Contents:
- Medical Video: TMJ Massage: Pressure Points for Relief from MassageByHeather.com
- Various causes of headaches behind the ears
- 1. Occipital neuralgia
- 2. Mastoiditis
- 3. Jaw pain (temporomandibular joint / TMJ disorder)
- 4. Dental problems
- What can be done to relieve headaches behind the ears
Medical Video: TMJ Massage: Pressure Points for Relief from MassageByHeather.com
Everyone must have had a headache. Unfortunately, not all headaches are the same. There are more than 300 types of headaches, from migraines to headaches in the back of the ear. If you are one of those people who often experience headaches behind your ears, you must be wondering what caused them. Find out the various causes of headaches behind the ears in this article.
Various causes of headaches behind the ears
There are several things that can cause headaches behind the ear, including:
1. Occipital neuralgia
One of the most common causes of headaches behind the ear is a condition called occipital neuralgia. The occipital neuralgia is inflammationoccipital nerves that are above the spinal cord to the base of the neck. This condition can be caused by injury or habithold your neck in one position for a long time.
The occipital neuralgia often causes chronic, piercing and throbbing headaches. Some people also describe this condition as being hit by an electric shock in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ear. Usually occipital neuralgia only appears on one side of the head. However, this condition can also spread to other parts of the head.
2. Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis is an infection of the bone protrusion behind the ear (mastoid bone), which results from inflammation or ear infection that is not treated properly. Mastoiditis can cause headaches behind the ears, fever, swollen and reddened ears, painful ears and even hearing loss.
Some people can experience complications of ear infections, mastoiditis. However, this infection is far more common in children and people whose immune systems are weak.
3. Jaw pain (temporomandibular joint / TMJ disorder)
The temporomandibular joint is a joint that helps your jaw open and close when talking, eating and swallowing. Disorders of this joint will cause tremendous pain that can spread to the face and ears.
This condition can cause clicking sounds or a rough / rough sensation when you move your jaw to open your mouth or chew. Even in some cases, the joints can be locked so that you cannot open or close your mouth.
4. Dental problems
Problems with your mouth and teeth can cause pain that can spread to the head and ears. Well, that's why it's very possible that the headache behind the ear you're experiencing is caused by a dental problem. Your dentist will be able to ascertain whether the headache behind your ear is caused by a dental problem or not during the examination.
What can be done to relieve headaches behind the ears
The main causes of headaches behind the ears often overlap. That is why, it is very important for you to get the right diagnosis. In more serious cases and as an attempt to further diagnose, the doctor may also do an MRI examination or blood check.
While waiting for a doctor's appointment, aThere are some simple ways you can reduce headaches behind your ears, including:
- Increase rest or take a nap in a quiet place.
- Take painkillers like ibuprofen.
- Reduce stress.
- Place a heating pad or warm compress on the back of the neck.
- Stop the habit of gnashing teeth.
If your condition does not improve and tends to get worse, you should immediately consult a doctor. This is done so that you can get the right treatment according to your needs.
