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Ear, Nose & Throat Community

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Outer ear pain with side sleeping - a different su...

It's surprising to see in all of these discussions no mention of related neck pain and...

Posted by Susanne_DPT

It's surprising to see in all of these discussions no mention of related neck pain and only slight mention of jaw pain. I too am a sufferer of the bilateral ear pain at night with side sleeping. However, I can usually predict when my episodes are going to be the worst - that is when my upper cervical vertebrae (spinal bones of the neck) and cranium are off. I know these are out when I have limited rotation or extension of the head. Also, when I look in the mirror my head tilts to one side. I'm also afflicted with right TMJ issues and when this is bad, then so increases the frequency of the ear pain.

What is a common thread in these discussions is that change in position (i.e., sitting up) will usually reduce the pain within 20 minutes or so. Changes in position usually indicates a musculoskeletal issue, not an endocrine issue that many people are looking at (see comments on pregnancy and fibromyalgia). Yes, the nerves are talking, rather, screaming at us, so they are definitely involved. But entrapment, impingement or straight irritation of nerves can occur when the bones are not well positioned. The suggestion of pulling on the ear is also indicative of a musculoskeletal issue, and not an organic pathology, since this affects the fascial system and attachments around the ear/cranium/cervicals.

My hypothesis is that when we sleep on our sides there is a slight shearing that occurs between the cranium & the vertebrae, which irritates the nerve that supplies the cartilage to the ear. I have not seen this anywhere in the literature, however, so have no evidence to support this hypothesis.

What I do know, is that when I see a practitioner who helps with my alignment (for me this includes seeing a physical therapist who is an expert in manual work, or a massage therapist who does good jaw, neck and cranial work, or a chiropractor who can adjust the AO joint) that my symptoms are usually relieved for a while.

Good luck to all my fellow sufferers of this enigmatic condition. I wish you all relief and pain free sleep.View Thread

Posted bySusanne_DPT

1 Reply | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Outer ear pain with side sleeping - a different suggestion It's surprising to see in all of these discussions no mention of related neck pain and...

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