Headaches are a normal part of life for a lot of people, but when that pain appears behind the ears, it can be particularly bewildering and painful. There are a variety of different reasons this type of headache occurs, each with its own set of symptoms and treatments. The first step toward getting better is knowing what could be causing your pain.
A possible reason is occipital neuralgia, a condition that occurs when the occipital nerves—traveling from the neck to the scalp—are inflamed or irritated. This tends to bring on sharp, stinging pain in the back of the head or behind the ears. Sometimes it’s difficult to identify the source of the irritation, but tight muscles, inflammation, or injury can all contribute. Treatment may be with anti-inflammatory drugs, nerve blocks, or muscle relaxants to relieve the pain.
Mastoiditis, an infection of the mastoid bone, which is located immediately behind the ear, is another possible reason. Young children, particularly those under the age of two, are more likely to be affected, but adults can also get mastoiditis. They may experience an earache, swelling at the back of the ear, fever, and headache. If mastoiditis is suspected, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately—antibiotics will be necessary to clear the infection before complications set in.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder also has the potential to bring on headaches at the back of the ears. The TMJ links your jaw to your skull, and if it’s not working well, it can cause pain that radiates to your ears, neck, and head. You may experience jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, or difficulty chewing. TMJ problems are generally managed with pain medications, oral splints, and physical therapy to get the joint to move more freely.
Middle ear infections, or otitis media, may also be a cause. Infections occur when bacteria or viruses lead to fluid accumulation in the middle ear. In addition to a headache and earache, you may have a fever, be irritable, or have difficulty hearing. A physician can diagnose this and recommend treatment, which could be antibiotics or supportive treatment based on the reason.
Finally, migraines—one form of chronic headache—also include pain in or behind the ears. Migraines tend to hurt on one side of the head and can be brought on by such items as strong odors, bright lights, or changes in the weather. Throbbing pain in the head, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and even ear pain are common. Migraines are typically treated through the detection of triggers and the combination of medications with lifestyle adjustments.
If you’re experiencing recurring pain behind your ears, it’s best to speak with a medical professional. An accurate diagnosis will allow you to receive appropriate treatment and begin recovering. Knowing the cause of your headache is the best way to control it and safeguard your future health.