Pain in Neck and Ear

TMD (temporomandibular disorder) is the cause of neck and ear pain for millions of Americans. This disorder affects the jaw and can cause ear and neck pain. It can last several years and be crippling for some. Orofacial Pain Associates can help you determine the source of your pain and then treat it to make it go away.

Ear Pain

A TMD can cause frequent earaches. If you move your jaw side-to-side, you’ll see that your little hinges are located right next to your ear. This joint may also cause ear pain and discomfort if the muscles, nerves, ligaments, or joints are injured. Most people treat their ears but don’t see results because the problem is in their jaw.

Neck Pain

The muscles, ligaments, and tendons that connect your head, jaw, and neck are interconnected. A person can feel fine when they are all working together. However, a problem with one part of the system may cause pain in another. Even if the entire neck functions perfectly, the muscle tension and stiffness associated with TMDs can affect the neck. Many neck-focused treatments don’t provide long-lasting relief because they only treat the symptoms rather than the cause of the problem.

What can you do for my ear and neck pain?

Orofacial Pain Associates can help if a TMD causes neck or ear pain. We can examine the jaw joint and surrounding structures to determine what’s causing the pain and offer treatment options. We can prescribe medications to provide immediate pain relief. Then, using a combination of physical therapy/therapeutic mouthguard, correcting the TMD can reduce or eliminate ear and neck discomfort.