Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

Sorry, I believe I misinterpreted your question on sleeping in the same position on the spiked mat. It might be an issue if you are stressing certain areas in a way that affects your neck/jaw--like incorrect acu-pressure. I have never slept on one, though

Do you think that fluctuating tinnitus increases the chance of my T being caused by some kind of neck injury/muscle problems?

Yes, for sure. You might have a bulging disc or something like that.

Mine does this. Have you looked into TMJ and nighttime teeth grinding, maybe a gumshield?

I agree with Agrajag364. I have TMJ/D and wear a nighttime guard. Also, some disk issues slowly develop over time (or muscular issue, too). Most people have pretty terrible posture, sitting or standing. I have been working on posture and doing neck exercises with "Treat your Own Neck" by Robin McKenzie.

https://www.amazon.com/Treat-Your-Own-Neck-803-5/dp/0987650416
-A link to the book

In the meantime, on YouTube, there are two Physical Therapists, Bob & Brad from Winona, Minnesota, USA that show McKenzie method exercises for Neck and Back pain. Here is a link to one of their neck videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cog4Dds__a0

Kai did it help? I have one cos I had a constant headache that also varied day by day and was told it was tmj. but i do not sleep well with tinnitus so cannot seem to sleep with it

Since my TMJ is due to a previous neck injury, the McKenzie neck exercises have helped me quite a bit so far (even if no neck injury, typically people are out of alignment, which can influence TMJ). I feel less tension getting to my jaw, as the exercises constantly remind you to get your posture correct. T has not improved yet, though.

Have you received exercises for your TMJ? Are you doing the tongue-up position when your mouth is "at rest"/not talking,etc.? Also, walking upright (ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips) with arms swinging straight, is very beneficial to your neck and back. The arm swing is very important as well. I do not sleep the best either, but recently been getting a 4-5 hour undisturbed portion/night.

I try to walk at least an hour each day. Going to be harder with the colder weather. If you need exercises for TMJ, I can share what I have been doing. If either of you (or anyone else) ever wants to skype or call, that is an option as well to discuss strategies in more detail.

As I have a disc issue (bulging C5 to spinal cord), I am not as aggressive with the McKenzie neck extension (looking up). I am planning to get an updated MRI to see what has changed since 5 years ago. If you do not have a disc issue, the exercises should be fine without adjustments. Also, you could look for a McKenzie method certified PT.

I went to see a physiotherapist who specialises in TMJ the other week. He gave me an exercise to do which was to open the mouth as widely as possible whilst still keeping the lips together. This was to promote correct opening and closing of the jaw

Thanks, I really appreciate you taking the time to write all your thoughts.

Yes, I hold constant tension in my jaw. Probably a symptom of anxiety and stress I had years back, and the stress of tinnitus. I don't know how long I had it. But I do know that I now grind my teeth like crazy in my sleep.

I have chronic neck pain and a very tense upper back/neck/face. Definetly something I'm working on regardless of my tinnitus. I also have really problematic joints in general, I am forced to live a pretty sedentary lifestyle because of it. Sitting way more than I ever have and more than I want

I just started doing jaw excercises again, and neck stuff. So far I have had very low tinnitus the two last days that I've been doing them before bed

Agrajag, I have a hard splint that cost me 500 dollars. I got it because my teeth are apparently ground down quite badly. I cannot chew very freely on my left side now

Not sure if it's called splint but that's the word that came to mind. A mouthguard thingy

Besides the splint, the "tongue-up / natural resting position of the tongue" is supposed to be the best for improving TMJ symptoms (according to U of Minnesota TMJ dept). Possibly you naturally do this with your tongue. The position is found by making a "CLUCK" sound with your tongue. The "cluck"position and top 1/3 of your tongue in contact with the roof of mouth, in the shape of a "soft N"

@Agrajag364 - Does your PT have you doing that exercise with your shoulders down and back, while in good posture/alignment?

I think he mentioned that, I'd have to look at the notes I made