Tinnitus Cure - Yes, if your tinnitus is caused by an underlying injury

Can you alter your tinnitus by moving your jaw, neck, head or eyes?

If you can change your tinnitus by flexing your jaw, or moving your neck, head or eyes you are likely to have Somatic Tinnitus.

Did your tinnitus start because of a head, neck or jaw injury? If it did, and you have treatment for the underlying injury, your tinnitus can be cured - which is great news. (As we very rarely claim a cure for tinnitus)

In the meantime however, it is possible that your tinnitus symptoms will be worse than for people whose tinnitus is caused by other factors (e.g. noise exposure, age or drug reaction). You are also more likely to suffer from headaches and difficulty concentrating.

How common is somatic tinnitus?

There have been a number of studies that indicate about 10 % to 15% of people with tinnitus fall into the category of somatic tinnitus. It is often caused by a whiplash injury where the top of your spinal column is over extended. Other common causes are:

• Jaw injury or medical deterioration of your jaw

• Grinding of your teeth

• Head injuries through sport or work

• Stiffiness of the upper body, neck and face

How is Somatic Tinnitus treated?

In most cases the treatment for the underlying injury (or medical problem) will be from an Osteopath, Physiotherapist or possibly a dental specialist for some jaw related problems. The treatment approaches include:

• Massage of the myofascial trigger points (if you have facial tension)

• Manipulation & massage to release uppper body tension (e.g. shoulders, neck & jaw)

• Cervical spine manipulation

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (using a TENS machine)

• Acupressure or acupuncture.

Our recommendations

Make an appointment with an osteopath, or physiotherapist who has experience of treating people with tinnitus. Be prepared to describe how and when your tinnitus started. It is likely it may take more than one appointment to correct your underlying physical injury, or medical condition. However, the results should be worth it. Removal, or reduction of your pain and stopping your tinnitus.

Please let us know if you have success with this type of treatment and we love to share details of good osteopaths & physiotherapists with other people with tinnitus.

Thank you for reading our blog posts / articles

This article is a follow up to an earlier blog post called "Tinnitus Treatments - what works & what to avoid."

Tom Donaldson from Tinnitus Tunes