Question
Hi,
I woke up one morning with a kink in my neck.  It has been a couple weeks and it is still somewhat painful.  Now my ear on that side of my neck aches.  Sometimes its constant, sometimes I only notice it when I turn my head in that direction.  Could the ear ache be associated with the neck pain?  Would seeing a chiropractor help both problems?
Thanks much,
Alea

Answer
Dear Alea,

The ear ache that you complain of can be associated with the neck pain you have due to the closeness of the anatomical structures and their inter-relationship.  The reason is the large muscle on the side of the neck called the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) attaches just below the ear onto the skull as well as a few other smaller muscles.

When you wake up with a "kink" in your neck, the most likely source of problems are the muscles...specifically the SCM because it is the muscle most associated with rotational movements of the neck.  If the SCM muscle is in spasm or has a trigger point, the discomfort can be felt on the neck as well as the jaw, ear, and temples.  Chiropractic treatment can definitely help these types of problems, in fact we have great successes treating upper neck problems.

Now, upon examination at the chiropractor, the doctor should definitely do an otoscopic exam ,(ear exam), to make sure that the problem is not in the ear itself.  It is very possible that the reverse couls be true and that an ear infection can cause upper neck pain, stiffness etc... All chiropractors are trained to do these examinations as well as medical doctors.  Just ask the office staff before you schedule an appointment to make sure the chiropractic physician you choose has the equipment in the office to thoroughly check you out.

Good luck Alea.
Respectfully,
Dr. J. shawn Leatherman