Definition
All pain, which is located in an area around the ear about the size of a fist, can originate either in the ear or in the jaw. The close anatomical position of the jaw and ear in relation to each other often causes pain in these two areas simultaneously. The temporomandibular joint is located in front of the external auditory canal and can be palpated by placing the index finger in front of the ear. In addition, an important masticatory muscle – the temporal muscle – moves from the temple just in front of the external auditory canal to the lower jaw, so that muscular tension can also be misinterpreted as ear pain.
Causes of pain in jaw and ear
If there is pain in the jaw and ear at the same time, it is important to find the exact origin of the pain. If the focus of the pain is in the jaw, this is usually due to a pathologically altered temporomandibular joint. In most cases, the lower jaw is then not optimally positioned in its socket from the temporal bone, resulting in a painful sensation in the ear area.
Affected persons erroneously perceive this pain as pure ear pain, since it is projected in the area of the ear. It is only when the pain occurs mainly during jaw movements that the suspicion of a problem in the jaw is raised. The interface between the ear and the jaw is also representative of muscular tension in the chewing muscles.
In most cases, these are caused by teeth pressing against each other or teeth grinding during the night. Stress and high psychological tension often play a role in the development of these phenomena. But also the teeth themselves and especially the wisdom teeth can cause severe pain in the ear area if the roots of the molars are irritated.
Their innervation takes place through branches of the fifth cranial nerve, which also supplies parts of the external auditory canal. Much more specific, however, is pure ear pain, which is usually noticed in the context of an infection. In these cases, however, a distinct feeling of illness with fever and rhinitis is the determining factor. Swelling in front of the ear, which leads to both ear and jaw pain, is more likely to indicate an inflamed parotid gland. They are typically indicated by a distinct bump in front of the ear, which may be sensitive to touch.
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