A Closer Look at how Osteopathy can Help Treating Tinnitus Naturally
Constantly hearing ringing noise from the ear, without any cause?
Tinnitus is the common term used to describe this unusual hearing of sounds from the ears. It can be considered as a symptom that affects any condition affecting your auditory system. But it is not easy to treat, as the recognition of the exact cause of tinnitus symptoms is a difficult task. Hence it should not be excluded and should have to be considered with due concern itself.
A variety of sounds can be heard from the ear, whistling, humming, hissing, ringing, grinding, or buzzing. Hearing sounds of singing or music is also felt, others may experience as sound with the beat of the pulse (pulsatile tinnitus).
Sometimes, the cause may pinpoint to the brain, when effective enough to process and receive auditory information circuit. Several risk factors contribute to the condition, which interrupts the clarity and amount of data or information sent to the brain by the ear, brain as they send some extra signals, in the form of sound, called tinnitus.
This is how the brain responds. It can subside with time, may bring no major irritation, but prolonged continuous effects are also seen which significantly affects the lives of individuals. The long-term effects of tinnitus for tinnitus sufferers are distressing as it may alter concentration, affect work and quality of life, may lead to depression, and vary the sleep cycle.
Tinnitus affects people of all age groups including children. Either one ear or both ears are affected by the condition, which may last permanently or temporarily.
The inner ear has nerve interventions that connect to the neck. Somatosensory Tinnitus is a condition that affects the inner ear, as a result of the reflex action between the inner ear and nerves in the neck.
Nerves in the neck, which have sensory functions pass to the cochlear region of the ear. Tinnitus can also be attributed to the Temporo Mandibular Joint (TMJ) movement and inner ear functioning. The trapezius is the trigger in the neck muscles, that is associated with tinnitus. Hence Somatic testing can be used in modulating tinnitus in individuals as muscle contractions of the neck and the head region also influence tinnitus.
Osteopathy has a very important role to play in treating tinnitus!
Tinnitus Types
There are four types of tinnitus known, which occurs as a result of noise exposure and loud noises, those due to involuntary contraction of muscles, causes from sensory system, and certain diseases conditions.
- Subjective tinnitus
- Somatic tinnitus
- Objective tinnitus
- Neurological tinnitus
Tinnitus Causes
Tinnitus on a broader aspect can not be called an illness or disease. But these are symptoms, which can be physical and mental.
- Infection to ear
- Misalignment of jaws
- Anxiety
- Stress (physical or Psychological)
- Trauma or injury to head
- Glue ear
- Overexposure to loud giant noises
- Sinus infection
- High blood pressure
- Loss of hearing
- Ear wax in excess
- Any vibration or blow to ear
- Meniere’s disease
- Neck problem
- Dental problem
- Certain medications like antibiotics, aspirin
- The tension of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) or jaw bone
- Any trauma to the inner ear
- Autoimmune disease
- Degenerative diseases
- Diving
How Osteopathy can help treat Tinnitus
The main aim of Osteopathy treatment in tinnitus is to minimize the symptoms, minimize the disruption caused, irritation to nerves is reduced and improve and manage the condition. Osteopathic treatment at the earliest point can reduce the effect of tinnitus to a greater extent!
Focus is made by an Osteopath on balancing the causes that led to the development of the condition, using subtle techniques. A detailed assessment is made in the detection of the condition, tinnitus mechanism, to understand the areas where tension is present ( around jaws, temporomandibular joint, and neck), different manipulative techniques and soft massage is done to achieve the aim and a balance of the musculoskeletal system is made.
Techniques of cranial osteopathy are also used, when necessary, as it can bring a lot of improvement in the function of skull bones and jaw and their movements. Joint mobility is ensured, over the areas of the temporomandibular joint, upper back, neck by releasing facial and muscular tension.
An improvement in lymphatic circulation is also achieved through Osteopathic treatment. Tinnitus arising as a result of emotional reasons can also be resolved through Osteopathic help. Osteopaths can work in conjugation with other medicines. If needed, a referral can be made. Being a holistic practice, overall health is taken into consideration, where lifestyle and diet are given equal emphasis.
Once the cause of the problem is understood and resolved, tinnitus may subside. For example, those that occurred as a result of infection of the ear, etc. Hence identifying the cause of the condition is essential, where Osteopathy can help a lot.
Tinnitus caused by head injury can be treated with Cranial Osteopathy techniques, where the stress in the tissues of the skull is mainly targeted. Releasing tension of the temporomandibular joint can improve the range of movement of the joint, and assist in relieving the symptoms.
Techniques that equalize the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system by Osteopathy can improve breathing and respiratory function, which in turn heals the tinnitus caused by stress and anxiety.
Glue Ear
Osteopaths work on tissues and muscles around the Eustachian tube and temporal bone, where they are successful in minimizing Glue ear, where the Eustachian tube is filled with fluid (not air).
Call our Osteopaths to help you
Our qualified team of Osteopaths at Richards Osteopathy can help you with tinnitus symptoms, as we are experienced and familiar with treating the condition. We make use of advanced techniques for myofascial release and massage, where we can release the tension over soft tissues of the head, jaw, neck, and shoulder, and also muscles hence marks an end to symptoms completely.
Contact us to see how we can help you!
