Tinnitus

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus, or tinnitus, is a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound - low, loud, high or low-pitched - that can occur in one or both ears. It is not a disease, but a symptom generated by several factors.

What types of tinnitus are there?

If it is a sound caused by the body itself - circulatory, respiratory or middle ear muscle contractions - it is called objective tinnitus. If it does not come from a sound source, it is considered subjective. Information from every part of the body reaches the brain via the spinal column. Some of the sensory nerve fibres pass through the auditory system. Any disturbance at this level can cause this fictitious sensation of noise. It occurs in 95% of cases. Head or neck injuries, temporomandibular joint disorders or neurological diseases can also lead to tinnitus.

If left untreated, it can cause fatigue, depression, anxiety, concentration, memory or sleep problems, all leading to mental or emotional distress. The temporomandibular joint can suffer from disorders caused by tension imbalances in the masticatory musculature, which is closely related to the middle ear as it is innervated by the same nerve. Similarly, the jaw is closely related to the cervical spine.

How to treat tinnitus?

Manual therapy stimulation of the head and neck musculature induces relaxation and by improving the blood flow in the whole area can modify the sensation of tinnitus, changing its intensity.

Dry needling treatment of myofascial trigger points that keep these muscle fibres tense is also effective. In addition, neck and shoulder stretching exercises; joint mobilisation techniques and cervical movement retraining; controlled neck and jaw muscle exercises; and strengthening of the cervical area help to decongest any tension that may reach the ear.

Finally, the postural awareness work and training with the original method Pilates, which strengthens, balances muscles and aligns structures, also releases tensions that can cause compression or alteration in the nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting signals to the brain.

The practice of tinnitus can prevent any muscle or joint dysfunction from being transmitted to the neck or skull, causing this type of problem. If you suffer from tinnitus, call us and consult us about your case.