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Hello. Over 3 Weeks Ago, I Started Feeling Pain Deep
Question: Hello. Over 3 weeks ago, I started feeling pain deep in my right ear. It came and went, no big deal. Before that, there were a couple of days where I couldn’t clear it (pop it). I have not been sick with a cold or anything like that. Now, for he past 3-4 days, my ear hurts a lot more. I don’t have a fever or any drainage, just pain in my ear and now neck muscle pain on that side.
Brief Answer:
Possible causes and further steps to treat or follow up as discussed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pain in the ear area is most of the time caused by ear problems and sometimes from the structures around and be confused as an earache.
If the pain is worse on moving the head or touching the area while there is no lesion or redness visible in the area, very likely this is muscular pain.
If the pain is worse on opening and closing the mouth or clenching your teeth, the jaw joint can be considered.
If you have fullness in the ear like your head is in the water or reduced hearing or noise inside the ear, then ear problems are more likely.
In adults, the wax is a common cause and using some olive oil 2-3 times a day for a few days might be advised. Lack of fever rules out acute infection of the middle ear and lack of secretions makes otitis media less likely as well.
I see you have used heat, Tylenol and Advil. You can use them regularly for 2-3days more. If not better in 2-3 days or earlier if you notice any worsening, please see your doctor for a thorough clinical check-up.
Examining the ears with an otoscope is needed which can tell if the pain comes from the ears or not and which is the needed as a treatment. Muscular pain and jaw problems can also be determined by a good physical examination.
I hope this answers to your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Possible causes and further steps to treat or follow up as discussed
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Pain in the ear area is most of the time caused by ear problems and sometimes from the structures around and be confused as an earache.
If the pain is worse on moving the head or touching the area while there is no lesion or redness visible in the area, very likely this is muscular pain.
If the pain is worse on opening and closing the mouth or clenching your teeth, the jaw joint can be considered.
If you have fullness in the ear like your head is in the water or reduced hearing or noise inside the ear, then ear problems are more likely.
In adults, the wax is a common cause and using some olive oil 2-3 times a day for a few days might be advised. Lack of fever rules out acute infection of the middle ear and lack of secretions makes otitis media less likely as well.
I see you have used heat, Tylenol and Advil. You can use them regularly for 2-3days more. If not better in 2-3 days or earlier if you notice any worsening, please see your doctor for a thorough clinical check-up.
Examining the ears with an otoscope is needed which can tell if the pain comes from the ears or not and which is the needed as a treatment. Muscular pain and jaw problems can also be determined by a good physical examination.
I hope this answers to your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Kind regards,
Dr Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Thank you for the reply. I actually saw the doctor today who could find nothing within my ear to suggest the origin of the pain. She referred me to a head neck doctor for follow-up saying that they will have “better equipment.” She also said that if need be, the will do some imaging. What would the imaging be used to detect? My gut instinct is that this is muscular, and I’m wondering what the head and neck doctor might be able to tell me.
Brief Answer:
To detect lump and masses
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The examinations further needed could vary from x-ray to check the jaw joint and the teeth to ultrasound to see for lumps or masses and rarely CT scans or MRI if still more info is needed. This all depends on the findings when the doctor examines you.
I think your doctor is trying to explain you what could possibly happen but it doesn't mean this will be the case.
It is not necessarily needed to have examinations though, the doctor you are referred to might examine you and might agree that it is a muscular pain and give you some days to watch how you are doing, unless something specific is found when he examines you.
I hope this answers to your questions but please let me know if I can assist you further.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
To detect lump and masses
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The examinations further needed could vary from x-ray to check the jaw joint and the teeth to ultrasound to see for lumps or masses and rarely CT scans or MRI if still more info is needed. This all depends on the findings when the doctor examines you.
I think your doctor is trying to explain you what could possibly happen but it doesn't mean this will be the case.
It is not necessarily needed to have examinations though, the doctor you are referred to might examine you and might agree that it is a muscular pain and give you some days to watch how you are doing, unless something specific is found when he examines you.
I hope this answers to your questions but please let me know if I can assist you further.
Wish you good health.
Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, General and Family Physician
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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