What Causes Sharp Pain Under The Back Of The Jaw?

Posted on Mon, 21 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 13 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife is experiencing a sharp pain deep under the back of her jaw on the left side of her neck, she has no dental problems.

The pain comes and goes it strikes about every 30 seconds.
she is pointing to the location of the pain.
She says she can feel a slight swelling and wants to know what she can take to relive the pain.

Answered by Dr. Mahaveer Patil (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be a neuritic pain

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting the question.

I have gone through the query and the attached photograph.

From the history and clinical presentation it seems to be a submandibular nerve inflammation,if not a dental problem. The concerned area does appear to be a bit swollen and inflammed.

Other possibility is a swelling of the submandibular salivary gland.In initial stages,this does present in a similar fashion.

I would suggest her to get a OPG Xray done to rule out underlying pathologies.If this is inconclusive,an MRI would be helpful.

For immediate relief from pain,she can take medicines like tramadol,paracetamol or piroxicam. Methycobal tablets will be helpful to treat the neuritic pain.

Local analgesic gels and ice packs will help reduce the pain / inflammation.
She should avoid food which is too hot or too cold.

I hope the answer was helpful.

Feel free to ask me any doubts that you may have.

Thank you.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng