What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition that affects the inner ear, resulting in an irritating ringing or buzzing noise in the ear. There is no single cause of tinnitus, with many patients identifying vertigo or TMJ as common triggers for tinnitus symptoms. Another cause of tinnitus that is often overlooked is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine.
Signs and Symptoms of Tinnitus
The most common symptom of tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in the ear. Alongside this, patients with tinnitus will likely experience any combination of the following symptoms: a feeling of fullness in the ear, roaring or humming noise in the ear, dizziness, coordination issues, and hearing loss.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tinnitus
When it comes to the upper cervical spine and tinnitus, the key factor to keep in mind is inflammation and compression of craniofacial nerves around the inner ear. When one or more vertebrae in the upper cervical spine are out of place, it can compress the muscles and nerves in the area surrounding the Eustachian tubes of the inner ear. Over time, this compression will result in inflammation, drainage issues, and general irritation of the craniofacial nerves. Left untreated, these erratic nerve signals can cause interference in the auditory processing pathways of the brain, resulting in the characteristic buzzing commonly experienced with tinnitus.
How Our Upper Cervical Spinal Treatment for Tinnitus Works
Dr. Gordon Elder, our tinnitus specialist, utilizes a form of chiropractic treatment known as the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique is a non-traditional form of chiropractic care that focuses on correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine and re-engaging the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Using the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique, Dr. Elder can help to ease or even cure conditions like tinnitus.
In order to effectively treat tinnitus, Dr. Elder employs a two-step approach. Dr. Elder will firstly conduct a 25–30-minute consultation during which he will ask a series of questions to better understand your medical history. He will also aim to determine whether a spinal misalignment could be behind your tinnitus. The diagnostic process for upper cervical spinal treatment typically involves the use of advanced 3-D imaging techniques to determine the exact point of misalignment.
Once a formal diagnosis has been obtained, Dr. Elder will create an individualized treatment plan, giving you the opportunity to ask any questions or voice any concerns you might have regarding your treatment. During your first treatment session, Dr. Elder will use gentle and precise spinal correction techniques to push the vertebrae back into alignment. By doing so, Dr. Elder will allow the body to naturally reduce inflammation and irritation of the inner ear. As long as the adjustment sets, you will likely experience a gradual reduction or even complete disappearance of tinnitus symptoms.
Patients should expect to have multiple treatments following their initial appointment (for at least 3-5 months); this will ensure the adjustment is setting and will give Dr. Elder the opportunity to check your progress. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve long-lasting/permanent results.
If you’re suffering from tinnitus and can’t find a solution, get in touch today to speak with Dr. Gordon Elder about how your upper cervical spine could be triggering your condition. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.
