The causes of both ear and neck pain are often related because of their distance to each other, but their pain may also function separately from each other and be unrelated. Usually, ear pain is associated with an ear infection or can even be caused by a dental problem which leads to pain behind the ear that radiates down the neck. Common causes of neck pain include strain or improper sleeping positions, and often times this pain may be felt behind the ear creating the illusion of an earache. Treating pain in the ear or neck can include simple exercises or prescription antibiotics if an ear infection is the culprit.
Due to the close proximity of the ear and neck, these structures can influence one another when associated with pain. If the earache is due to infection or poor sleeping habits, then that pain might radiate down into the neck giving the illusion of neck strain or pain. When ear and neck pain become intense and occur simultaneously, it is mainly due to one or the other becoming inflamed, strained or infected. When trying to determine the origin of the pain, it is often wise to seek out professional help which will then aid in finding and treating the cause of the pain.
Pain in the gums and dental area can increase pain in both the ear and neck, as the mouth sits in the middle of the area which promotes the pain which then travels up and down to these parts of the body. Dental pain is another common cause of ear and neck pain and can be treated with appropriate dental measures and procedures by a dentist. Treating this pain through dental procedures may involve being prescribed an anti-inflammatory to dull the pain and either teeth pulling or other treatments deemed appropriate by a certified dentist. This example shows that the origin of pain can be quite different from the actual experience of the perceived location.
Sleeping in positions which promote curvature of unusual positions of the spine may create neck pain by influencing the discs in the upper spinal column. Strain on the neck through injury may also promote neck pain which may radiate to the outer ear, giving the perception of an earache. An ear infection may also be the culprit behind ear and neck pain and may be treated with antibiotics. Certain earaches may also be due to sleeping on the ear or problems with the eardrum, which needs to be addressed to a licensed medical doctor.