Severe Pain in the Back of the Head Radiating to Ear and Tongue: Causes Explained

Pain in the back of the head radiating to the ear and tongue?

While lying down and preparing to sleep, I suddenly experienced severe pain in the lower left part of the back of my head (near the neck).
The pain then radiated to my ear and tongue (near the throat).
After a while, I felt that the muscles near the back of my head close to my neck were very tense, and there was also pain in the lymph nodes of my lower jaw when I tilted my head back...
I would like to ask the doctor what this situation might be.
😨😨

Pei Pei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/03

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Miss Pei Pei,
You mentioned that "after a while, I feel tightness in the muscles at the back of my head near my neck, and there is pain in the lymph nodes of my lower jaw during the process of tilting my head back." Your symptoms may suggest issues related to the cervical vertebrae C2 and C3, which could cause discomfort during swallowing.
Problems with the spinal nerves and neck muscle tissues can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.
Prolonged periods of looking down or poor posture, such as slouching, can easily cause forward head posture, altering the natural curvature of the cervical spine.
I recommend the following:
1.
Change your posture regularly: Shift your position every 15 minutes to allow your neck tissues to rest.
Maintaining any posture (including a normal one) for an extended period can lead to fatigue and inflammation in the tissues, so moving around briefly can reduce the chances of muscle inflammation.
2.
Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): If you do not have a history of gastric ulcers, consider using NSAIDs as needed to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain.
If peripheral nerve issues are suspected, electrophysiological studies can assist in diagnosis:
- Nerve conduction studies: To assess the conduction velocity and waveform of large fiber nerves.
- Electromyography (EMG): To evaluate muscle responses in the areas supplied by the nerves.
I suggest consulting with a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician to discuss further examination and treatment options.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have any related questions, feel free to discuss them further.
Wishing you good health, peace, and joy.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Medical Center.

Reply Date: 2022/09/03

More Info

Severe pain in the back of the head radiating to the ear and tongue can be concerning and may indicate several underlying issues. The symptoms you describe, including sudden sharp pain in the lower left occipital area (near the neck), radiating pain to the ear and tongue, and tightness in the muscles of the neck, suggest a few potential causes that should be considered.

Possible Causes
1. Cervicogenic Headache: This type of headache originates from the cervical spine (neck) and can cause pain that radiates to the back of the head, ears, and even the jaw or tongue. It often results from issues such as muscle tension, cervical disc problems, or nerve irritation. The tightness in your neck muscles may indicate that the pain is related to muscle strain or tension.

2. Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition is characterized by sudden, severe facial pain that can sometimes radiate to the ear and tongue. It is caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. While this typically presents with facial pain, the involvement of the ear and tongue could suggest a more complex interaction with the nerve pathways.

3. Occipital Neuralgia: This condition occurs when the occipital nerves, which run from the top of the spinal cord up through the scalp, become inflamed or irritated. Symptoms include sharp, shooting pain in the back of the head that can radiate to the ear and even the jaw. The tightness in your neck muscles could be a contributing factor, as muscle tension can irritate these nerves.

4. Muscle Strain or Tension: Given the tightness you feel in the neck muscles, it is possible that you are experiencing muscle strain or tension headaches. Poor posture, stress, or sleeping in an awkward position can lead to muscle tightness and pain that radiates to other areas, including the head, ear, and jaw.

5. Lymphadenopathy: The pain in the submandibular area (near the jaw) could indicate swollen lymph nodes, which can occur due to infections or inflammation in the head and neck region. This could explain the pain radiating to the ear and tongue, especially if there is an underlying infection.

6. Infection or Inflammation: Conditions such as sinusitis, ear infections, or even throat infections can cause referred pain to the areas you mentioned. The sensation of pain in the ear and tongue could be a result of inflammation in the surrounding tissues.

Recommendations
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation. Here are some steps you can take:
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: A visit to a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist would be beneficial. They can perform a detailed examination, including imaging studies if necessary, to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

- Physical Therapy: If muscle tension or strain is suspected, physical therapy may help alleviate tightness and improve neck mobility. A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to relieve pain and prevent future episodes.

- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help manage your pain in the short term. However, it is crucial to discuss any medication with your healthcare provider, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

- Lifestyle Modifications: Consider evaluating your posture, especially if you spend long hours sitting or using electronic devices. Ergonomic adjustments can help reduce strain on your neck and head.

- Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce overall tension and stress, which may contribute to muscle tightness and headaches.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be indicative of several conditions, a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary to determine the exact cause and appropriate treatment. Please do not hesitate to seek medical advice, as early intervention can lead to better outcomes.

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