Tinnitus: how to resolve it with osteopathy

February 20, 2024 Chiara Cicolella Comments Off

Recently, I have seen many patients with tinnitus who complain of difficulty concentrating and discomfort throughout the day.

Let us look at how this symptom can be triggered and potentially resolved.

SYMPTOMS

Tinnitus is an altered sensation of perceived sound that does not correspond to a real external stimulus; instead, the sound is produced within the ear.

The individual experiences a ringing or prolonged noise that accompanies them throughout the day, with worsening peaks and rare moments of silence.

It is a problem that affects both women and men, often linked to periods of high stress.

In fact, cranial nerves are very susceptible to stress and the cranial and postural tensions we accumulate.

CAUSES

The causes of tinnitus can vary, being either traumatic or inflammatory in nature.

Specifically, they involve eardrum trauma, ear pathologies, jaw disorders, jaw clicking, stress, psychosis, and tension in the masticatory muscles. shoulder tension, trapezius calcifications, and inflammation of the cranial nerves.

The path to recovery from tinnitus begins with a diagnosis, and a skilled specialist will be able to understand the specific cause and implement a focused therapy for recovery.

TREATMENT

If the tinnitus is not related to specific pathologies, the recommended medications are muscle relaxants and anxiolytics, which are very helpful in relaxing the muscles, alleviating anxiety, and helping the brain begin to ‘forget’ the sound of the tinnitus.

An effective treatment is craniosacral therapy, in which the osteopath reduces tension in the muscles related to the ear, which affect the function of the cochlear nerve.

Tinnitus often stems from jaw disorders; I have had several patients who improved by treating the masticatory component.

CLINICAL CASE

The case of a young woman who came to me for very acute tinnitus that limited her daily life and work activities is emblematic. In her case, there was significant tension in the masticatory muscles and irritation of not only the cochlear nerve but also the trigeminal nerve.

In fact, as a previous symptom, she complained of migraines and jaw clicking—problems that improved until they were resolved after two cycles of ad hoc craniosacral therapy for the patient.