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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Pain On The Left Side Of The Neck And Ear?

Hello Doctor, my mom (67 years old) has been having quite severe, sharp pain on the left side of her neck, that radiates to her ear, but it doesn t look like an ear infection. Her neck is super sensitive to touch, very painful, but not swollen at all. The pain goes away after she takes ibuprofen or other over the counter pain medications. It has been almost a week now and we most probably have to see a doctor, since it is not going away. She has not have fever, only today 100 degrees when we checked in the afternoon. Could this be lymph nodes infection? Muscle strain? Or what else could it possibly be? Thank you Doctor for you time and your answer.
Tue, 20 Aug 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Noted the history about your 67 year old Mother having severe pain on left side of neck, being referred to the left ear, sensitivity increased in the same area, getting relieved with Ibuprofen and such OTC medications.

The most common causes I can think about are as follows:
Cervical spondilitis as per the age factor causing nerve pinching causing increased sensitivity and pain as mentioned by you. I would advise you the following:
Consult a Doctor for clinical evaluation, examination and get the investigations done.
MRI of neck and cervical spine will help to see for changes of cervical spondilitis and muscle and lymph nodes.
Ask her to take Ibuprofen at least 8 hourly to cover 24 hours.
Put the left elbow in home-made sling to support the elbow so that the muscle pull on neck is reduced, gives instant relief in many cases.
Apply local Rubefacient liniment.

Further management as per the findings. Also ask your Doctor or an ENT Surgeon to look if there is any cause of left ear pain and if positive then get treated accordingly.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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What Causes Severe Pain On The Left Side Of The Neck And Ear?

Hi, Noted the history about your 67 year old Mother having severe pain on left side of neck, being referred to the left ear, sensitivity increased in the same area, getting relieved with Ibuprofen and such OTC medications. The most common causes I can think about are as follows: Cervical spondilitis as per the age factor causing nerve pinching causing increased sensitivity and pain as mentioned by you. I would advise you the following: Consult a Doctor for clinical evaluation, examination and get the investigations done. MRI of neck and cervical spine will help to see for changes of cervical spondilitis and muscle and lymph nodes. Ask her to take Ibuprofen at least 8 hourly to cover 24 hours. Put the left elbow in home-made sling to support the elbow so that the muscle pull on neck is reduced, gives instant relief in many cases. Apply local Rubefacient liniment. Further management as per the findings. Also ask your Doctor or an ENT Surgeon to look if there is any cause of left ear pain and if positive then get treated accordingly. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T Chandrakant, General Surgeon