Show What is Pain Behind Ear?Since the ears and the mastoid bones (which are the bones that protect the ears and are full of air cells) contain many blood vessels and nerves, they are considered very sensitive areas and they are vulnerable to pain. Therefore, pain behind the ear is not common but is also likely to happen in case of any simple irritation. The pain can be felt as a dull and throbbing sensation behind the ears, in the upper neck, or in back of the head. The pain may also be referred to the jaws and the cheeks. It is also important to know that if the pain happens exclusively in the ear, it does not mean that it is an ear infection, or an issue related directly to the ear. The ear has many nerves connected to the neck and the head, so they can easily be the reason. Several possible conditions can be the main cause behind your pain; they can be related to ear infections, jaw joint issues, teeth problems, and many others. Identifying the condition is not an easy task but the most common causes can be Swimmer’s ear, Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ), Otitis media (middle ear infection), Earwax buildup, Occipital neuralgia, and Mastoiditis. Monitoring your symptoms is an essential step to make sure that everything is okay, and seeing a doctor is crucial in case the pain isn’t getting any better. Anything can be the cause of your pain, whether it was a minor infection or a dangerous tumor; that is why it is important to seek medical help in the following cases:
A proper diagnosis is crucial in order to know the exact condition that is resulting this pain, and to get the appropriate treatment for it. The doctor will ask you questions about your health and medical history, they will do a physical examination and the other steps will depend on the first two. “When under a doctor’s care, someone will have a treatment plan for headaches behind the ear that will include managing the pain and treating underlying causes of the pain.” (Medical News Today, 2020). But treating the pain at home alongside with the doctor’s recommendations is a primary method to ease the pain; for example, you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, get a massage for your neck, and apply heat packs on the back of your neck. What Causes Pain Behind the Ears?Seeking a healthcare provider is essential because there are many potential conditions for pain or a headache behind the ear, and you need a proper diagnosis to be able to treat it and ease the pain. The potential conditions, that are not always possible to identify, can include:
How do we diagnose behind ear pain?Since pain behind the ear can originate from a multitude of reasons, proper diagnosis is essential to guarantee a smooth recovery. The steps applied by a physician are as follows:
How do we treat the cause of behind ear pain?Depending on the cause, a treatment is offered for the patient:
If you or anyone you know is suffering from pain, call us today on (469) 562 4188 to book an appointment with our expert doctors. What does a headache behind your right ear mean?One of the most common causes of a headache behind the ear is a condition called occipital neuralgia. Occipital neuralgia occurs when the occipital nerves, or the nerves that run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, are injured or inflamed.
Is pain behind ear serious?Seeking a healthcare provider is essential because there are many potential conditions for pain or a headache behind the ear, and you need a proper diagnosis to be able to treat it and ease the pain.
When should I worry about right sided head pain?If you're getting headaches only on one side of your head you shouldn't worry, but you should make an appointment with your doctor. One-sided headaches can mean different things. But they often point to a group of disorders that will need a thorough exam to provide treatment.
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