What Causes Pain In Ear Radiating To Shoulder?

Posted on Fri, 20 Nov 2015

Question: For the pass three days I have increasing slow throbbing pain in my left ear which is becoming more and more intense and sharper, also a feeling a muscle/nerve pull in my left shoulder which goes up behind my ear. Some of my current history is that I don't get much sleep (4-6 Hrs) and I work 12 hour shifts (6pm-6am). Can you help or advise?

Answered by Dr. Harish Naik (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
NSAIDs and Antibiotic, based on otoscope result

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to HCM
I have gone through your query

Is it associated with any discharge, any hearing problem?
Is there any pain on pressing the bone behind the ear? Is it associated with fever?
Your reply to these questions will help me assist you better.

Muscle pain that you are experiencing, might be a reffered pain from the ear itself.
There are many causes of ear pain, like
Otitis external, middle ear infection, a boil or infected hair follicle in the ear canal, blockages in the ear from plugs of earwax.

I would have inspcted your ear using otoscope, based on that I would have decided on the treatment.

Presently I would have given NSAIDS like ibuprofen to address pain. In case there is sign of infection, I would have prescribed you a course of antibiotic.

Hope this helps.
Take care.

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. Sonia Raina