Causes, remedies, and when to see a doctor

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

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.

Share on PinterestA problem with the temporomandibular joint may cause ear and jaw pain.

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 mastoiditis 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.

It is safe to treat ear and jaw pain at home when it is not due to an underlying infection or a serious injury. People can try the following strategies:

• Sleep with a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding. Different types of mouth guard are available for purchase online. If the mouth guard helps but does not cure the symptoms, a person might need a custom mouth guard from a dentist.
• Try applying heat or ice to the injury, as this can ease pain and promote healing. Learn how to make a heating pad here.
• Gently massage the jaw to reduce muscle tension.
• Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Try stretching the sternocleidomastoid by tilting the ear down toward the shoulder and holding it there for 5–10 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Stretch the jaw muscles by opening the mouth and jutting out the lower jaw, then holding this position for 5–10 seconds. Next, try moving the teeth forward and back and from side to side in a circular motion.

Infections almost always require antibiotics. Sometimes, a person needs other medical treatments, particularly in the case of serious infections, such as mastoiditis.

If home remedies fail, medical treatment options include:

• orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and jaw
• TMJ surgery to reduce TMJ pain
• a custom fitted device to prevent tooth grinding
• mental health treatment, for when a person grinds their teeth because of anxiety
• prescription medication for arthritis
• physical therapy to treat jaw injuries or manage arthritis more effectively
• treatment for cavities, such as fillings, root canals, or crowns
• stronger pain relievers for TMJ disorders or arthritis

It is best to see a doctor for ear and jaw pain if:

• there are signs of an infection, such as fever or swelling
• the pain appears immediately after an injury
• the gums are swollen or the teeth hurt
• symptoms do not improve within a few days of home treatment
• a doctor prescribes antibiotics or other treatment, but treatment does not help
• ear or jaw pain becomes unbearable
• a baby or young child with ear and jaw pain does not stop crying

Ear and jaw pain can be extremely unpleasant. Prompt medical treatment can help, even when there is an underlying chronic condition.

If home treatment fails, a person should speak to their doctor. There is no reason to suffer through the pain or delay treatment.

Read the article in Spanish.

TMJ neck pain: Causes, treatment, and prevention

Many people with temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders report pain in the jaw, but it can also cause a person to experience neck pain.

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMD) is the term for several conditions that cause pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. People may also call them TMJ disorders.

TMJ is short for temporomandibular joint. This is the name for the two joints on either side of the jaw.

This article looks at whether pain associated with TMJ disorders can affect the neck. It also discusses how to treat the pain and how to prevent it.

TMJ disorders can cause a person to experience pain that affects the face, jaw, or neck. Up to 70% of people diagnosed with a TMD report neck pain as a symptom.

People will typically experience muscle tenderness and muscle pain in the cervical spine area. The cervical spine is the neck region of the spine.

Doctors usually recommend more conservative treatments.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), these include:

• eating soft foods
• applying heat or cold to the painful site
• avoiding extreme jaw movements
• avoiding nail biting, using chewing gum, or clenching the jaw
• learning and practicing jaw stretching and relaxing exercises
• using over-the-counter pain medicines or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen
• participating in behavioral therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy or biofeedback
• massaging the neck muscles

According to MouthHealthy, doctors may recommend medications, including anti-anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, or antidepressants.

A person can also try complementary treatments, such as acupuncture or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENs). However, there appears to be limited evidence to suggest that these can help TMDs.

If these treatments are not effective, a doctor may recommend other forms of treatment.

Intraoral appliances

Intraoral appliances are devices that a person places directly inside the mouth. Other names include nightguards, splints, or stabilization appliances.

The NIDCR notes that evidence suggesting that there is limited evidence to suggest these are effective at treating TMD pain.

If a doctor recommends that someone use one of these, people should ensure that it is not designed to change their bite permanently.

People should also stop using them and consult a dentist or doctor if pain develops.

Botox

Botox involves injecting botulinum toxin Type A into the muscles needed for chewing. However, there is limited evidence to suggest the efficacy of Botox as a treatment for TMD.

Surgery

Experts suggest that people should avoid treatments involving surgery or that make permanent changes to the jaw or teeth, as there is not enough supporting evidence to suggest that these treatments work.

If conservative treatments have not worked, surgery may be an option for some people. This surgery permanently changes a person’s joints. This is why doctors do not recommend it often.

The way to prevent TMJ neck pain is by aiming to prevent TMJ disorders in general.

A person may wish to:

• wear a mouthguard at night to prevent teeth grinding
• regularly exercise and stretch to help strengthen muscles in the neck and jaw area
• maintain good posture
• have regular physical therapy
• avoid clenching the jaw
• try to stop nail biting
• avoid chewing gum

Other symptoms that a person may experience alongside neck pain include:

• pain in the jaw joint
• pain in the muscles responsible for chewing
• pain in other areas of the face
• hearing loss
• dizziness
• ringing in the ears
• ear pain
• misalignment of the teeth
• clicking, grating, or popping causing pain when opening or closing the mouth
• limited jaw movement or locking
• grinding of teeth

Some people may experience all the above symptoms, whereas others may only experience some.

There is currently no standard test to diagnose a TMJ disorder. Therefore, it can be difficult to receive a diagnosis. However, people should speak with a doctor if they have pain that does not resolve using home remedies and treatments.

Doctors may refer people to a physical therapist who can design a bespoke exercise plan for them to follow to improve the flexibility and strength of the jaw.

People should contact a doctor if they have experienced trauma to their jaw or surrounding areas that seem to have caused the pain.

Additionally, if any of the following symptoms occur, people should consider these ‘red flags’ according to a 2018 article:

• inability to open the mouth
• persistent pain
• worsening pain
• tinnitus
• difficulty balancing
• asymmetrical swelling of the jaw or neck
• hearing loss
• weight loss

Some people with TMDs find that their symptoms resolve without treatment.

If a person needs treatment, experts usually recommend that this treatment be conservative and reversible. This helps resolve TMDs in most people.

Neck pain is a common symptom of TMDs and can often cause people a lot of discomfort.

Lifestyle changes and conservative treatment is usually enough to remedy this pain.

In more severe cases, doctors may recommend surgery, but it is important to remember that this is not reversible and can sometimes be ineffective or even worsen the problem.

Neck and jaw pain: what to do

If something hurts somewhere, you should not endure the pain, but go to the doctor. If the neck hurts, gives under the jaw, and in general the pain causes serious discomfort, then you can contact one of these specialists – a surgeon, neurologist , a dentist, otolaryngologist – or make an appointment with a therapist , who himself will direct you to the right doctor. Based on the location and nature of the pain alone, an accurate diagnosis cannot be made. You may need additional examinations to help find the right solution and save you from excruciating discomfort. Pain in the neck and jaw occurs for a number of reasons, which can be conditionally divided into mechanical effects and acquired diseases and pathologies. If such pain accompanies you constantly, then it cannot be ignored. The lack of well-chosen treatment threatens as a result of a whole list of unpleasant consequences.

Causes of pain under the jaw

There are many causes for neck and/or jaw pain, and they can indicate a variety of health problems. There are many structures in the neck area, the pathologies of which cause pain and create serious discomfort.

Pathological changes in the lymph nodes

There are many lymph nodes behind our ears, on the neck, in the lower part of the jaw. And one of the diseases that leads to painful discomfort is called lymphadenitis. This is inflammation of the lymph nodes due to bacterial or other infections. It is accompanied by severe sharp pain in the neck, which will radiate to the jaw, and will also cause an increase in body temperature. Without treatment, lymphadenitis becomes chronic, and then constant fatigue, weight loss and general malaise are added to the elevated temperature. Another pathology may be neoplasms that appear on the lymph nodes. These are, as a rule, metastases that have penetrated from any organs affected by oncology. The nature of the pain is different, but weakness and weight loss also accompany this condition.

Glossite

Another disease that is associated with the inflammatory process, but does not affect the lymph nodes, but the tongue. Signs of glossitis are a bright red color of the tongue, severe swelling of the tongue and lower jaw. It is also possible purulent discharge from the glands in the oral cavity, soreness, radiating to the ear, jaw and neck.

Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis

These diseases can also cause pain. But at the same time, if the neck hurts, then the pain does not give under the jaw, but in the throat. With angina, the pain intensifies at the time of swallowing, and a person also has all the signs of acute respiratory infections or flu (ear pain, fever, weakness, lack of appetite, etc. ). In acute pharyngitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes is possible.

Jaw fractures

A fracture in the lower part of the jaw occurs due to a strong blow, head injury or due to an accident. Fractures can be direct and reflected, multiple, fragmentary, displaced, open and closed, but in any case, a person experiences severe pain, which is accompanied by swelling, hemorrhage and impaired chewing function. In the event of a fracture, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Types of neck and jaw pain

The neck can hurt on the left side under the jaw, or the pain occurs on the right or in front and gives back. The nature of pain is very different, due to various reasons for its appearance. The nature of the pain is very important for the diagnosis, so it is necessary to describe it to the doctor as accurately as possible.

Intense pain on the sides in the neck under the jaw

Most often, such pain occurs due to inflammation of the lymph nodes and with angina. Both diseases are the result of infection in the body. Migraines and infectious diseases of the teeth can also cause severe pain under the jaw.

Aching pain

If the pain is aching in nature, then it could be caused by a migraine, which, with bright light, a change in lighting, or loud sounds, intensifies and focuses in one place. Additionally, symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, vision problems, and constant thirst may appear. Aching pain can also be associated with infectious diseases of the teeth.

Pain under the jaw on the left

If your neck hurts on the left side under the jaw, then this can indicate almost any of the diseases that were listed above; pain is also associated with problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. For example, pain on the left under the jaw appears with a heart attack or angina pectoris, which, as a rule, comes from soreness in the chest area and is accompanied by acute pain in the teeth.

Pressure pain

If your neck under the jaw begins to hurt when pressed or pressed, then this may indicate inflammation of the lymph nodes, as well as diseases such as neuralgia of the ear node, osteogenic sarcoma, or the presence of sialoliths. Any pain should not be ignored. Even if discomfort in the neck and jaw does not cause any particular problems, this is not a reason to ignore it. Timely access to a doctor is a decision that must be made immediately. Only a doctor can tell you why your neck hurts under your jaw and what to do about it.

What to do if your jaw and neck hurt

The surest and most correct step is to consult a specialist. You can start with a therapist who will examine you, collect an anamnesis, make a preliminary diagnosis and give a referral to a specialist. For diagnosis, you may need to do an x-ray, ECG, blood test, MRI, CT scan, etc., depending on what is the possible cause of your illness. When cancer is suspected, diagnosis and treatment is more difficult.

Massage treatments

Massage makes it possible to relax the muscles in the neck, but it should be prescribed and performed only by specialists. Also, massage is often prescribed as a restorative procedure after an already completed course of treatment. Certain types of therapeutic and simple massage can strengthen the muscular corset and relieve congestion in different parts of the spine. To work out the muscles of the neck, self-massage can also be prescribed. But before that, the specialist must teach you how to properly perform all massage exercises (stroking, kneading, rubbing, etc.), and also monitor the result.

Medical treatment

If the cause of the pain is an inflammatory process, such as otitis or tonsillitis, then a whole range of medicines is prescribed, the action of which is aimed at removing the signs of a cold and getting rid of the virus, bacteria or infection that led to the onset of the disease. It is not safe to prescribe medication on your own. Depending on your condition and problem, taking medication can only make things worse. For example, a number of medications, under certain conditions, cause an increase in lymph nodes, and this, in turn, will most likely lead to increased pain in the neck and jaw. Medical and other methods of treatment are selected based on the problem. For the treatment of the same angina, antiviral and antipyretic drugs are prescribed. If a patient is diagnosed with a temporomandibular joint disorder, then surgery and physiotherapy are suggested.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are far from the best option for getting rid of pain in the neck and jaw, especially when these folk methods are prescribed on their own. Tea with honey and plenty of warm drink for colds and sore throats help to overcome the disease faster, but do not cure. Only methods of official medicine can cure a sore throat or other disease. If the problem is inflammation of the lymph nodes, then it is highly recommended not to use such a folk remedy as warming up. This can lead to increased inflammation and its serious spread. If you experience pain in the neck, do not try to solve the problem yourself, only the doctor, after a comprehensive diagnosis, will draw up a treatment plan and will adjust it during your recovery.

You can make an appointment with specialists online , as well as by phone 8 (812) 901-03-03.

We help relieve ear pain that radiates to the jaw and temple

Page navigation:

• Types of pain
  • Intensity
  • Character
• Possible causes
  • Inflammation in the ears
  • Inflammation of the trigeminal nerve
  • Dental problems
• What to do if your ear hurts and gives to your teeth and temple?
• What not to do
• Diagnostics
• Treatment
• Features of treatment in “Betterton”
• Possible complications
• Prophylaxis

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When the ear hurts, gives to the temple and jaw, a person can “sin” for problems with his teeth. But most often in such cases, the teeth have nothing to do with it. This symptom is a reason for consulting an ENT. We understand why ear pain radiates to the jaw, and how to remove it!

Varieties of pain

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

Intensity

Ear pain may be acute or dull in severity. Acute usually manifests itself in case of inflammation or injury and lasts for several days. Dull is more characteristic of the chronic phase of the disease.

Character

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

Possible causes

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

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 exit through the auditory tube, so it provokes a feeling of squeezing. That is why the pain that characterizes otitis media radiates to the jaw. A similar symptom is manifested in exudative and purulent otitis media.

When otitis media radiates to the teeth, the pain syndrome usually manifests itself on one side. It can be aching or pulsating – it all depends on the degree of development of the inflammatory process. In addition to pain, a person notices congestion in the ear, 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 come three branches – the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular. That is why, with a cold trigeminal nerve, the ear often hurts, gives to the temple and jaw. The pain can also radiate to the neck and eye. 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 masticatory 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 advanced stages of caries, when soft and bone tissues, nerve fibers are affected. In this case, the jaw hurts and gives to the ear and temple.

What to do if your ear hurts and radiates to your teeth and temple?

When the pain in the ear radiates to the jaw, you need to contact an otolaryngologist, dentist or neurologist. How to understand which doctor to go to? Press on the tragus of the ear – if the pain intensifies, then you should go to the ENT. With 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 not to do

If your ear hurts, it radiates to your jaw, you should not try to cure it yourself. It is strictly forbidden to warm up the diseased side – this can enhance the inflammatory process. Also, do not rub or scratch the sore spot – this will spread the infection. And finally, you can not prescribe antibiotics and analgesics to yourself – you do not know the exact cause of the pain.

Diagnostics

To determine the cause of a person’s ear, temple and jaw pain at the same time, the following is performed:

Treatment

If the ear hurts, gives to the jaw – how to treat? It all depends on the cause of the symptom. Otitis media is treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and medical procedures to remove fluid and pus from the ear. Dentists and neurologists have other methods of treatment.

Features of treatment in “Betterton”

If otitis media radiates to the teeth, our ENT center will help you.