise that most ear pain has nothing wrong with the ears.

The most common cause of ear pain in an adult is the temporo-mandibular joint or TMJ. The temporo-mandibular joint is located extremely close to the ear canal and middle ear. The muscles that surround the temporo-mandibular joint and the fascia and ligaments that hold the bones in place are intricately connected with the ear and the nerve that supports the ear. Read more at Berger Henry…

As the post above explains, many people confuse ear infections with TMJ-based earaches. Because the ear is closely connected with the jaws and other facial muscles, the pain can be rooted in problems affecting these surrounding areas.

It might sound complicated when you first hear about TMJ ear pain so let’s take a closer look at the kinds of ear pain that are TMJ related. The following post gives some of the characteristics of this kind of earache:

TMJ Pain Characteristics

TMJ ear pain might be a dull, ongoing irritation or it could be a sharp, searing pain. It may even cause minor spasms in some of the muscles that comprise your face. You’re more likely to feel it, of course, whenever you move your jaw to talk, chew, yawn or swallow. Although this pain affects the tissues covering the joint just in front of your ear, you might also feel it in the surrounding facial area along the side of your head, neck, temple, cheek, lower jaw and teeth. Ear pain is often accompanied by a clicking sound or grating sensation, according to Mayo Clinic, and it can be difficult to open your mouth as wide as you would be able to normally. Read more at Colgate.com…

Does the description in the above post help to identify the type of discomfort you are experiencing? If it does, then you are on your way to getting the relief you desperately crave.

A proper understanding of TMJ ear pain and its origins will allow us to accurately treat the root cause of your earache rather than simply address the symptoms. A lot of research has been done on TMJ and the related conditions that come with it. The following post describes the causes of TMJ ear pain:

What Causes TMJ Ear Pain?

Before we get into the TMJ ear pain treatment, it’s important to realize what is causing your TMJ ear problems. Essentially, the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, gets worn down. The joint is responsible for connecting the lower jaw to the skull, and it is the joint that makes your jaw move. Through excessive grinding, jaw clenching, or other repetitive motions, the cartilage and other connective tissues get damaged, resulting in a constant TMJ earache that you can’t get rid of. Read more at Fairfield Sleep TMJ…

To get rid of your earache, you need treatment that tackles the issues with your TMJ. Fort Collins Headache Center uses a breakthrough, FDA approved treatment called TruDenta to correct problems with the TMJ and provide relief.

Book a consultation exam with Dr. Jared Ward today to see if you are a candidate for our cutting-edge therapy. If you are, we will create a treatment plan for you that will have you symptom free with just 12 or fewer weekly visits. Call Fort Collins Headache Center at 970-672-8517 or use the contact form on this page. We look forward to hearing from you.

Jaw Pain Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Finding out what causes jaw pain can be difficult, mostly because there are numerous sources from which the pain can originate, such as muscles, bones in the jaw, teeth, or areas of the body you do not necessarily suspect, like your ears, sinuses, or even your heart.

Pain is your body’s way of signaling that something is wrong—you’re grinding your teeth, you have an infection, or you have a joint disorder, for example—so getting to the bottom of your jaw pain is important, not only for your comfort but also to fix the underlying problem, which can be serious.

Verywell / Alexandra Gordon

Common Causes

The most common causes of jaw pain are dental issues and disorders that affect your temporomandibular joint, the joint that connects your lower jaw bone to your skull.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

The most common presenting signs and symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder include jaw tenderness that may feel like a toothache, as well as headache or an earache. The pain may get worse when chewing food and a person may hear and/or feel a clicking or popping noise when eating, as well as an overall decreased jaw range of motion. In addition, this condition may be associated with neck stiffness and pain, and shoulder pain that radiates down the arm. 

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Teeth grinding can cause jaw pain and, since many people do this while sleeping, you may not be aware that you are, too.

Symptoms of bruxism include jaw, face, and neck pain; headaches; and dental problems, including fractured and worn-down teeth.

Besides teeth grinding, other muscle overuse conditions, like teeth clenching and excessive gum chewing, can also cause jaw pain.

Toothaches

There are multiple dental problems associated with jaw pain. For example, a cracked tooth may cause intermittent, dull or sharp jaw pain that is triggered by biting or eating. A cavity may cause constant pain that is worsened by hot or cold food. Other dental problems like tooth abscesses and dry sockets may also cause jaw pain.

Infection

An infection within the head and neck area, specifically a sinus or ear infection, may cause jaw pain. Besides jaw pain, other symptoms of sinusitis may include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Toothache
• Cheek pain
• Nasal congestion

Likewise, besides jaw pain, other symptoms of an ear infection may include difficulty hearing, vertigo, nausea, and occasionally, ear drainage.

Trauma

Injuries to the jaw or face, including a dislocated or broken jaw, can cause significant pain.

Rare Causes

While jaw pain is classically linked to a TMJ problem, infection, or dental issue, there are other causes that a doctor needs to consider.

Heart Attack

Jaw pain may signal a heart attack, a potentially life-threatening condition that warrants immediate medical attention. Besides a crushing or heavy feeling in the center or left side of the chest that may move to the jaw, neck, or shoulder, other potential symptoms of a heart attack include difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and weakness.

If you or someone you’re with may be having a heart attack, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately.

Autoimmune Conditions

Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus may also cause jaw pain, specifically symptoms that mimic those of TMJ disorder. 

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a severely painful condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which helps you detect facial sensations and move your jaw. This condition causes one-sided attacks of sharp, electric-shock-like pain in the lips, eyes, nose, jaw, forehead, and scalp. The pain is generally triggered by eating, talking, or exposing your face to cold air.

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw

Osteonecrosis occurs when the blood supply to a bone is disrupted and the bone begins to die. It can cause severe pain. Causes of osteonecrosis include excessive alcohol consumption, the use of corticosteroid medications, bisphosphonate medications, radiation therapy to the head and neck, and trauma.

Cancer

Certain types of cancer, like oral cancer, may cause jaw pain. With oral cancer, there may be other symptoms present, such as a persistent pain in the mouth, a sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal, trouble chewing or moving the jaw, swelling of the jaw, loosening of the teeth, and a lump or mass in the neck. 

When to See a Doctor

It may surprise you that the above list of jaw pain causes is not exhaustive. This is why it’s important to seek out a proper diagnosis from a doctor or dentist.

While the majority of jaw pain is not related to medical emergencies like a heart attack, if your discomfort is severe and/or prolonged, or if your pain is associated with symptoms like trouble breathing, chest pain, sweating, or dizziness, be sure to seek immediate medical attention.

Diagnosis

In order to access the cause of your jaw pain, your doctor will first ask you several questions about your pain, like when it began, how severe it is, and whether the pain is intermittent or constant. They will also inquire about whether there has been any recent jaw trauma, as well as habits that may trigger jaw pain. The timing of the jaw pain, like whether it occurs in the morning upon awakening, can also help a doctor figure out the diagnosis.

Physical Exam

After a thorough history, your doctor will begin the physical examination, with a close look at your mouth, teeth, TMJ, neck, and shoulders.

Specifically, for suspected TMJ disorder, your doctor may measure the range of motion of your jaw opening. While a normal opening is 40 to 55 millimeters, people with TMJ often have a jaw opening that is less than 30 millimeters. Patients with TMJ may also have muscle tenderness around the TMJ, as well as joint crepitus (a crackling sensation) or a clicking sound when the jaw opens and closes.

Lastly, it’s common for a doctor to do a cranial nerve exam, in order to ensure that the pain you are experiencing is not related to an irritated or compressed nerve (for example, trigeminal neuralgia).

Labs and Tests

Bloodwork is not often needed to access jaw pain unless there is a concern for an autoimmune condition, at which point pertinent antibodies and inflammatory markers may be drawn.

In addition, if you are being ruled out for a heart attack in the emergency room, an electrocardiogram and blood tests (for example, cardiac enzymes) will be ordered.

Imaging

Depending on the findings from the history and physical examination, imaging tests may help provide additional insight or confirm a diagnosis. For certain causes of jaw pain, like TMJ disorder, a dental problem, or a fractured or dislocated jaw, a plain X-ray or panoramic X-ray is usually sufficient.

For more complex diagnoses, such as osteonecrosis of the jaw, or for the diagnosis of a sinus infection, a computed tomography (CT) scan may be ordered. Magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs) are often used to more thoroughly evaluate TMJ in people with chronic or severe pain. An MRI may also be used to evaluate the trigeminal nerve in trigeminal neuralgia.

Treatment

The treatment of jaw pain depends on its cause but may include therapies like taking a certain medication, employing self-care strategies, or undergoing surgery.

Medications and Self-Care

Specific medications are prescribed for certain diagnoses—for instance, an antibiotic will be prescribed for a sinus or ear infection, while the anticonvulsant Tegretol (carbamazepine) or Trileptal (oxcarbazepine) is used to treat trigeminal neuralgia.

For TMJ disorder, a combination of medications (for example, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory and/or a muscle relaxant) and self-care therapies (for example, trigger avoidance and changing sleeping posture) is recommended.

If teeth grinding is the culprit behind your painful jaw, a mouthguard may be helpful. Mouth guards can either be purchased at a drugstore and molded to fit your teeth, or you can have one custom-made at your dentist’s office.

Surgery

Surgery is often one of the primary treatments for oral cancer, and surgical repair may be necessary for a jaw fracture.

A Word From Verywell

While getting to the bottom of your jaw pain may take a little patience and persistence on your end, especially if you find yourself going back and forth between your dentist and your primary care doctor, rest assured that once the source is found and a diagnosis is made, the vast majority of people can obtain relief.

Peter R.

Sutton, D.C.: Chiropractor

Did you know that approximately 80 percent of all people who have pain in their head have lost some of the normal curve of the upper spine in the neck area?  These people may experience daily headaches, neck pain, vertigo (dizziness), and even ringing in the ears which are all common symptoms of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.  Most people would never suspect that the neck and jaw would be related, including many physicians and dentists, but they can directly affect each other causing discomfort or pain if they are out of balance.  The latest research is showing that a bad neck position and poor posture can be one of the main causes of a TMJ disorder, and unless it is properly addressed, patients will continue to suffer.  If you are someone who has either neck pain or jaw pain, or possibly both, it can be a “chicken or the egg” situation meaning which came first, the poor posture or the bad bite and jaw position.  In most cases, it doesn’t matter because once symptoms start to occur; both the neck and the jaw are affected and need to be taken into consideration to give the patients relief.

Head position can have a large effect on the entire body, especially in the jaw and neck.  In fact, if your head is positioned just slightly forward it is actually 10 times heavier than if it is properly aligned on top of your spine!  Therefore, anything that causes a change in head position and neck curvature can lead to discomfort and pain.

If you have a posture that places your head in a forward or downward position you can be at a risk for a TMJ disorder or cervicogenic (neck-related) headaches.  A cervicogenic headache is pain referred to the head from a source in the cervical spine.  However, these symptoms from the neck could actually have been caused by a bad bite in the first place.  What dental issues can cause a bad neck?

• Clenching and grinding
• Worn down teeth
• Poor posture
• Snoring or sleep apnea
• Severe overbite
• TMJ disorder

As shown in many studies, there is a very close relationship between the upper cervical spine and a person’s jaw posture.  People may experience neck discomfort or they may experience headaches, jaw pain, ear ringing or even vertigo.  The frustrating part for a patient is they are often unaware of the origin of these symptoms.  If you have had any symptoms with your head and neck throughout your life, you should consider being evaluated in order to determine if you have a neck or jaw posture misalignment.  Luckily, when properly identified, there are very predictable solutions to alleviate these pains.

Dr. Sutton is a board certified Chiropractor and the owner of Abundant Health Chiropractic 480-802-0797

Author

Peter R Sutton DC
Dr. Sutton is a practicing Chiropractor for the past 16 years in Chandler, AZ

Temperomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMD) | Williams Square Dental

Temporomandibular joint syndrome and temporomandibular joint disorders can be a literal pain in the neck. These conditions, more commonly known as TMJ and TMD, are disorders of the jaw. Yet they are masters of disguise; they can manifest in many ways, and you may not necessarily have pain in your jaw. TMD and TMJ symptoms can include anything from headaches to numbness in the fingers to, yes, even a pain in the neck.

Because the symptoms of TMD and TMJ are so varied, many people never realize they have these disorders and so they do not receive the proper treatment.

At our dental practice serving the Las Colinas, Irving, and surrounding area, we often see patients who have been in pain for years and never had an inkling they suffered from TMD or TMJ disorders. The good news is that once you have been diagnosed, there are a variety of treatment options, including home remedies, medicine or even surgery.

What Is TMJ? What Is TMD?

TMJ and TMD are essentially interchangeable terms for the same problem. The temporomandibular joint is the hinge in your jaw connecting the jaw to your skull. It’s what allows you to move your jaw up and down to eat and talk. Any problem with this joint is technically referred to as a temporomandibular disorder. But these problems are more commonly referred to as temporomandibular joint syndrome, or TMJ disorder. We’ll use these terms interchangeably, as people may refer to the disorder as either one. They mean the same thing.

TMJ Causes

There can be many causes of TMJ pain. Your risk of developing this disorder rises if you have a lot of stress or are extremely sensitive to pain. The most common causes of TMJ and TMD include:

• Frequent clenching or grinding your teeth. Also called bruxism, it puts pressure on the joint, sparking the pain.
• Arthritis of the temporomandibular joint. This results in less range of motion for your jaw.
• Other inflammatory disorders. This can lead to pain in the jaw since the joints often become inflamed.
• Anxiety. When you’re tense all the time, you tighten your jaw muscles and clench your teeth.
• Chewing gum all the time. Your jaw may tire out.
• Bad posture. When you do not stand up straight or hunch over a computer, it strains the neck and jaw.
• Bad teeth. These result in uneven chewing, putting stress on the jaw line.
• Previous jaw fracture. Even after the bone has healed, you are at greater risk of developing TMJ.
• Jaw surgery. After recovery, your jaw may lose some mobility, prompting the development of TMD.
• Lockjaw, also called trismus. If you cannot fully open your jaw, you may also develop TMJ.

TMJ and TMD can also be caused by a combination of these factors. The condition is not uncommon, either. More than 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ pain, but many cases also go undiagnosed because this disorder causes so many wide and varied symptoms. It can be difficult to connect them to TMD.

One thing that doesn’t cause TMD? Braces. Though this is a common rumor, TMJ experts say there has been no proof linking this orthodontic device to TMD.

TMJ Symptoms

There are a vast number of symptoms of TMD. The degree of your TMJ pain may vary, too. Some patients in our Las Colinas, Irving, and surrounding dental practice report sharp, unbearable stabs of pain. For others it’s a dull ache that doesn’t go away. Here are some symptoms of TMJ and how they may be impacting you:

Migraines and headaches. The TMJ migraines and headaches our patients experience differ from allergy or sinus-induced headaches. They return frequently, are not always responsive to medicine, and may be accompanied by tenderness or pain in the jaw.

Facial pain. Facial pain from TMJ might include:

• Swelling on either side of the face
• Tired cheeks or jaws
• Popping of the jaw

Ear pain. Ear symptoms are one of the most common complaints for TMJ sufferers. Often, patients complain about ringing in the ears or buzzing that doesn’t go away. This is caused when a misalignment of the jaw results in stress that radiates up the jaw line and irritates the ear canal.

Patients often report dizziness or numbness along with ear pain, which helps point to TMJ.

Congestion. Got a stuffy nose that just won’t go away? It could be a TMD symptom. The ears, nose and throat are so closely connected that aggravation of the jaw line can result in excessive mucus production. TMJ sufferers often find a decongestant has little impact on their frequent congestion.

Jaw pain. No surprise here: When the jaw is out of whack, it causes a lot of pain in the area. Frequent complaints include:

• Grating of the jaw
• Clicking of the jaw
• The jaw getting stuck when it’s opened or closed

While the degree of pain may vary, all are extremely annoying and can lower the overall quality of life.

Tooth pain. Yes, individual teeth can experience pain when the real cause is actually TMD. When the jaw is aligned and working properly, pressure will be spread out among the teeth when a person chews. But when the top and bottom teeth are not fitting together, teeth may come under too much pressure.

Neck and back pain. Pain caused by TMJ can radiate down your neck and back. This can be exacerbated by poor posture, which is a cause of TMD to begin with. When you thrust your head forward while sitting at your desk, for example, you strain your jaw and force it to “rest” in the open instead of the closed position. This puts it under stress, and your neck and back pay the price for that undue pressure.

Numbness of the arms, hands and fingers. Numbness of the extremities can be a symptom of many disorders, including TMJ. When muscle spasms caused by TMJ occur in your face, they can pinch other nerves in the body, leading to numbness in your arms, hands or fingers. Tingling may also occur in these areas and, in extreme cases, cold or bluing of these extremities can develop.

Rarely, TMJ will cause numbness in the face. Numbness occurs when the temporomandibular puts pressure on the nearby trigeminal nerve, which carries signals
to your forehead and face. When this happens, it may cut off sensory input to these areas, resulting in loss of feeling.

Shoulder pain. Your jaw is not connected directly to your shoulder, so you may wonder how TMJ can cause shoulder pain. When you carry stress in your jaw, it can radiate down your body. For example, if your jaw is becoming fatigued because of poor posture that keeps your mouth open all the time, your shoulders will tense up to compensate for the exhaustion. This leads to shoulder pain.

Back pain. Like shoulder pain, back pain can also be linked to TMD because of poor posture. When your spine gets out of alignment, TMJ can develop, and your inability to stand up straight will result in pain in the upper back. Untreated, this TMJ pain will only get worse.

How Do You Diagnose TMJ?

Unlike a pregnancy test that comes back negative or positive, there’s no automatic TMD testing. It’s more like detective work. Your dentist can make an informed decision based on your symptoms and how long they have been occurring.

Sometimes another medical professional, such as a physical therapist or a family doctor, can also recognize the symptoms of TMJ along with certain risk
factors. In those cases, they may recommend you make an appointment with a family dentist who has experience treating TMJ to see if you have it.

At a TMJ exam, the dentist will:

• Take a full oral medical history
• Catalog all TMJ symptoms
• Assess jaw muscle and joint functionality
• Look at your teeth and your bite pattern
• Order an MRI to determine if the disc in your joint moves correctly

Once these steps have been taken, the dentist will have enough evidence to diagnose TMJ.

TMJ Treatment

After a TMJ diagnosis has been given, the first concern is offering TMJ pain relief. It’s a very uncomfortable disorder, and many people have several symptoms, not just one. Often, patients begin with home remedies. If those don’t work, then they move on to other treatments. Those can range from injections to surgery.

Let’s take a look at each one of these common TMJ relief options:

• TMJ home treatments. There are many home remedies you can use to help ease your TMJ symptoms. Of course, a few should be obvious. We may tell our Irving, Texas area patients to stop chewing gum and establish correct posture for some immediate relief. Other proven home remedies include:
  • Putting ice packs on the jaw
  • Using relaxation techniques, such as meditation, to decrease tension in the jaw
  • Stretching the jaw gently
  • Switching to soft foods
  • Applying moist heat to the jaw line for 30 minutes two to three times each day

Sometimes home remedies do not provide enough TMJ pain relief. If that’s the case, it’s time to try other options.

• TMJ injections. One way to relieve the pain and tension associated with TMJ is through Botox injections. Though Botox is known mostly for helping people look younger by reducing wrinkles, it also relieves the jaw tension associated with TMD. However, the federal Food and Drug Administration has not approved this as a TMJ treatment.
• Physical therapy for TMJ. A physical therapist can give you TMJ exercises that will strengthen your jaw and help you regain the full motion of the joint. He or she can also:
  • Educate you about proper posture
  • Use pain treatments such as electrical stimulus
  • Break down scar tissue in the jaw using massage
• TMJ medicine. Muscle relaxers, anti-depressants and pain relievers can be prescribed by your TMJ specialist to relieve jaw pain.
• Dental improvements. Since TMJ can be caused by missing teeth or a misaligned jaw, getting dental treatment can help. Bite problems can be corrected by using:
• TMJ mouth guard. If your TMJ is being caused or exacerbated by bruxism, or grinding of the teeth, your dentist may suggest having a mouth guard made. You can wear the guard at night to protect your teeth from grinding and gently guide them into correct positioning.
• TMJ splint. A splint can also be worn to correct problems from TMD. A splint is very similar to a mouth guard, but it’s worn all day instead of only at night.
• Surgery for TMJ. Surgery is usually the last resort for any ailment, and that’s no different for TMJ. Once other options have been exhausted, your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon to correct an underlying problem that’s causing TMJ. There are three forms of TMJ surgery:
  • Arthrocentesis: This is the least-invasive surgery and can be done with general anesthesia. The doctor uses a needle to get a locked jaw unstuck.
  • Arthroscopy: Using an arthroscope inserted through a slit near your ear, the surgeon can realign the disc in your joint or get rid of built-up scar tissue.
  • Open-joint surgery: The most invasive procedure, this involves a full opening of the jaw, which could lead to removal of tumors or bone chips. It can take a long time to heal from this surgery, and in rare cases, it may result in nerve damage.

Before you get surgery of any type, you should weigh all your options and speak with your dentist about how surgery would impact your overall dental
health.

Can TMJ Be Prevented?

As the symptoms suggest, TMJ can be a very painful condition. We see many patients from the Irving, Texas area who worry about relapsing or experiencing TMJ, and they ask if there are any preventative measures that can be taken against the disorder.

Five tips to lessen your chance of developing TMJ

• Use a headset instead of holding the telephone between your shoulder and ear.
• Practice good posture, especially at work, where it’s easy to forget about keeping your shoulders back while you hunch over a computer.
• Don’t open your jaw too widely.
• If you smoke, quit.
• See your dentist regularly for good oral hygiene, which lessens the chance of getting a jaw disorder.

Do I Have TMJ Disorder?

If, after reading through this guide, you think you may be suffering from TMJ, you should schedule an immediate trip to the dentist to be evaluated and
diagnosed. The sooner you get an appointment, the sooner you can begin treating your TMD symptoms.

Williams Square Dental has lots of experience treating patients with TMJ in the Las Colinas, Irving, and surrounding area. Contact us today to set up an appointment.

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Myosa

Myosa

^® for Snorers

When in place the Myosa^® for Snorers will open the airway and control over-breathing through the mouth. The appliance’s flexible sides with airspring base minimises impact on the jaw joint (TMJ) making it suitable for users who suffer from jaw joint (TMJ) disorder or teeth grinding.

More about Myosa

^® for Snorers

Myosa

^® for Juniors

The Myosa^® for Juniors is ideal for treating the causes of SDB in children aged between two and six-years-old. The appliance works by correcting the lower jaw postion to open the airway, regulating the breathing and positioning the tongue correctly in the upper jaw.

More about Myosa

^® for Juniors

Myosa

^® for Kids

The Myosa^® for Juniors is ideal for treating the causes of SDB in children aged between six and 12-years-old. The appliance works by correcting the lower jaw postion to open the airway, regulating the breathing and positioning the tongue correctly in the upper jaw.

More about Myosa

^® for Kids

Myosa

^® for TMJ

The Myosa^® for TMJ is designed to automatically correct the alignment of the lower jaw as well as stretch tight, painful muscles around the jaws, head and neck. By gently decompressing the inflamed jaw joint, the appliance relieves pressure and provides an immediate decrease in pain.

More about Myosa

^® for TMJ

Myosa

^® for Teeth Grinders

Teeth Grinding is a common symprtom associated with SDB. While the entire range of Myosa^® appliances will provide some protection against the damage caused by teeth grinding, the Myosa^® for TMJ is designed specifically for this purpose and provides a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth.

More about Myosa

^® for Teeth Grinders

We help relieve ear pain radiating to the jaw and temple

When an ear hurts, it radiates to the temple and jaw, a person can “sin” on dental problems. But more often than not, in such cases, the teeth have nothing to do with it. This symptom is a reason for consulting an ENT specialist. We figure out why the pain from the ear gives to the jaw, and how to relieve it!

Varieties of pain

There are different types of pain in the ears that radiate to the jaw. They are classified by intensity and character.

Intensity

The intensity of the ear pain can be acute or dull.Acute usually occurs in the event of inflammation or injury and lasts for several days. Dull is more typical for the chronic phase of the disease.

Character

When the ear pain radiates to the teeth, it can be pulling or pulsating (shooting). The first is constantly present, and the second rolls in periods – after chewing, talking, brushing teeth, touching.

Possible causes

There are 2 main reasons why the ear hurts, radiates to the jaw and temple – inflammation in the ears and in the trigeminal nerve.Also, sometimes the pain syndrome is actually caused by dental problems.

Inflammation in the ears

The most common cause is secretory otitis media. This is an inflammation of the middle ear, in which fluid accumulates and stagnates in its cavity. It cannot go out through the auditory tube, therefore it provokes a feeling of squeezing. That is why the pain that characterizes otitis media radiates to the jaw. A similar symptom manifests itself in exudative and purulent otitis media.

When otitis media spreads to the teeth, the pain syndrome usually manifests itself on one side.It can be aching or throbbing – it all depends on the degree of development of the inflammatory process. In addition to pain, a person notices ear congestion, hearing loss and malaise.

Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve

The trigeminal nerve comes from the brainstem, its main node is located very close to the ear. From it there are three branches – the eye, maxillary and mandibular. That is why, with a cold, the trigeminal nerve often hurts the ear, gives it to the temple and jaw. Also, pain can be given to the neck and eyes.As a rule, it has a shooting character and appears after chewing, brushing teeth and other movements of the jaw. Along with pain, accompanying symptoms appear – spasms of the chewing and facial muscles, redness of the face.

Dental problems

Sometimes pain symptoms are associated with inflammation of the wisdom tooth, which is close to the ear. This occurs at the advanced stages of caries, when soft and bone tissues, nerve fibers are affected. In this case, the jaw hurts and gives it to the ear and temple.

What to do if your ear hurts and gives in to your teeth and temple?

When ear pain radiates to the jaw, you need to consult an otolaryngologist, dentist or neurologist. How to know which doctor to go to? Press on the ear tragus – if the pain intensifies, then you should go to the ENT. In case of spasms of the facial muscles, they go to a neurologist, and if the pain increases with pressure on the tooth, they go to the dentist.

What can not be done

If your ear hurts, gives to the jaw, you should not try to cure it yourself.Warming up the sick side is strictly prohibited – this can intensify the inflammatory process. Also, do not rub and scratch the sore spot – this will spread the infection. Finally, you cannot prescribe antibiotics and analgesics to yourself – you do not know the exact cause of the pain.

Diagnostics

To determine the reason why a person has ear, temple and jaw pains at the same time, it is carried out:

• Otoscopy – done by an ENT doctor, so you can diagnose otitis media
• Examination of the oral cavity at a dentist’s appointment – allows you to detect caries
• CT and MRI of the head – shows inflammatory processes in the facial nerves, ears and bone tissue

Treatment

If the ear hurts, it radiates to the jaw – how to treat it? It all depends on the cause of the symptom.For otitis media, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and medications and treatments are prescribed to remove fluid and pus from the ear. Dentists and neurologists have other treatments.

Peculiarities of treatment at Betterton

If you get otitis media in your teeth, our ENT center will help you. It uses modern diagnostic methods to accurately determine the cause of the pain. Then our doctors prescribe effective treatment that helps to remove inflammation and relieve pain.

Possible complications

Pain indicates an inflammatory process that can lead to serious consequences.For example, when otitis media spreads to the jaw, inflammation can spread to the facial nerve, bone, and meninges. With purulent processes, fistulas, phlegmon and abscesses that threaten human life are possible.

Prevention

To avoid excruciating pain enveloping the ear, temple and jaw, simple recommendations will help:

• Protect your ears from water
• Protect your head from drafts and hypothermia
• Maintain oral hygiene, treat caries in time

if you feel pain, see your doctor right away.Sign up for a consultation with us to find out how to relieve pain!

Do not try to treat yourself! Contact otolaryngologists at the Betterton Hearing Centers in the capital ×

Make an appointment with a doctor:

Make an appointment with a doctor:

Otalgia – ear pain in a healthy ear

Otalgia, translated from Latin, is pain in the ear. In practice, otolaryngologists call otalgia such a pain syndrome when a person complains of pain in the ear, and when examining the organ of hearing, nothing pathological is found.It is generally accepted that otalgia accounts for about 50% of all cases of ear pain.

Mechanism of occurrence of otalgia

What can cause pain in a healthy ear? The organ of hearing is abundantly supplied with nerve endings. It is supplied with its branches by the trigeminal, facial, glossopharyngeal, vagus nerves, as well as the cervical spinal nerves. These same nerve trunks give off branches to many other organs of the head and neck. Therefore, inflammation or other pathological process, for example, in a tooth, can give off pain in the ear.

Most common diseases causing otalgia:

– diseases of teeth and gums;
– diseases of the temporomandibular joint;
– diseases of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx;
– diseases of the cervical spine;
– neuralgia.

Diseases of teeth and gums

Diseases of the teeth are the most common cause of otalgia. Otalgia is especially characteristic for the defeat of the molars (posterior teeth) of the lower jaw. Caries, pulpitis, periodontal abscess, and impacted wisdom teeth can cause ear pain.

Diseases of the temporomandibular joint

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is adjacent to the anterior wall of the ear canal. Unsurprisingly, his medical conditions can mimic ear pain.

The following signs are characteristic of VNS pathology:

– pain in the joint area;
– Difficulty opening the mouth;
– clicks or crunching when moving in the joint;
– soreness when feeling the joint and adjacent masticatory muscles.

Diseases of the cervical spine

Radiculopathy is damage to a nerve resulting from compression (compression) inside the spinal canal. This leads to pain. Radiculopathy of the nerves of the cervical spine can have various causes. For example, the nerve trunk can be compressed by osteophytes (bone growths).

As the branches of the cervical spinal nerves reach the ear, problems with the cervical spine can cause ear pain and itching.

Neuralgia

Neuralgia is a nerve disease manifested by pain in the area of ​​distribution of the branches of a given nerve trunk.

Ear pain can be caused by the following types of neuralgia:

– glossopharyngeal
– trigeminal
– neuralgia of the geniculate ganglion and wing of the palatine ganglion.

Thus, ear pain often does not have any underlying ear pathology. Therefore, if, when examining the ear of the ENT, the doctor does not find inflammatory changes in it, THIS does not mean that you are healthy.A careful search for the cause of otalgia is very important. In such cases, a consultation with a neurologist or dentist is prescribed.

Rustam Iskaderov, otorhinolaryngologist, expert in otolaryngology, Naberezhnye Chelny, according to compulsory medical insurance

90,000 Ear pain – causes, symptoms and diagnosis, indications for seeking medical attention

Walking on a windy day, careless bathing, when water gets into the ear, ARVI – all this can cause a sharp pain in the ear. It is not always possible to see a doctor right away, and it is difficult to endure ear pain – it interferes with doing your usual things, sleeping.With the help of otolaryngologists at the Kutuzovsky Medical Center, we will find out why an ear can hurt, and what first aid can be provided at home.

The ear and its features

The human ear is a complex and functional organ. It not only allows us to hear sounds, speech, but also helps us to navigate in space, maintain coordination of movements, determine where the sound comes from, activates the cerebral cortex and brain centers in it. Hearing is an important feeling for communication, but more often we only become aware of it when it gets worse or is lost altogether.

There are three main divisions in the human ear:

• The outer ear is the auricle and the visible ear canal.
• Medium – A small depression in the skull where the tympanic membrane, ossicles, and Eustachian tube are located. The middle ear plays a protective role, and also amplifies and further transmits sound signals.
• The inner ear – the so-called cochlea – is a labyrinth of auditory canals where hearing analyzers are located.There are also elements that are responsible for the work of the vestibular apparatus.

Such a complex structure of the ear increases the risk of injuries, infections and pathologies that cause pain syndrome – otalgia and can cause tissue edema and hearing impairment. There may be ear pain in a child or an adult.

Causes of ear pain

The ear can hurt for various reasons. The main reasons can be divided into three main groups:

• Inflammation or trauma to the outer ear.
• Diseases of the middle ear.
• A situation when the pain radiates to the ear due to the connection of the organ with the adjacent areas of the head. For example, this happens with neuralgia, diseases of the throat, nose and other conditions.

Problems can also occur in the inner ear, but their peculiarity is that there is no pain with them (as a rule).

There is another classification of causes: pain from external or internal exposure. Let’s consider the main options.

External causes of ear pain

The main factors that may cause discomfort or soreness in the ear are:

• Injury, shock, frostbite or burns – can damage cartilage and even the ear canal and can cause ear pain
• Differences in atmospheric pressure (diving or air travel)
• Prolonged squeezing (for example, from tight or uncomfortable headphones).
• The ingress of a foreign body into the ear, the accumulation of sulfur plugs in it, inaccurate cleaning of the ears is the cause of pain in the ear on one side.
• Ingress of water during swimming, bathing.
• Loud noise – from music, work in noisy rooms.

Internal causes of ear pain

Sharp, shooting pain in the ear often occurs for precisely such reasons as:

• Otitis media is the most common cause of ear pain. Depending on the place where the infection has penetrated, there are external, middle and internal otitis media. With them, a throbbing pain in the ear can occur, the eardrum becomes inflamed and even break through, discharge from the ear appears and the temperature rises.Symptoms of internal otitis media include headaches and dizziness, poor coordination of movements. Inflammation can occur in an acute form (with an increase in body temperature) or chronic (the patient complains of general weakness, while pain is weak or absent). Otitis media are dangerous due to hearing impairment, prolonged course, so you should not leave them unattended.
• Perichondritis is another ear infection that develops, most often from an ear injury or as a complication from the flu. The main symptoms of perichondritis are edema of the ear skin, an increase in ear size, purulent discharge, fistulas that do not heal for a long time.
• Mastoiditis is a complication of otitis media, in this case, the process of the temporal bone behind the ear becomes inflamed, and purulent cavities can form.
• Boils – abscesses in the ear or in the ear canal.
• Shingles or herpes, which can also appear on the auricle.
• Tumors of a different nature that compress the auditory tube.

There is also a secondary pain in the ear – for no reason directly in it. Problems arise in other ENT organs (throat, nose, sinuses) or adjacent areas on the head: lymph nodes, jaw, facial nerves.

The main causes of ear pain are:

• Lymphadenitis – inflammation of the lymph nodes that are located near the ears.
• Diseases of the teeth – pulpitis, periodontitis and others.
• Injury or inflammation of the temporomandibular joint.
• Pathology of the upper vertebrae of the neck.
• Neuralgia of the occipital or trigeminal nerve (with unilateral pain in the right or left ear).
• Infections and other diseases of the throat, nose and its appendages, the mucous membrane of the mouth and even the esophagus. This pain appears in the ear when swallowing, chewing, or may be constant.
• Tumors in the head, neck.
• Injury.

How to understand the cause of ear pain

Earache causes unbearable discomfort.To endure it is not only difficult, but also dangerous to health. Regardless of what disease provoked the discomfort, it requires urgent treatment. There are many ways to get rid of ear pain at home on the Internet. However, their effectiveness is questionable. And even if you manage to eliminate the pain, the cause of the pain may persist. The result of self-medication can be the addition of infection, the appearance of purulent processes and other pathologies.

Often, after self-medication, patients still have to see a doctor, when the problem has to be solved already in an operative way.Treatment and recovery in such situations is quite lengthy, expensive and painful.

Medicine knows a huge number of cases when a patient hesitates to see a doctor. As a result, he partially or completely loses his hearing. Don’t become part of negative statistics. Come to the Kutuzov Medical and Diagnostic Center to receive quality medical care and prevent complications.

There are quite a few diseases, among the symptoms of which there is otalgia.It is better to understand the reason, to understand the patient’s complaints. In order to make a preliminary diagnosis, the otolaryngologist will be helped by additional information about:

• Rate of occurrence of complaints. So a sharp, shooting pain in the ear, which appeared literally suddenly, speaks of an acute infection, inflammation of the auditory tube or eardrum. A gradual increase in the intensity of sensations is characteristic of otitis media arising from a runny nose, nasal congestion.
• The nature and strength of pain.Dull, aching pains are signs of chronic diseases. Severe pain that appears and goes away on its own, recurs periodically, may indicate neuralgia. Pulsating and sharp pain occurs with acute inflammation of the ear canal, boils.
• Duration. Severe and persistent pain for several days is a symptom of acute inflammation. The pain from the injury will disappear after a few hours, and chronic processes, tumors make themselves felt as constant discomfort.
• Localizations.Otalgia can literally bother “from the inside” of the head – in this case, the middle ear is affected. With superficial pain, the cause is in the auricle, auditory canal.
• Variability. The intensity of pain can change with pressure on the auricle, lobe, change in body position, swallowing.
• Additional symptoms. The doctor will certainly ask about other complaints – sore throat, nasal congestion, headaches, fever, discharge from the ears, skin changes, hearing impairment and others.

Determining the cause of ear pain begins with a specialist examination. In many cases, a doctor can diagnose a combination of symptoms. However, additional research is often required to determine the type of pathology and the degree of its development. In the Kutuzov diagnostic and treatment center, you can make examinations of any complexity. The clinic is equipped with high-tech diagnostic equipment. Thanks to the use of modern examination methods, we are able to accurately determine the cause of the pain and select the optimal treatment regimen.

By signing up for a consultation, you can do all the necessary procedures directly at the medical center. There is no need to waste time traveling to other medical facilities. We use safe and painless research methods. Come to an appointment at the Kutuzov Medical and Diagnostic Center to find out the cause of the pain and discuss treatment options.

All these symptoms help the doctor understand the nature and characteristics of the disease. You can confirm and clarify the diagnosis using more precise procedures:

• Otoscopy – examination of the ear using a special ENT instrument, similar to a funnel.The procedure is painless and allows you to examine the ear and take a sample of the discharge (if any) for laboratory analysis.
• Laboratory analyzes – bacterial inoculation of microflora, determination of the sensitivity of microorganisms to antibiotics.
• Ultrasound – used to assess the state of neighboring internal structures – lymph nodes and others.

What diagnostic methods will be needed in this or that case is decided individually by the ENT doctor.

How is ear pain treated?

Treatment depends on the disease. So, the sulfur plug is removed by rinsing with a special solution immediately at the doctor’s appointment, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs will be needed to treat otitis media. It is important not only to relieve pain, but also to act on its cause. For this, drugs are used (tablets and local applications), physiotherapy (UHF, electrophoresis and others). Self-medication is dangerous with complications – a breakthrough of the tympanic membrane, the spread of infection to other organs, partial or complete hearing loss.

If it is not possible to urgently consult a doctor (for example, severe ear pain occurred in the evening), you can:

• Take pain reliever.
• Make a compress – insert a cotton swab (not deeply) into the auricle (it can be soaked in boric or comfort alcohol).
• To apply drops in the nose, because often the pain in the ear occurs from diseases and swelling in the nasopharynx

You can’t do it yourself:

• Warm up the ears – in case of infections, this can lead to even more inflammation.
• Use ear drops and ear candles from the home first aid kit – they may not be suitable for this diagnosis, and opened ear drops cannot be stored for a long time.
• Attempting to flush the plug or remove a stuck foreign body may damage the eardrum.

Be sure to consult with your ENT doctor if your ear is worried or you notice a rash, itching, discharge from the ear canal, hearing distortions, or hearing impairment.We invite you to the Kutuzovsky Medical Center – a clinic where experienced and knowledgeable doctors work. Our otolaryngologists (and other specialists) are ready to see you daily by appointment. The clinic has all the necessary equipment to carry out the necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and in our center you can also undergo a check up of the body – a complete medical examination at an affordable cost. Do not tolerate pain – it can really be cured!

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The content of this article has been checked and confirmed for compliance with medical standards by an otorhinolaryngologist Petrov Vadim Vyacheslavovich.

Otitis externa – causes, symptoms, treatment

What is otitis externa?

This is an inflammation of the tissues of the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane and auricle. Otitis externa is widespread. It is considered acute if it lasts less than 4 weeks, chronic if it lasts longer and / or recurs more than 4 times a year.

Symptoms of otitis externa

There are three degrees of severity of otitis externa.

• Mild otitis externa: itching in the ear canal, redness inside the ear, discomfort in the ear, which intensifies when pressing on the auricle or tragus (a small protrusion in the center of the ear).Some clear, odorless liquid may come out of the ear.
• Moderate otitis externa: itching gets worse, the ear aches, there is obvious redness inside, the discharge intensifies, pus may appear. The auditory canal feels full as a result of edema and delayed discharge.
• Spilled (diffuse) otitis externa: severe pain in the ear, radiating to the neck, temple, cheek; the auditory canal is completely blocked; the auricle becomes red and swollen, as do the lymph nodes in the neck.The temperature is elevated, sometimes significantly.

When to see a doctor?

Visit your doctor even for mild otitis externa. If you have severe pain and fever, you should call an ambulance or come to the hospital immediately.

Meet our otorhinolaryngologist (ENT doctor) – Yegor Olegovich Levchenko

Causes of otitis externa

• water that enters the ear during swimming is a breeding ground for bacteria to multiply;
• Picking in the ears with your fingers, cleaning them with cotton swabs.As a result, the person damages the thin surface of the skin of the ear canal, which makes him vulnerable to infections;
• Eczema, seborrhea, neurodermatitis, local skin irritation (from insect bites, etc.), allergy to earrings or hair products – can cause non-infectious otitis externa.

Risks of otitis externa

• The habit of cleaning the ears with cotton swabs, sticks, finger.
• Frequent swimming, especially in natural waters where the water is not purified.
• Narrow ear canal, eg in children.
• Wearing headphones, hearing aids.

Possible complications of otitis externa

As a rule, otitis externa does not cause complications and is easily treated. However, if complications arise, they can be as follows:

• temporary hearing loss in the affected ear. It passes after recovery from otitis media;
• chronic otitis externa. It usually occurs when there are difficulties with the treatment of otitis externa, for example, with fungal and mixed bacterial-fungal forms;
• spread of infection to deep tissues – neck cellulitis, lymphadenitis, osteomyelitis.Similar complications (malignant otitis media) can occur in patients with immunodeficiency conditions, diabetes, and also receiving chemotherapy. Such complications can be life-threatening.

How to prevent otitis externa?

• Gently blot the ear canal after bathing, but do not wipe the ear canal with anything.
• If water gets into your ear, you can shake it out by jumping on one leg and tilting your head to that side. You can also blow dry the water in your ear by setting it to the minimum setting and holding it about 30-40 cm from your ear.
• If you know your eardrum has been damaged or punctured, you can use ear drops to prevent bacteria from growing in the ear after water gets in.
• Do not swim in muddy water.
• Do not get into the ear canal with your finger, stick, cotton swab or swab – in a word, nothing.
• Protect your ears when using hairspray if you know it may irritate the skin inside your ear canal;
• If you have had ear surgery or otitis media, visit an ENT before swimming.

Diagnosis of otitis externa

Usually it is not difficult. Otitis externa is easily identified by its symptoms, the appearance of the ear and the ear canal. The doctor may examine your ear with an otoscope. If he wants to make sure that the eardrum is intact, he can use a curette to clean the ear and take a deeper look.

If otitis media is spilled, the doctor may need additional diagnostics of the condition of the middle ear, determination of the nature of otitis media (bacterial or otherwise), etc.p.

Treatment of otitis externa

The goal of treatment is to stop the spread of infection, to allow the ear canal to cleanse itself, as it normally does.

• Cleaning and rinsing the ear canal. Typically, the doctor cleans it with a curette to loosen skin particles, stuck earwax, and dried discharge (serous or purulent). This is necessary so that the ear drops can spill over the entire depth of the ear canal.
• Ear drops prescribed by an ENT or general practitioner (GP).These are usually antibiotic and / or corticosteroid drops. For severe pain, analgesics may be used.
• In case of severe swelling of the external auditory canal, the doctor may first replace the drops with a turunda soaked in medicine. When the swelling subsides, it is easy to remove the turunda from the ear, and you can continue to be treated with drops.
• When applying cold drops, hold them in the palm of your hand for a while to reduce discomfort. After the drops are in your ear, lie on the healthy side for a few minutes so that the drops are better absorbed.You can ask someone to bury the drops for you – this is more convenient.
• If the infection is widespread, the doctor, in addition to drops, may prescribe antibiotics by mouth.

How to help treatment?

• Do not wear headphones while your ear hurts.
• Do not swim or dive. Avoid getting liquid in your ears.
• Avoid flying until you are healed.

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You can sign up for a consultation by phone: + 7 812 327 03 01 or online on the clinic’s website.

About the clinic

Euromed Clinic is a multidisciplinary family clinic in the center of St. Petersburg.

• House call
• 24-hour reception of a therapist
• Analyzes, ultrasound, X-ray
• Diagnostics of the whole body
• Hospital and surgery
• Vaccination

Learn more about the clinic

in a child | Medical center “Serdolik”

Ear pain in a child can occur for a number of reasons.

The main ones:

1. Pain of a cold nature.
   Perhaps the child was in a draft, or was outside without a hat in windy weather.
2. Foreign object has entered the ear.
   This can be an insect crawling into the ear, dust or wool particles, a piece of cotton wool, hair particles that got into the ear when cutting, etc.
3. Injury to the auditory canal.
   This occurs most often when carelessly cleaning the ears. A cotton swab or match wrapped with a piece of cotton wool can scratch the skin of the ear canal.
4. Ingestion of large quantities of water in the ear.
   This can happen while swimming or swimming in the pool. Water entering the ear can thin the earwax layer (which lines the ear canal, protecting it from infection), and lead to otitis externa (or, as it is also called, “swimmer’s ear”). In this case, the skin, unprotected with a layer of sulfur, becomes very susceptible to infections. One of the main signs of otitis externa is the appearance of a rash on the skin of the external auditory canal.
5. Non-compliance with hygiene rules.
   The development of the sensitivity of the auditory canal can also provoke neglect of hygienic cleaning of the ears. In this case, the earwax accumulated in excess in the ear canal dries up. Particles of dry sulfur cause peeling of the skin lining the ear canal.
6. Consequences of a blow to the ear.
   A child can be injured by falling, playing or fighting. In this case, the ear will hurt.
7. Differences in atmospheric pressure (for example, during takeoff and landing, during air travel), diving to a depth (diving, diving).
8. Radiating pain.
   In this case, the pain radiates to the ear due to pain in the jaw, teeth, tongue, or with inflammation of the glands)
9. Middle ear infection (otitis media).

Otitis media can be a consequence of colds of the upper respiratory tract, inflammation of the tonsils, allergic reactions. Otitis media occurs due to edema of the Eustachian tube. In this case, the pain intensifies when blowing your nose, swallowing and chewing

In children under 1-2 years of age, edema can also occur if the child drinks from a bottle while lying on his back.

Swelling and blockage of the Eustachian tube leads to increased pressure in the middle ear and accumulation of fluid. This inflammation can affect the eardrum and even rupture. The main symptoms of otitis media are: severe pain, a noise or ringing sensation in the ear, a feeling of heaviness in the ear.

Possible symptoms: fever, pain with weak pressure on the ear, increased irritability, or, conversely, apathy, weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.
In infants, symptoms may include violent screaming, restlessness, touching the ear, or rubbing the head against a pillow.
When the tympanic membrane is ruptured, a little blood is released from the external auditory canal, and then purulent discharge of a yellowish or greenish color.

Caution! If you experience ear pain, you should immediately consult a doctor! A neglected disease can have the most dire consequences from partial hearing loss to the development of meningitis.

Ways to alleviate the condition before contacting a specialist.

1. To seat the baby or, in the case of an infant, raise the baby’s head by placing a thick pillow under it.
2. Offer to chew the gum for a few minutes.
   This method is often used on air travel, but it can work outside of them. Chewing relieves pressure in the middle ear area and can relieve pain.
3. Give the child pain reliever. For this, ibuprofen or paracetomol is suitable.?Warning. Aspirin is contraindicated in children under 12!
4. Use vasoconstrictor drops. A few drops of a vasoconstrictor placed in the nose will remove excess mucus that is blocking the Eustachian tube and the pressure in the ear will be relieved. In addition, the action of the drug can contribute to the outflow of pus. In this case, the pus will drain down the tube into the throat.
5. Alcohol compress.

? Caution: the compress should not be done at elevated temperatures! For a compress, you need to dilute alcohol with water in a 1: 1 ratio.It is important that the liquids are not cold. Then you need to prepare the first layer of compress: moisten gauze, or a clean cloth, prepared with liquid, and lay it around the sore ear. You can also make a slit for the ear in the fabric. For the second layer, cover the first layer of the compress with polyethylene (you can use wax paper). The third layer consists of cotton wool, which is laid out on the previous 2 layers. The compress must be fixed with a scarf or scarf.

? Caution: if pain and fever persist for two days, a second visit to the doctor is necessary!

We invite you for a consultation with a pediatric otorhinolaryngologist in Novosibirsk.Entrust your health to professionals. We are waiting for you at the reception!

90,000 Headache: 5 symptoms and reasons why a head hurts

Let’s talk about headaches, causes and consequences.

Traditionally, headache is associated with body fatigue, reaction to the weather or stress. Headache treatment is also traditional, we climb into the medicine cabinet for headache medicines, take pills and wait for the headache to stop hurting.

And if the head does not stop hurting? It is necessary to look for the cause of the headache, which is sometimes difficult to do.It is no coincidence that the doctors called the person with a headache “a medical orphan”. But, in any case, you cannot put up with a headache, the cause of the pain must be.

Let’s look at several of these reasons.

Drills whiskey

This sensation of pain, popularly described as “drilling in the temples,” occurs at low pressure, accompanies tension headache or an attack of cluster (beam) pain. The most common pain of tension among people of mental work (table and chair workers).It helps to carry out a manual massage of the head or shoulder girdle, rest for a few minutes in a horizontal position, good sleep at night and breaks from work.

Cluster pain is much more complicated. Such pain is quite rare (in five out of six cases in men), the causes of pain are not yet understood. The symptoms of this pain are pain in one side of the head.

Pressing forehead or pressing head pains

If, with a runny nose, the body temperature rises and pressing pains appear in the forehead, then perhaps these are symptoms of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which are located in the frontal bone.Treatment of inflammation of the paranasal sinuses at the ENT doctor and it is advisable not to postpone treatment.

Shoots in the ear

Hypothermia of the head can be obtained during a morning walk or jogging to the nearest store without a headdress, as a result – in the evening there is already a feeling of pain in the ear. Hypothermia can cause both otitis externa (inflammation of the ear canal) and inflammation of the middle ear. With an existing predisposition to otitis media associated with the anatomical features of the structure of the ear, you should never overcool your head, neither in winter nor in summer.

Pierces the jaw

Possibly with trigeminal nerve inflammation. You would not wish the enemy to experience the feelings of a person with trigeminal neuralgia. The pain often does not have a specific localization, it arises abruptly, quickly passes, but comes back again and again, sometimes with a frequency of 15-30 minutes. It is easy to get inflammation, it is enough to oversleep the night in a draft or overcool on the street. The treatment will be difficult and long.

Disables half face

There is still a misfortune associated with cold – damage to the facial nerve, the nerve responsible for the work of facial muscles.In this case, there is severe pain in the ear area, the person’s ability to control facial expressions (most often on the right side) is lost. The face seems to be skewed.

The list of possible causes and symptoms of headaches does not end there. The way all organisms are different, the pain in the head can also manifest itself in different ways.

However, it is important to remember that headaches that appear should not be allowed to take their course. Self-medication and taking various medications without knowing the exact reason, without knowing the state of the vessels of the head and neck, blood is dangerous to your health! Therefore, we recommend to undergo an ultrasound of the vessels of the brain and neck.

90,000 Otitis externa: the rationale for treatment and prevention | Tarasova G.D.

The article is devoted to the treatment and prevention of otitis externa

Pain in the ear or in both ears at the same time may be due to the development of inflammation in the area of ​​the outer, not the middle ear. In this case, only an otorhinolaryngologist can establish the correct diagnosis during a diagnostic examination.
The prevalence of inflammatory diseases of the external ear varies from 17 to 30% in the structure of all otiatric pathology [1, 2].
The inflammatory process, localized in the area of ​​the auricle and the external auditory canal, is usually combined with one diagnosis – otitis externa (H60 – according to the international statistical classification of diseases, injuries and causes of death, 10th edition (ICD-10)). Until now, there is no generally accepted classification of this disease in Russia due to its polyetiology.
This disease can be acute or chronic, as well as acquire a malignant course.Chronic course of this form of otitis media in 90% takes on the background of diabetes mellitus. In terms of prevalence, otitis externa can be limited and diffuse. In addition, the hemorrhagic form of otitis externa, which is caused by influenza viruses, is isolated. It arises as a complication. Due to the violation of the permeability of the vascular wall and the formation of transudate on the skin of the walls of the external auditory canal and tympanic membrane, hemorrhagic vesicles of purple-violet color appear [3].
Acute external non-infectious otitis media (chemical, contact, eczematous, reactive, and NOS) are also described.Otitis externa can also be manifested by perichondritis of the auricle.
Inflammation in otitis externa in 98% of cases is caused by bacteria – mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus , less often – Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcae, Escherichia coli, Proteleus spp. fungi ( Candida albicans and genus Aspergillus ), much less often viruses [2, 4–7].
The causes of otitis externa include: improperly performed hygiene procedures in this area, trauma to the skin (abrasions, cracks or erosion), foreign bodies in the ears, insect bites, burns, frostbite, exposure to chlorinated water, violation of the formation of sulfur, the use of earplugs and earmolds when using a hearing aid or music player, skin diseases, AIDS, impaired epithelial migration in the external auditory canal. Otitis externa can develop against the background of chemotherapy, while taking cytostatics, immunosuppressants; during radiation therapy; with organ transplants.Damage to the outer ear occurs in Herpes Zoster, erysipelas, psoriasis, mycoplasmosis, leishmaniasis, demodicosis, lupus erythematosus, noma, scleroma, etc. [7–9].
A decrease in the level of protection of the ear canal, for which earwax is responsible, is also a predetermining factor in the development of inflammation of the outer ear. Sulfur provides an acidic environment and the release of lysozymes, which destroy microorganisms that enter the body. If, for any reason, sulfur production is disrupted or its composition changes, this can provoke a weakening of local immunity.In addition, the protection system includes epithelial migration in the external auditory canal, which provides a self-cleaning mechanism, helping to remove not only dust particles from the air, but also self-removal of earwax [10, 11].
In everyday life, people use various objects to cleanse the outer ear, often with sharp edges, which can injure the skin of the external auditory canal. Since these items are not pretreated with antiseptic agents, when injured, infection occurs at the same time.It is required to educate the population regarding the correctness of the hygiene of the outer ear, including an explanation of the dangers of using cotton-tipped sticks [11–13].
Diffuse otitis externa develops as a complication of chronic otitis media with the outflow of pus from the middle ear cavity. In this case, infection of the external auditory canal occurs due to irritation of its purulent discharge, and the bony part of the external auditory canal may be involved in the process. The infection often spreads to the eardrum.
Malignant otitis externa, as a rule, is observed in elderly people with diabetes mellitus. At the site of infection, an infiltrate is formed with the involvement of bone tissue and the parotid gland. In this case, the inflammation proceeds aggressively, spreading to the temporal bone (causes osteitis and retrograde mastoiditis), the styloid region and the parotid gland, which leads to paralysis of the muscles innervated by the facial nerve. Spread of the infection into the skull can cause cranial nerve damage, osteomyelitis of the base of the skull, lateral sinus thrombosis, and fatal meningitis.Therefore, in this situation, timely antibacterial therapy is so necessary [14]. Perhaps the development of granulations that disrupt the outflow of pathological discharge.
Diagnostics of otitis externa includes analysis of patient complaints, collection of anamnesis data, general examination, palpation of the parotid region, if possible, examination of the external auditory canal and otoscopy, smear of the discharge for flora and fungi and their sensitivity to antibiotics and antimycotics, audiometric examination, less often required CT [4].
Clinic otitis externa depends on the form of the disease and the localization of the inflammatory process. The main symptoms in the acute form of the disease: spontaneous, often severe pain when pressing on the tragus (tragus) or touching the auricle, local or widespread redness of the skin, narrowing of the external auditory canal, a feeling of ear congestion, the presence of discharge from the ear, symptoms of general intoxication (increased body temperature, weakness, fatigue, etc.) rarely occur – as a rule, with a pronounced prevalence of the process.With a pronounced process, the narrowing of the external auditory canal is significant, up to the impossibility of examining the tympanic membrane. Symptoms vary in severity. There may be an increase in lymph nodes in the parotid region.
If it is possible to carry out otoscopy, redness and swelling of the skin of the ear canal is noted, the skin is irritated, areas of violation of its integrity and maceration may be noticeable.
The pain can radiate to the jaw, neck and head, and intensify during chewing and when opening the mouth.In case of infectious inflammation (with a furuncle of the outer ear) and adequate therapy on the 5-7th day, it spontaneously opens, the outflow of pus, which is accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of pain.
The clinic of chondroperichondritis includes edema and hyperemia of the entire auricle, excluding the earlobe. In the future, the formation of purulent exudate, fluctuations, melting of cartilage with rejection of necrotic tissues and subsequent deformation of the auricle are possible [8, 9, 14].
With fungal and mixed lesions of the external ear, itching in the ear, sometimes noise, films, crusts of various colors and consistencies on the walls of the external auditory canal join the symptoms.There may be little detachable, and it often turns into films. In some cases, it has a thick cheesy consistency of different colors (depending on the kind of mushroom), and sometimes it is liquid and flows out. External otomycosis may be accompanied by middle otomycosis with perforation of the tympanic membrane.
With erysipelas, in some cases, vesicles with transparent contents take place on the skin of the outer ear.
Complications of otitis externa include stenosis of the external auditory canal, myringitis, perforation of the tympanic membrane, regional dissemination of infection (auricular cellulitis, perichondritis, mumps), and progression to malignant otitis externa, which can be fatal.

Treatment

Treatment of otitis externa in the absence of perforation of the tympanic membrane begins with careful cleaning of the ear canal by washing with a warm solution of furacilin 1: 5000 or sterile saline, followed by thorough drying with a hair dryer or cotton wool.
For washing, a 2% solution of acetic acid is widely used, as well as a solution of aluminum acetate. It is known that the most favorable pH of the medium for the development of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is in the range from 6.5 to 7.3.The listed substances, creating an acidic environment, prevent the growth of microorganisms, including fungi. A weak solution of acetic acid or aluminum acetate can be used to prevent otitis externa [2].
The goal of therapy is to target the pathogen that caused the inflammation. In this regard, the initial empirical treatment of acute otitis externa is to prescribe local anti-inflammatory drugs with a wide range of action, excluding ototoxic antibiotics. This goal can be achieved by choosing complex ear drops registered in Russia.It should be remembered about the age restrictions that they have (Table 1).

Drops are more effective if they are injected into the external auditory canal after cleansing it with a quilted jacket or turunda. If the patient is undergoing treatment in a hospital, then the doctor usually introduces a turunda soaked in the prescribed medicinal substance into the cavity of the external auditory canal. In cases where the patient undergoes outpatient treatment, the turunda should be inserted into the cavity of the external auditory canal with a screwing motion and then a liquid medicine or ear drops should be dripped onto it.
The results of domestic researchers prove the effectiveness of the means available in our arsenal for various forms and nature of otitis externa. It should be noted that the drug ofloxacin is highly active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa [15]. Dioxidine in the form of a solution for intracavitary and external use 10 mg / ml is rational in the treatment of patients with infectious otitis externa [9]. The preparation of zinc hyaluronate, which improves trophism and tissue regeneration, with antimicrobial activity is also recommended for external use in otitis externa.It is released in the form of a gel and solution. Mupirocin ointment and cream have a wide antibacterial spectrum. It is especially valuable that the drug is practically inactive against representatives of normal skin microflora. There is evidence of the drug’s activity against some fungi [16]. Some authors use various antiseptics (benzyldimethyl [3- (myristoylamino) propyl] ammonium chloride monohydrate, iodine + [potassium iodide + polyvinyl alcohol]).
One of the effective means with antimicrobial orientation is the drug Povidone-iodine, the action of which is to damage the cell wall of pathogenic microorganisms with iodine.The drug is produced under the trade name Betadine and, which is convenient for ENT practice, has 2 forms: solution and ointment. A concentrated solution of Betadine is used to treat the skin of the external auditory canal, but when treating the skin of the auricle due to its tenderness, only diluted solutions should be used. With a viral lesion of the outer ear skin, it is rational to use concentrated solutions. In the presence of an exudative process in the area of ​​the outer ear, a solution is prescribed, and in case of infiltrative processes, an ointment is prescribed.Before applying the ointment, the ear is delicately cleaned of accumulated secretions. As a rule, the agent is applied in a thin layer, or turundas impregnated with ointment are used, which ensures the necessary concentration of the substance in the ear cavity. Excess ointment can always be removed with a cotton swab.
All dosage forms of Povidone-iodine have a wide spectrum of antimicrobial action, and also affect fungi, spore-forming flora, protozoa, treponemas and some viruses [17]. The important properties of the drug are the absence of the formation of resistance of microorganisms even with its sufficiently long-term use, as well as a high safety profile.In a double-blind, randomized study, which included 40 patients with chronic suppurative otitis media, it was shown that Povidone-iodine is not inferior in antibacterial activity to ciprofloxacin, having an advantage over it in the absence of resistance formation [18]. A clinical experience of using Betadine ointment and solution in a patient with malignant otitis externa was described: during therapy, the discharge stopped, hearing improved, the inflammatory process of the skin of the external auditory canals on both sides regressed [19].
The limitation for the use of the drug is the presence of hyperthyroidism and allergy to iodine in the patient. It is also contraindicated in renal failure.
In case of complications, which are more often caused by P. aeruginosa, with the spread of inflammation outside the outer ear, as well as in patients with diabetes mellitus, systemic antimicrobial therapy (groups of cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones) is advisable.
It is possible to simultaneously prescribe physiotherapy in the form of KUF-irradiation of the external auditory canal daily up to 2 biodoses for 5-6 days; phototherapy, helium-neon laser radiation, ultraviolet irradiation, low-frequency magnetic field, phonophoresis of medicinal substances.

Prevention

Knowledge of the reasons for the development of otitis externa determines preventive measures in this regard. First of all, it is necessary to properly carry out the hygiene of the outer ear. For this purpose, regular washing with an isotonic solution of seawater and cerumenolytics are used – means to remove accumulations of earwax. The use of cotton swabs only with a stopper when removing earwax and water from the external auditory canal can also be attributed to preventive measures.
In no case should you try to remove the foreign body of the ear on your own, as this often leads to injury to the skin of the ear canal.
In order to prevent otitis externa, you should wear a swimming cap when visiting a pool with chlorinated water, wash your ears with clean fresh water after swimming in a pool, sea and other bodies of water, protect your ears from irritating substances (paint, hairspray), consult a doctor when the first signs of the disease appear.