Over 20% of all Americans, more than 1 million New Yorkers, experience neck pain. This is often accompanied by symptoms in the ears.
What is the connection between ear and neck pain? How is it possible for a neck injury to affect your inner ear? They are actually intimately related to each other through muscles, nerves, and other structures.
Today, we’re going to take a closer look at the connection between neck pain and hearing problems, keeping reading to learn more about their shared anatomy and function.
The Connection Between Ear and Neck Pain
Do you ever have neck pain? Ringing in ears?
It turns out that neck pain, ear pressure, and inflammation are often be closely related. The ear is innervated by the vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as the 8th cranial nerve.
Any inflammation of these nerves, its many branches, or the tissues surrounding them can lead to ear pathology.
Here are some signs of ear problems that could be related to a neck injury.
Tinnitus
Can a pinched nerve cause ringing in the ears? Tinnitus, the medical term for a ring in the ears, is a relatively common reason people see the doctor.
It can be due to a number of causes, including exposure to loud noises, ear wax buildup, and Meniere’s disease.
It is now known that neck injury can translate to ringing in the ear. This can occur following a trauma, such as a car accident. Some people can even identify certain neck positions that trigger tinnitus.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is perhaps the most feared consequence of ear problems. Many of us depend on our hearing to communicate with people, enjoy music, and navigate our world.
Neck injuries could affect the nerve(s) that supply the ear. This could potentially lead to partial or complete hearing loss.
Vertigo and Dizziness
Vertigo is the sensation that objects around are ‘moving’ when they shouldn’t be. This sensation is sometimes referred to as ‘the spins’.
Can neck injuries cause vertigo, neck and ear pain? Although seemingly unrelated, your ears play a crucial role in balance and coordination.
Your inner ear contains delicate structures called semicircular canals. These contain little hairs detect small changes in position and help you keep balance. Any inflammation of the ear, neck, and nearby nerves might cause vertigo.
Listening to Your Neck Pain
Are you listening to what your neck and ears are trying to tell you? Sometimes, neck injuries and other conditions can result in ear and hearing problems.
Ear and neck pain often appear together because of their nervous and muscular connections. It is important to consider this possibility. Be sure to tell your doctor about any history of neck pain, stiffness, hearing loss, loss of balance or other conditions.
Don’t ignore the hidden signs of neck and ear injury, especially if you have work-related injuries. You may need to see one of the New York workers’ comp doctors.
Call (888) 590-4030 so we can help you get better after an accident.