The Throat Bone That Causes Stabbing Pain

Eagle syndrome occurs when a tiny, needle-like bone in your throat grows too long. This bony spike can stab nearby nerves every time you swallow or turn your head, causing sharp, sudden pain.

Everyone has a small, slender bone behind the ear called the styloid process, but in some people, it grows abnormally long or calcifies into a rigid spike. When this happens, simple actions like turning your neck or swallowing can cause the bone to irritate sensitive nerves in your throat. It is often mistaken for other dental or nerve issues, making it a tricky diagnosis for doctors. Despite sounding rare, identifying this bony elongation can finally provide relief to people who have suffered from mysterious facial pain for years.