Orthopedics-Online

Cervical spine syndrome and tinnitus

Tinnitus in cervical spine syndrome

With a cervical spine syndrome there is typically pain in the shoulder and neck area, which can radiate into the arm or the back of the head and are often accompanied by other symptoms. These include headaches, dizziness, visual disturbances, noises in the ears such as tinnitus or feelings of numbness or tingling (Paresthesia).

Read more on the subject at: Ringing in the ears in cervical spine syndrome.

Tinnitus is a noise in the ears that is a bit like a Ring appears. He can either permanent persist or repeatedly for short episodes occur and then disappear again completely for different periods of time. For some there are certain trigger (often for example stress), which make the tinnitus reappear, in others it comes back for no apparent reason. It is possible that over the years you get used to tinnitus and at some point you practically no longer notice the ringing. For some, however, the noise gets worse and harder to bear over time. In part, this is a significant one for those affected Suffering because they can no longer concentrate properly in everyday life, hear less and are simply annoyed and stressed by the constant noise.

If the tinnitus is related to one Cervical spine syndrome occurs, many hope that it will resolve itself again if it occurs regularly physiotherapy operate or have it adjusted. For some, this improves the symptoms or even makes them go away, but it can also happen that the tinnitus does not change at all. In addition, one must also note that just because a cervical spine syndrome and tinnitus are present, this does not necessarily have to be due to the syndrome. It is therefore always advisable to have a doctor clarify a tinnitus that has persisted for a long time in order to rule out the possibility of another possibly treatable disease underlying it.

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root cause

Tinnitus, also commonly called noises in the ears, can be part of the underlying disease of a Cervical spine Syndrome occur.

The reason for this has to do with the nerve connections or the blood supply in this area.

So-called exist in the brain Cranial nerve nucleiwhich, among other things, are responsible for the different sensory qualities of humans.

So there are these cranial nerve nuclei also for the nerves, which for hearing and for that Sense of balance are responsible.

The nuclei represent the central switch from which the nerves lead to the respective organs.
The course of these nerves is connected to the upper cervical spine, which is why a muscular problem or a problem with the joints in this area can interfere with the nerves and then sounds can be heard that are due to irritation of the nerves.

Another explanation for the occurrence of noises in the ears with the simultaneous presence of a cervical spine syndrome can be found with the Blood circulation explain the mentioned cranial nerve nuclei.

The arteries that supply the nuclei run close to the vertebral bodies of the upper cervical spine.
Due to an existing cervical spine syndrome, the blood flow to the nuclei is possibly restricted, and this is the reason for the perception of the noises in the ears.

Illustration of a cervical spine syndrome

1st - 3rd - cervical spine (cervical spine)

First cervical vertebra (carrier) -
Atlas
Second cervical vertebra (turner) -
Axis
Seventh cervical vertebra -
Vertebra prominent
First thoracic vertebra -
Vertebra thoracica I
Shoulder corner - Acromion
Humerus head - Caput humeri
Shoulder blade - Scapula
Humerus - Humerus
Twelfth thoracic vertebra -
Vertebra thoracica XII
Parietal bone - Parietal bone
Cerebrum - Telencephalon
Cerebellum - Cerebellum
A - back of the head
B - neck
C - shoulder
D - upper arm

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Duration

It is not possible to give an exact duration for the occurrence of tinnitus in cervical spine syndrome.
Some experience reports describe a brief, rather dull noise in the ear with deep tones in combination with joint problems in the cervical spine.

In the case of circulatory problems in the vessels that are adjacent to the cervical spine and affect the hearing organ, on the other hand, long-lasting symptoms with high tones were found. A doctor should be consulted for tinnitus lasting more than 24 hours, even if it is not a life-threatening emergency per se.

diagnosis

The diagnosis of tinnitus is usually made relatively quickly by talking to the patient.

Finding the cause of the presence of the noises in the ears turns out to be more difficult.
Despite existing at the same time Cervical spine syndrome other causes of tinnitus should be ruled out.

With help of a Ear microscope can up to the outer ear eardrum are examined and the presence of foreign bodies, as well as changes in the Ear canal may be excluded.

With Tuning fork tests the hearing ability of both ears is tested, whereby it can be differentiated whether it is a problem of the outer ear or the middle ear, or a problem of the inner ear (Perception of the sounds) acts.

The creation of a tone threshold audiogram provides information about the frequency range in which the noises in the ear are perceived, as there is usually a reduced sound perception in the same frequency range.

If the suspicion is confirmed that the cervical spine syndrome plays a role in the development of the tinnitus, imaging methods may be used that can show a reduced blood supply to the cranial nerve nuclei.

therapy

Since the level of suffering is usually very high when tinnitus is present, the treatment of the noises is usually very important for the person concerned.

However, therapy for an existing tinnitus is not always successful.

The advantage if a cervical spine syndrome is also present is that the noises in the ears can possibly be attributed to the cervical spine syndrome with a high degree of certainty.

For this reason, the treatment of the cervical spine syndrome is in the foreground in these cases.
In some people being treated, the noises in the ears can be improved or even disappear completely if targeted physiotherapy and physical therapy the cervical spine is treated.

By improving the blood supply to the affected cranial nerve nuclei or relieving the affected nerve connections, the hope is that the noises in the ears will also disappear.

It should be noted that there is not always a clear connection between the present cervical spine syndrome and the tinnitus. For this reason, other causes that could explain the presence of tinnitus should also be thoroughly clarified by the attending physician.

Cervical spine syndrome and tinnitus with dizziness

Another not uncommon symptom that can occur in combination with the cervical spine syndrome and tinnitus is dizziness.
Dizziness in and of itself is a complex diagnostic problem with great suffering for the patient.
It can be acute or chronic.

The smallest changes in the cervical spine, such as a hardened muscle, can cause dizziness or tinnitus. Above all, compressions of the blood flow to the hearing organs are associated with symptoms of dizziness.

Since the organ of equilibrium is in the ear, dizziness and tinnitus often occur together.

Do you want to do something about your dizziness? Read more at:

Therapy for vertigo

Cervical spine syndrome and tinnitus with visual disturbances

Another complex of symptoms of cervical vertebra syndrome are visual disturbances and tinnitus.
It is important to know that if the cause is treated, the visual disturbances are also reversible.

There may also be pain around the eyes. Vision problems related to dizziness, brief blacking of the eyes, or foggy vision have been reported primarily.
Furthermore, there may be brief flickering in front of the eyes.

However, permanent damage to the eyesight is normally not to be expected.

Read more on the subject at: Visual disturbances

Cervical spine syndrome and tinnitus with shortness of breath

Shortness of breath per se is a symptom with a high level of suffering for the patient and, in an acute situation, is often associated with severe fear of life.

Newly occurring shortness of breath together with a tightness in the chest should always lead to a doctor's visit so that a heart attack can be excluded.
A rare but possible phenomenon in the context of the cervical spine syndrome is shortness of breath with tinnitus.
In the case of strong muscular tension, nerve compression or severe pain in the cervical spine, these symptoms can occur.
There should then be no hesitation in consulting a doctor.

Cervical spine syndrome and tinnitus with noisy ears

With a cervical spine syndrome, the supply of the cranial nerve nuclei or the hearing organ itself can be impaired for many reasons.
In many cases, this manifests itself in noise in the ears.

Tinnitus and ringing in the ears can occur in combination and in some cases it is difficult to differentiate the two symptoms. Symptoms can only show up briefly or be present all the time.
In some cases, hearing loss is even possible.

If you have a new tinnitus, ringing ears or hearing loss, you should consult a doctor.