What Causes Pain In Jaw Radiating To Ear And Neck?

Posted on Thu, 12 Jun 2014

Question: Well, I feel stupid making an appointment since it is something which is off and on , mostly on , for weeks.
I have jaw , under the lower jaw pain radiating both into the ear and down the neck . The glands are sensitive but not swollen and the pain is not very bad. It is bilateral with the right more than the left. I was on antibiotics for 10 days due to biting my tongue , but it did not go away. It was going on before and is still going on. Therefore we can rule out a bacterial infection. I run and play tennis ( I am 72) , BP is Ok around 130/70 . t does not get worse., No tooth pain either. No fever What I am going to Europe on Vacation and the last thing I need end up in some clinic.

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Kumar T S (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
tooth infection,TMJ Disorder, antibiotics,analgesic

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

I have gone through your query. the reason for pain in the jaw could be because of tooth or gum infection or it can be because of disc displacement in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). the ulcer on the tongue can also produce pain but not this kind of pain. treat the cause of ulcer like if it is caused by any sharp cuspal edge, round off the edges, you can use topical anesthetics and analgesic for the ulcer.

If I am your treating doctor I would have suggested you to take radiographs like OPG, TMJ views to rule out ant impacted tooth or any infection from other tooth. TMJ views reveals any abnormal movements in the joints.

If there is a tooth infection take a course of analgesics and antibiotics. if it is TMJ problem then you have to take tablet piroxicam 20 mg twice daily on first day and once daily for next 6 days. Do not open your jaw too wide, take soft diet.

I hope my answer will help you, take care. If any queries are there reply me back.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T