OpenHealth Q&A

Ongoing Ear and Neck Discomfort: Seeking Guidance

Greetings! I am a woman in my mid-30s residing near Philadelphia, PA. For several years, I have been grappling with a condition that has significantly disrupted my daily life. I am longing to reclaim my sense of well-being but have yet to discover effective treatments. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights from those who might understand my situation. In December 2019, I had an appointment with a chiropractor I had frequented multiple times over the previous years without any previous issues. During that visit, I was battling a common cold but proceeded with the adjustment to my back and neck as usual. Shortly afterward—within that same evening or a couple of days later—I began experiencing a feeling of fullness and congestion in my left ear. Fortunately, this sensation subsided after my cold resolved. However, after experiencing another cold a few months later, the fullness returned, but once again, it dissipated once the illness passed. I contracted Covid twice, first in November 2020 and again in January 2022. Following the initial bout, I started experiencing monthly headaches that approached migraine intensity, with a distinct pain localized to the left side of my head. Additionally, I noticed a clicking sound in my left jaw whenever I opened or closed my mouth, which persists to this day. If I repeat this action too frequently, it often leads to a headache. Over time, I began to experience occasional ringing in my left ear and pressure on the left side of my face. Walking often triggered headaches, particularly on the left side of my head. Activities that required me to lean forward, such as planks, also increased internal pressure in my head. The left side of my face frequently feels congested, and my left nostril is often stuffy. I sometimes feel itchiness inside my left ear and occasionally experience pain along my left jawline. When driving uphill, my left ear seems to pop open momentarily; however, it usually reverts to a congested sensation. Blowing my nose can help momentarily relieve the pressure in my ears, but the stuffiness usually returns. Every morning, I find myself expelling mucus that seems to originate from the left side of my sinuses—a change that began only a few years ago. This constant issue leads to considerable fatigue—possibly due to the persistent pressure—especially during the early hours of my day. Consequently, I have been sleeping significantly longer since these symptoms developed. **Consults with ENT Specialists:** I have sought help from various ENT specialists regarding my symptoms. During my visits, hearing tests indicated that my left ear was not performing as well as the right, although the specialists deemed the results not alarming. I do feel that sounds from the left side seem somewhat muffled. Two specialists recommended MRIs of my brain, conducted around nine months apart; both came back with normal findings, showing no fluid. The ENT doctors suggested trying nasal decongestant sprays, but every product I've used have exacerbated my discomfort, creating additional pressure on the left side of my head and neck. **Neck Concerns:** Alongside these issues, I have developed tightness and tenderness on the left side of my neck, potentially attributed to a decade of computer work or frequent cell phone use in the evenings. Occasionally, specific movements of my neck produce squishy sounds on the left side. **Vision Problems:** In recent years, my left eye has become increasingly blurry, and I perceive strange movements or shadows from that eye. An eye doctor diagnosed me with floaters. I also have rosacea and another eye specialist suggested I might have ocular rosacea, while another attributed my symptoms to dry eyes. I find myself blinking my left eye more frequently than normal, and if I move my eyes a lot—particularly upwards—my left eye experiences soreness. **Dental Issues:** Multiple dentists have pointed out that I grind my teeth. About a year ago, I consulted an orthodontist specializing in TMJ. They performed imaging and revealed an issue related to my jaw. The orthodonist proposed a treatment involving mouthguards—one for daytime use and another for nighttime—along with physical therapy, with a total cost of $5,000. I was unsure about the necessity of this plan and ultimately chose not to pursue it due to concerns of it being a potential scam. **Additional Details:** Recently, I visited a different chiropractor who took an X-ray of my upper body, finding everything normal without any signs of calcification. However, after recent adjustments, the ringing in my left ear has returned. Since late 2016, I've occasionally slept with a ceiling fan on, positioned directly above my king-sized bed. I lay on my right side, meaning my left side is closest to the airflow from the fan. Nonetheless, when my symptoms escalated in December 2019, I had not used the ceiling fan since mid-October that year. I resumed using it from January 2020 until recently, and I have been attempting to sleep without it for about two weeks, though I have yet to notice any improvements. I underwent a balance test two years ago, which returned normal results, and a sleep study about a year and a half prior that also indicated normal outcomes.

Answers (1)

7/4/2025, 11:40:41 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you’re dealing with a complex set of symptoms affecting your ear, neck, head, and even your vision. Given the multiple facets of your condition, let’s break down your concerns into manageable components.

Main Points Summary:

1. Ear Discomfort and Headaches: You experience fullness, ringing, and pressure in your left ear, along with intense headaches, particularly on the left side.
2. Neck Issues: You have tightness and tenderness on the left side of your neck, possibly related to prolonged computer use and phone habits.
3. Vision and Dental Problems: Blurriness in your left eye and teeth grinding (potentially related to TMJ) are also causing concern.

Explanation:

Your symptoms might suggest a mix of issues, such as Eustachian tube dysfunction (responsible for ear congestion), tension headaches related to neck strain, and possible TMJ issues that can contribute to jaw pain and facial pressure. The feeling of fullness in your ear, pressure, and clicking sounds could be due to issues with the malleus bones and surrounding tissue in the ear, along with neck tightness, which may impact your overall sensation and pain perception.

Additionally, TMJ disorders can cause headaches and other facial discomforts. The combination of headaches and ear congestion following a cold could also indicate a history of sinus-related problems.

Actionable Next Steps:

1. Nasal Irrigation: Consider using a saline nasal rinse (such as a neti pot or saline spray) regularly. This can help clear mucus and may relieve pressure in your sinuses and ears.

2. Neck Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate daily neck stretches or relaxation exercises. Gentle yoga or physical therapy focused on neck and shoulder tension can also be beneficial. Try holding stretches for 15-30 seconds, repeated several times a day.

3. Manage TMJ Symptoms: If you suspect teeth grinding is affecting your jaw and headaches, consider over-the-counter treatments such as a soft night guard (available at pharmacies). This can help alleviate pressure from grinding, although it is best to consult a dentist about a custom solution if symptoms persist.

4. Avoid Triggers: Identify and minimize any activities that exacerbate your symptoms. This might include limiting prolonged phone use or adjusting your posture when using a computer.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any triggers, duration, and severity. This can help identify patterns and discuss options more effectively with health professionals.

6. Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you’re getting enough hydration and sleep. Fatigue can exacerbate your symptoms, so ensure you’re aiming for quality rest.

7. Consider Eye Care: Since you’re experiencing blurry vision and frequent blinking, stay in close contact with your eye specialist. Managing dry eye and floaters may require specific treatments that will help your comfort.

8. Reassess Specialist Opinions: If symptoms persist or worsen, consider revisiting a healthcare provider with your symptom log, and discuss whether referral to a specialist like a neurologist or a different ENT might be warranted.

Remember, these steps can help manage your symptoms, but it’s essential to continually communicate with healthcare providers about any new developments or persisting issues. You're taking proactive steps by reaching out for guidance, and it's important to know you're not alone in navigating this process.