Sharp Ear Pains when Turning Head

Question

Hi, I just wondered what could potentially cause my issue. Whenever I turn my head/neck majority of its range, I get a sharp pain around my right ear. Its sometimes hard to distinguish where the pain is. But it has been bothering me for the past 2 days, I just wondered what could be wrong.

mklarson · Accepted Answer

The "sternocleidomastoid muscles" are most likely those which are giving you radiating pain from ear down to neck/shoulder/arm(Google for picture of this muscle if unfamiliar with its location). There are two of these muscles in the superficial layers of the anterior (front) portion of the neck that make the shape of a “V”, and they are primarily helpful in rotation, flexing and extension of the head. They run from the center of the sternum (breastbone) and the clavicle (collarbone) up to the mastoid process, a bone in the skull located behind the ears (close to the inner ear).  These muscles tend to spasm "bunch up" and become sore/painful when left in this state (yes, it can occur on just one side and progress down the shoulder and in some cases all the way to the fingers). Press under the corner of your jaw (by your ear) to feel if it is unusually tender. When these muscles spasm it can cause strong ear pain just as you describe  Try this next time it starts to hurt:  use a massage vibrator from behind the ear, to down under the jaw, working your way to where the clavicle meets the base of the neck next to the esophagus.  If you are in a place where you cannot do that use your thumb and first finger to grab and massage the muscle from the jaw down to the front of the neck.  Remember to search for a picture of this muscle on the internet to see what you are looking for.
  I have seen this problem many times over the years, and this has been a cause of a good number of patients with ear pain once infections,etc. have been ruled out.

jenninafrida90 · Answer

The most crucial step you can take in managing pain related to otitis media is by getting a proper diagnosis from your doctor, and then, if necessary, using prescribed antibiotics.

AustinMxD · Answer

Thanks mklarson, I got some extra rest this morning and haven't experienced any pain so far. My dad checked it out to see if my right side was tender and said he could feel some tenderness. So thanks, hopefully that is what was causing the pain and wont come back. Appreciate the help.

Sharp Ear Pains when Turning Head

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