Earwax Buildup and Neck/Jaw Pain: What You Need to Know

Question
I went to the ER this morning with a horrible ear ache and the doctor there looked and said I had a build up of ear wax and told me to flush it with warm water. My question is can ear wax build up cause neck pain in the front and back of my neck and can it also cause jaw pain as well?

Answer
Dear Angela,

Ear wax puts pressure on the nerves associated with the ear. I would get a second opinion before you begin flushing out the ear. You may have a punctured ear drum causing the pain that you describe. In general, the tympanic membrane, aka ear drum, is not visualized with wax build up. Get a second opinion before you do any damage.