Ever experience neck to ear pain at the same time? You’re not alone.
Your neck and ears are more connected than you might think. Because of the complex relationships between the muscles, nerves, and structures in your neck and head, problems in your neck can sometimes cause ear issues.
This article will explore how neck issues can manifest as ear-related symptoms and what treatments might help.
Can neck problems cause ear problems?
Your neck and ears are closer together than you might think! The bones of the upper cervical spine are located very close to the structures of the inner ear, which could mean that if your neck is out of alignment, your ears might be affected.
Another anatomical structure that links your ears and neck is the eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to your nasal pharynx.
Misalignment in your upper cervical spine can cause irregular muscle tone in your eustachian tubes, leading to inflammation and possible ear problems. This is called eustachian tube dysfunction.
Ear problems linked to neck issues
If your neck pain is causing problems with your ears, you might experience:
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in your ears)
- Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in your ear
- Balance problems
You might also have headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
The connection between your neck and your ears
The top of your spine (C1 and C2) is essential for keeping your head stable. When these vertebrae are out of alignment, they can cause problems in your ears.
Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can irritate nerves and muscles that affect the inner ear and the eustachian tube, which regulates pressure. Some conditions that have been linked to upper cervical problems include Meniere’s disease and other balance disorders.
Treatment Options
It’s important to treat the cause of your pain, not just the pain itself. If your ear and neck pain stem from a problem in your neck, that’s what needs to be addressed.
Chiropractic care can be an effective treatment option. Chiropractors can adjust the upper cervical spine to realign it, which may help to improve ear symptoms. The goal of chiropractic treatment is to restore normal eustachian tube function.
The Bottom Line
Neck problems can contribute to various ear issues. If you’re experiencing neck and ear pain, consulting a qualified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.