Tinnitus
Tinnitus or commonly known as ringing in the ears can have a variety of causes. This can range from vascular components all the way to structural damage to the ear drum itself. Often times patients will complain of tinnitus that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments and in this case the causes may be due to muscular or myofascial compenents. If this is the case some factors seem to produce a more favorable outcome than others, They include:
1. Tinnitus which has been present for a shorter period — e.g. under 2 years vs. 10-20 years.
2. Tinnitus which accompanies other myofascial ENT/head & neck symptoms.
3. Tinnitus which fluctuates in intensity synchronously with other myofascial ENT/head and neck symptoms.
4. Tinnitus which is more pronounced on the side ipsilateral to the more prominent accompanying myofascial symptoms. (2)
Often times we can reduce trigger points, myofascial tightness and stiffness and the tinnitus will reduce quite quickly. The above guidelines are nice but not absolute. We have included some pain diagrams that often accompany patients with tinnitus complaints as well as some resources for you to read.
Resources: