Chiropractors/neck pain and ear ache

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Expert: Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman - 8/5/2006


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

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Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman

Expertise

I can answer questions on general chiropractic care, sports injury, whiplash and auto crash, mild traumatic brain injury, structural and functional rehabilitation of the spine, nutrition for inflammation and repair, fitness training, nutrition for sports performance and other general health and nutrition related inquiries. I currently lecture on automobile trauma, occupant kinematics, and forensic risk analysis to local EMS, Fire and Police, as well as nutrition and sports injury to community groups. Rest assured all answers are generated from my clinical experience, and scientific research.

Experience

I have accumulated over 1100 hours of post-doctoral training to include; Certifications in Spinal Trauma and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury from the Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma from the International Chiropractic Association, Certification in Low Speed Auto Crash Reconstruction and Certification in Forensic Risk Analysis from The Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Certified Proficiency in spinal and extremity diagnostic procedures from The Motion Palpation Institute, Certified in Sports Injury and Rehabilitation from the National University of Health Sciences and The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, Nationally Certified Fellow of Structural Rehabilitation from The Chiropractic Biophysics Organization, and I have advanced training in manipulation under anesthesia and nutrition. Feel free to check out my website for course listings: www.suncoasthealthcare.net

Organizations
International Chiropractic Association, Florida Chiropractic Association, American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians, American Academy of Pain Management, Chiropractic Biophysics, Spine Research Institute of San Diego, Center for Research Into Automotive Safety and Health, Motion Palpation Organization, American Academy of Manual and Physical Medicine, Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce

Education/Credentials
B.A. (Psychology)The University of Cincinnati B.S. (Human Biology)Cleveland Chiropractic College D.C. (Doctor of Chiropractic) Cleveland Chiropractic College C.C.S.T. (Certification in Chiropractic Spinal Trauma)The International Chiropractic Association C.C.S.P. (Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician)The American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. *CCST and CCSP 120 hour certification courses are not recognized by the Florida Chiropractic Board due to the fact that they are not 300 hour diplomate level courses*

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