If you’ve been diagnosed with somatosensory tinnitus, you may not need to take medications with potential side effects. Somatosensory tinnitus, also known as somatic tinnitus, is a type of tinnitus that is influenced by the somatosensory system, particularly involving the head, neck, and jaw regions[1][4]. The somatosensory system is the body’s system of collecting information through sensations and sending it to the brain for processing, interpretation and action. Here are the key points about somatosensory tinnitus and how chiropractic care may help:
Characteristics of Somatosensory Tinnitus
– This is a form of tinnitus that can be modulated by voluntary movements or pressure on certain areas of the head, neck, or jaw[1]. Meaning, when you move your head and neck, you may feel changes in the severity of your tinnitus.
– Patients may be able to change the pitch, loudness, or location of their tinnitus through these movements or manipulations[1].
– It is often associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMJD), neck pain, or muscle tension in the suboccipital or cervical spine muscles[1][4]. If you have tension headaches, you understand pain and tension in the base of the back of your head (suboccipital region). When the neck, head and jaw don’t move properly, they don’t pick up on, and don’t respond to information properly.
How Chiropractic Care May Help
Chiropractic care for somatosensory tinnitus focuses on addressing restrictive misalignments and muscle tension in the neck and jaw areas that lead to neurological confusion and dysfunction:
1. **Spinal Adjustments**: Chiropractors perform gentle adjustments to restore proper alignment of the vertebrae, particularly in the upper cervical region. This may help reduce pressure on nerves that could be contributing to tinnitus symptoms[3].
2. **Muscle Tension Reduction**: Techniques to relax tense muscles in the jaw and neck may alleviate tinnitus symptoms. This can include manual therapy and stretching exercises[2].
3. **Addressing Underlying Conditions**: Chiropractors may treat related conditions like temporomandibular disorders or cervical subluxations that could be contributing to tinnitus[2].
4. **Holistic Approach**: Chiropractic care takes a whole-body approach, focusing on overall wellness rather than just isolated symptoms[3]. There are no drugs or surgery prescribed, and if your chiropractor can’t help you, they should know who can.
5. **Non-Invasive Treatment**: Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive alternative to medication or surgery for managing tinnitus symptoms[3].
Effectiveness and Considerations
While some patients report improvement in their tinnitus symptoms with chiropractic care, it’s important to note that results may vary:
– Studies have shown positive outcomes for some patients, but more research is needed to fully establish the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for tinnitus[2][3].
– Chiropractic care may also be considered as part of a integrative treatment plan, which may include other therapies and interventions[5].
– It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional, like your chiropractor, to determine the underlying cause of tinnitus and develop an appropriate treatment strategy[5].
In conclusion, chiropractic care may offer relief for some individuals with somatosensory tinnitus by addressing neuromusculoskeletal issues in the head, neck, and jaw regions. Brain and spinal function cannot be separated in the real world. They too often go hand in hand. As with any treatment, results can vary, and it’s important to work with your qualified healthcare professionals to manage tinnitus symptoms most effectively. But know that chiropractic care may be your drug free route to feeling better.
Dr. Lou has worked with dozens and dozens of tinnitus patients over the years. Those who follow his lead, generally improve with chiropractic care. While there is no guarantee of the results, research suggests that chiropractic may help by improving somatosensory function. Dr. Lou has been a chiropractor/acupuncturist for over 22 years. Jacobs Chiropractic Acupuncture is located in Portland, Maine and is accepting new patients. (207) 774-6251
Citations:
[1] https://tinnitus.org.uk/for-professionals/healthcare-professionals/somatic-or-somatosensory-tinnitus/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3129953/
[3] https://squareonehealth.com/tinnitus-relief-chiropractic/
[4] https://www.liebscher-bracht.com/en/encyclopedia-of-pain/tinnitus/somatic/
[5] https://treblehealth.com/ear-adjustments-tinnitus/
[6] https://www.healthline.com/health/somatic-tinnitus