Tinnitus from Neck Spasm?

[dellwas]

Had a bad fall on ice about three weeks back. Step daughter is a doctor 1/2 way across Canada and advised me to stay up for a couple of hours. Felt fine and went to bed about 3 hours later. Woke up in the middle of the nite, and the whole room was spinning.

Went to emergency room the next day. Doc did a pretty thorough exam, and said both eardrums were "impacted" and diagnosed me with Meniere's. Put me on a nasal spray and everything was fine for about a week later.

Started getting tinnitus like symptoms and booked in with my family doc. She did a pretty good exam too, and disagrees with the emergency doctor, she is pretty sure I have a neck spasm which could be causing the tinnitus. Neck is tender on the side where I hit my head on the ice.

I will be going a concussion clinic when they book me in.

Question, the ringing seems to come and go, and generally abates late in the day. Is this normal?

Also, sometimes it's louder than others. I generally don't have an issue sleeping, but have woken up a couple of times because of it, but do drift off.

 

[GregCA]

Went to emergency room the next day. Doc did a pretty thorough exam, and said both eardrums were "impacted" and diagnosed me with Meniere's.

Holy cow! That is a swift way to reach a Meniere's diagnosis!
I'd take that with a grain of salt.

Started getting Tinnitus like symptoms and booked in with my family doc. She did a pretty good exam too, and disagrees with the emergency doctor, she is pretty sure I have a neck spasm which could be causing the tinnitus.

That makes more sense to me.
If it were me I'd go do the usual imaging to figure out if there is anything "broken inside". I suspect that's what they'll do at the concussion clinic.

 

[dellwas]

Thanks for the quick response. I agree, never had ringing prior to this, well since I was a youth at too many concerts. I'm 65 now, so pretty convinced along with the doc that the concussion and/or neck spasm is the cause.

 

[Greg Sacramento]

First be careful with loud noise.
https://sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=bsp-concussion-tinnitus

Neck muscle spasms from a changing c spine.
The concussion clinic will be very helpful.
In the mean time use a little warmth on neck, control forward posture, use light limb arm movement while having a good balance and use a pillow under neck when sleeping.

 

[dellwas]

Thanks Greg Sacramento!

 

[dellwas]

Oh man, getting a little bummed out. Didn't hear from the specialist, so called and was informed there is a 6-12 month wait to get in. Called my GP and booked another appt. with her, earliest I can get in is Mar 11th. I really think at the very least I should be sent for a CT or MRI... The ringing does seem to come and go, but I agree with her, it's related to a neck spasm (neck is pretty tense all the time), or the concussion. For the record, the ringing doesn't prevent me from sleeping most of the time, but does occaisionally wake me up. I do some neck exercises and it quiets down enough for me to get to sleep. I will go to emerg if it gets worse...

 

[dellwas]

I am somewhat optimistic. Mine stopped totally in the middle of the nite probably for 6 or 7 hours. It is very faint now in my right ear, none on the left side, which was the side I had the concusson on, and the right side comes and goes. I have been doing exercises by Austin Goh and Alan Mandell on youtube for plugged eustachian tubes and it has been helping, that I am convinced of. I am also taking the APO-Momatesone that was prescribed for me daily. I stopped taking it after 4 days. I am leaning towards the original diagnosis that the eustachian tubes are an issue.

 

[Greatcyrrus]

Wow! I have almost the same story!
I fell while I was ice skating almost a month ago. I hit the ice from my back, so the base of my skull and neck hit the ice very hard.
The same day after 2, 3 hours, I started the develop vertigo (Everything were spinning). I did Epley maneuver that I learned from Youtube. The vertigo disappeared in less than 2 days. I thought everything was finished!

It is almost 3 weeks that my ears started ringing. I have tried these things that may work for you as well. Let me know if you found a solution for yourself as well. It is a complicated situation and so many family doctors do not have enough information on this subject.

1. My ears were constantly whistling very loudly. I asked my family doctor to wash my ears and removed all the ear waxes. since then my ear is not whistling though it changed to a low hissing sound. It also turned to pulsatile tinnitus, means it sound pulsy (like heartbeat).
2. I have also neck spasm mainly in my right side. It started a few days prior to my tinnitus so I believe they are connected. Doctor prescribed me Baclofen. I think it kinda help, but not that much. At least it will make you relax to sleep.
3. I tried to do Craniosacral massage at home. you can find some videos on Youtube on how to do it, though it was not really helpful. Be careful not to put too much pressure on your head otherwise you may get severe headache.
4. As my tinnitus is turned to be pulsatile, I asked my doctor to order for Cartoid ultrasound. I have not received the results yet.
5. I am taking daily Aspirin on my own that I found it very beneficial. I know in many places is written that Aspirin can cause tinnitus itself, but I think in our case that is traumatic it can be helpful. At least it works on me.
6. I am taking Lorazepam .5 mg at night to help me sleep. It is also somehow useful.
My conclusion so far:
- My tinnitus became milder over time so I expect it would be disappeared soon. Let me know if you had improvements so far.
- Washing ear was very useful. I could not really bear the whistling sound in my ears. I was becoming crazy.
- Aspirin worked well on me, though I may not continue it for a long time.

Keep me posted of your situation. We have the same problem so maybe we can help each other.

 

[Lane]

I tried to do Craniosacral massage at home

@Greatcyrrus -- Thanks for mentioning cranialsacral at home; I'll have to look into it. That you're open to those kinds of modalities makes me think you might find this interesting...

In reflexology, where the big toe connects to the foot corresponds to where the head connects to the neck and torso. There's a reflexology exercise than can help send extra nerve energy to the neck, which "may" improve neck issues of various kinds (they did for me). So here's the exercise:

Hold your left foot steady with your left hand, take hold of your left big toe with the fingers of your right hand, and then begin to twirl it, slowly and methodically. You will likely hear and feel various kinds of cracking as tension begins to release in the area. I would do it for at least 2-3 minutes to start with, then do the same with the other foot.

I did this once for an ongoing VERY stiff neck that showed no signs of letting up, and was continuing to get worse, even after ten days. After twirling each big toe for 10-15 minutes the first night after learning this exercise, my stiff neck was 90% improved when I woke up the next morning! ""

To make this exercise even more effective, while you're twirling with one hand, use the thumb of your other hand to apply pressure on the arch of your foot (that's having the toe twirled). Start just below the ball of the foot, and press as firmly as is comfortable. Then slowly and methodically, start bringing your thumb applying the pressure down the arch of the foot (again, while still twirling the toe).

The arch corresponds to the spine, so the ball of the foot area corresponds to the upper back (which is almost always tight when there are ungoing neck problems). By the time you get to the middle of the arch, you're at the middle of the back area, etc.

The points along the arch will likely be tender in the beginning, but will decrease in tenderness substantially if you do this on a daily basis, and will likely be mostly gone within a week. I do this exercise about 1-2 minutes every day, and the difference it has made in my neck would be almost unbelievable for most people to believe.
..........................................................

I think it's also possible the tinnitus is coming from the injured brain and not the neck, although it could be either or both. I personally think that HBOT is one of the best things a person can do for an injured brain, and might be something you may also want to consider looking into. -- @dellwas

All the Best to both of you...

@Greg Sacramento
@Wolfears

 

[dellwas]

Thanks for chiming in guys.

I have been making headway, but had a setback yesterday, all due to my stupidity. It was virtually gone, almost stone cold silence. I was working on the tractor and grabbed a grinder and cut two bolts off. Big mistake, it came back with a vengence, but pretty sure I'll be fine tomorrow. That seems to be the nature lately, good for a few days, then a bit of a setback. One new thing I have started doing is Qijong ear exercises I found on youtube, they really help. I'm still steaming, and still drinking ACV daily. I'm optimistic, and have setbacks, but I am making headway. EDIT: Guess I didn't mention all the things I'm doing. I have a couple of threads going, so that wasn't included in this one. I use a Mabis Steamer Inhaler with patchouli, lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus essential oils, and steam 2-3 times a day. I also drink apple cider vinegar (2 teaspoons) with 8 ounces of water and flavoured with honey 2-3 times a day. I also have a daily regimen of zinc, magnesium, gingko biloba, and B12. I'm going on the assuption that mine is caused by ETD (eustachian tube dysfuntion) and it appears there is some truth in this, I have been expelling some phelgm periodically over the last couple of week.

 

[JohnFox]

Didn't hear from the specialist, so called and was informed there is a 6-12 month wait to get in.

It simply amazes me how many times I hear in this forum those who live in a place where it is single payer (government) health care system, they have to wait for months to see a specialist.

 

[dellwas]

It simply amazes me how many times I hear in this forum those who live in a place where it is single payer (government) health care system, they have to wait for months to see a specialist.

Yup, welcome to Canada....

 

[Lane]

Yup, welcome to Canada....

Are you by any chance close to Minneapolis? There's a DC there who does a specialized atlas "repositioning", and I can't recommend him highly enough. I posted some videos on another thread by some who've had this done and had their tinnitus dissipate or go away completely. -- Here's the contact information:

Dr. Brian Elijah D.C. - Bloomington, MN

The blurb below is at the link above...

AtlasPROfilax® is a unique, European technique that moves your atlas bone into its correct and natural position. The atlas bone (or C1) is the gateway from your brain to your body. Your vagus nerve, central nervous system, immune system and digestion function better when your atlas is in its natural position. Enjoy less pain, more energy, range of motion, flexibility, balance, better sleep and moods.

P.S. Dr. Elijah also did an axis (C2) adjustment on me that was unlike any other chiropractic adjustment I'd ever had. He had me rest my head/neck on his hands and fingers for about 10-15 minutes. It was slightly painful as he periodically moved his fingers very incrementally to adjust to the changes occuring in my vertebra. I couldn't believe the relief I got from that. Wanted to mention this to let you know he doesn't just work on the atlas.

 

[just1morething]

@Lane, I'm in MN and might check him out. Thanks!

 

[dellwas]

Are you by any chance close to Minneapolis? There's a DC there who does a specialized atlas "repositioning", and I can't recommend him highly enough. I posted some videos on another thread by some who've had this done and had their tinnitus dissipate or go away completely. -- Here's the contact information:

Dr. Brian Elijah D.C. - Bloomington, MN

The blurb below is at the link above...

AtlasPROfilax® is a unique, European technique that moves your atlas bone into its correct and natural position. The atlas bone (or C1) is the gateway from your brain to your body. Your vagus nerve, central nervous system, immune system and digestion function better when your atlas is in its natural position. Enjoy less pain, more energy, range of motion, flexibility, balance, better sleep and moods.

P.S. Dr. Elijah also did an axis (C2) adjustment on me that was unlike any other chiropractic adjustment I'd ever had. He had me rest my head/neck on his hands and fingers for about 10-15 minutes. It was slightly painful as he periodically moved his fingers very incrementally to adjust to the changes occuring in my vertebra. I couldn't believe the relief I got from that. Wanted to mention this to let you know he doesn't just work on the atlas.

Thanks,but no. Closest state to me is Maine, about 800 miles away...

 

[dellwas]

Well saw the audiologist today. Hearing is in really good shape, except in the 8-10k range. Audiologist says there is some minor loss of hearing but nothing to worry about. She says she doesn't think it's Meniere's that is causing the T., and not sure about ETD. She says that the brain is either adapting, or whatever is causing it is getting alleviated because of my bad one day, and then several days of it not affecting me much. Concussion specialist called this morning, they are seeing me tomorrow nite, so will report back on what they think.

 

[Lane]

@Lane, I'm in MN and might check him out. Thanks!

@just1morething -- Getting the AtlasPROfilax atlas repositioning done was a key development for me as I had struggled with lifelong neck and back issues. Regular chiropractic helped a lot, NUCCA even more, but the one-time AtlasPROfilax technique ($250 at the time) helped even more, and brought a profound shift to my entire structure. I didn't go to chiropractors for years afterward.

Interestingly, after I had it done, I was at least 1/4" taller. I went to see my ND/DC shortly after that adjustment, and he took one look at me and asked, "What have you been up to? Your whole facial structure has changed". -- Many structural things changed for the better for me after having that done. I also had better digestion, better sleep, less headaches, walked straighter, etc., etc.

 

[just1morething]

I also had better digestion, better sleep, less headaches, walked straighter, etc., etc.

@Lane -- That is nice, but the bottom line is that I want my tinnitus reduced or gone. Did it help your tinnitus some? I got some relief with diazepam yesterday. Back to static noise upon awakening this morning though.

 

[dellwas]

Met with the Concussion Doc last nite for the first time. First off, I'm lucky he has tinnitus, which is great for support. He ran a series of tests and all in all rules out neurological issues. He also rules out Meniere's. I do have some eustachian tube issues on the left side (side with T.). I also have some balance issues and wants me to keep my appt. with the Balance Clinic. There is no gurantee, but he says around 50% of patients that have had TBI recover from T. caused by it. He is optimistic as I have had 3 days in a row where it's minimized (4 if it works today too). He says I'm doing all the right things (rest, vitamins, steaming, etc.) and says it should get better in time but could take a while.

 

[Greatcyrrus]

Hello and thank you for your report.
Can you be more specific about the type of tests he performed? What equipment were used? and how he found out you have neurological issues?
By any chance, if you are living in Toronto, can I have the name of doctor and clinic that he works?

 

[dellwas]

Hello and thank you for your report.
Can you be more specific about the type of tests he performed? What equipment were used? and how he found out you have neurological issues?
By any chance, if you are living in Toronto, can I have the name of doctor and clinic that he works?

Sorry, I'm in Nova Scotia. He checked the ears and Eustachian tubes via scopes. He found the Eustachian on my left side is infected (I'm already on Budenoside). He got me to do a number of balance exercises, follow the finger, one foot in front of the other, got me to squeeze his fingers, etc. Examined both ears with a scope and found one ear drum moving out a bit further when sound introduced to the skull via tuning fork, and one ear slightly impacted. Used other tuning forks on each side of the head and asked me to let him know when the sound could not be heard. To clarify, he ruled out neurological issue, not confirmed I have them. The session lasted about an hour or so.

 

[Lane]

@Lane -- That is nice, but the bottom line is that I want my tinnitus reduced or gone. Did it help your tinnitus some?

THIS POST has 3 very short (positive) video testimonials on AtlasPROfilax & tinnitus.

I got my initial AP session in 2007, long before I got tinnitus in Feb. 2018. Though it's usually a one-time only adjustment, I had it redone in September, 2018 because my neck had gotten so much worse. I believes it's almost certain that the same drug that gave me tinnitus (Promethazine, also known as Phenergen) did a number on my entire musculo-skeletal system--causing my tinnitus.

For two or three days following that 2nd AP (about 6 months ago), my tinnitus was definitely reduced in volume. But after 2-3 days, both the tinnitus and neck pain came back. In the mean time, I've been getting regular Physical Therapy and Cranial Sacral Therapy (from same practitioner), and have noticed some slight improvements over the past six months. In the past week, I've added some acupuncture, doing a number of points around my neck, and right TMJ. I'm already noticing another modest improvement.

I initially thought the ototoxic drug I took affected my inner ear mechanisms, causing tinnitus. I'm now thinking it's more likely that what the drug did to all my muscles, nerves, and joints is more likely responsible. So I'm thinking the more I can restore the structural integrity in my body (from knee, to lower back, to neck, TMJ, etc., the more likely I am to make improvements in my tinnitus. -- I"m currently in the process of learning self-acupuncture, which is of free except for the minimal cost of the needles. I'm also learning self-acupuncture is FAR easier than I would have every imagined.

@Wolfears

 

[dellwas]

On my 5th. day of minimal tinnitus, although it's a little more prevalent today due I think, to an overcast slightly rainy day. I've noticed it tends to spike when barrometric pressure drops, it did yesterday, but didn't affect me. I'm somewhat optimistic that ETD and/or concussion is what is causing mine, and that it is starting to fade. Either that or I'm habituating.

 

[dellwas]

Met with Atlantic Balance. Slight balance issue on both sides, most likely due to concussion. We have crystals in the inner that can get dislodged and move. The eyes detect this and signal the brain that something is wrong and the brain trys to "correct" what it sees as a problem, hence the balance issue. This doesn't cause the tinnitus though. They also ruled out Meniere's as did the audiologist, and concussion doc. The balance issues will resolve on their own. Followup appt. with the concussion doc on April 11th. Will see if he wants to send me to an ENT doc. Now have a small lump on the side that had the concussion, and right where the eustachian tube enters the nostril, and this is confirmed to be inflamed/infected by the concussion doc.

 

[dellwas]

Update. Concussion Doc is very confident the T. will completely go away, or at a minimum, will reduce to a very manageable condition. He has Tinnitus and I'm very lucky to have him. I am now diagnosed with ETD, BPPV, and of course the concussion, or post concussion syndrome. He thinks it will resolve once these conditions are addressed.

 

[Greatcyrrus]

Hello everyone,

A little update from my side.

1. I have a small lump on my neck which I noticed within last 5 or 6 months. Size is small (12 mm). I have arranged with my general surgeon to remove it. It will be done as a minor in-clinic surgery earlier next month. I do suspect that my neck spasm may or may not be related to that lump. Ultrasound report shows a benign lymph node.

2. Today, I asked my dentist to evaluate my teeth. Specially the same side that I have neck spasm. I was suspicious that my spasm might be related to tooth infection. X-Ray was done for two teeth and there were no infection. So subject of poor oral hygiene is closed.

3. The same day I had my first session with chiropractor. After evaluation, his diagnosis was "Strained Sternocleidomastoid Muscle. My neck is very relaxed tonight. The lump is still in place, but the good news is that my tinnitus is completely mute in several short period occasions. Great achievement and I am very happy about it. My second chiropractic session is scheduled for next week. Regarding my lump, he thinks that it is calcified lymph node.

4. I added Melatonin and Vitamin B12 to my Zinc and Magnesium regimen. One of them is giving me dry mouth (Don't know which one)

Next week plan is to see concussion specialist (Physio) and possibly acupuncturist to treat neck tension.

Together we will beat tinnitus. Do not give up and Do not lose your hope.

Have a great night everyone.

 

[Greatcyrrus]

THIS POST has 3 very short (positive) video testimonials on AtlasPROfilax & tinnitus.

I got my initial AP session in 2007, long before I got tinnitus in Feb. 2018. Though it's usually a one-time only adjustment, I had it redone in September, 2018 because my neck had gotten so much worse. I believes it's almost certain that the same drug that gave me tinnitus (Promethazine, also known as Phenergen) did a number on my entire musculo-skeletal system--causing my tinnitus.

For two or three days following that 2nd AP (about 6 months ago), my tinnitus was definitely reduced in volume. But after 2-3 days, both the tinnitus and neck pain came back. In the mean time, I've been getting regular Physical Therapy and Cranial Sacral Therapy (from same practitioner), and have noticed some slight improvements over the past six months. In the past week, I've added some acupuncture, doing a number of points around my neck, and right TMJ. I'm already noticing another modest improvement.

I initially thought the ototoxic drug I took affected my inner ear mechanisms, causing tinnitus. I'm now thinking it's more likely that what the drug did to all my muscles, nerves, and joints is more likely responsible. So I'm thinking the more I can restore the structural integrity in my body (from knee, to lower back, to neck, TMJ, etc., the more likely I am to make improvements in my tinnitus. -- I"m currently in the process of learning self-acupuncture, which is of free except for the minimal cost of the needles. I'm also learning self-acupuncture is FAR easier than I would have every imagined.

@Wolfears

Hello,
Can you elaborate on self-acupuncture subject? How are you learning it? Videos? Books?
I am very interested in this subject. Can you also mention from where you bought its needles?
Please comment. Thank you.

 

[Lane]

Can you elaborate on self-acupuncture subject? How are you learning it? Videos? Books?

Hi @Greatcyrrus -- I'm learning it from an acupuncturist I've gone to for many years. He was interested in doing HBOT (I have a home mHBOT unit), and so we are doing a barter. He gets mHBOT sessions at no charge, and I get acupuncture sessions and training on how to do self-acupuncture in return. I'm getting needles directly from him, but you can order them online. I noticed Amazon carries them.

Amazon also carries a book on self-acupuncture. If you go the following link, you can actually read part of the book, which should give you some good insights. -- A good number of Youtbue vidoes on it as well.

Self healing guide: Learn Self Acupuncture in combination with Herbs, Relaxation, Diet, Hydrotherapy Paperback – March 29, 2015

Below is a listing of all the posts I've made on this forum in which I mentioned self-acupuncture. There's a fair amount of information in these posts as well. -- Feel free to ask me any questions--if you have any. I would strongly encourage you to pursue this. I'd encourage you to pursue a few other unconventional health treatments as well, such as Nasal Specific, mHBOT, and AtlasPROfilax, and more. I've found all these things to very helpful for my own long-term challenges stemming from a head injury/whiplash as a teenager. -- Here's those posts:

1. Effexor XR — Tinnitus Doubled in Loudness — Are the Ototoxic Effects Permanent?
   You may want to consider self-acupuncture and/or self-acupressure to help relieve some of your anguish. Lots of information on this on youtube...
   Post by: Lane, Mar 28, 2019 in forum: Support
2. 
   Post
   Peekaboo Tinnitus
   In case you'd be interested, this short 4-Min. video shows how to do self-acupuncture on a shoulder. -- Best!
   Post by: Lane, Mar 29, 2019 in forum: Introduce Yourself
3. 
   Post
   Poll: After Getting Tinnitus, How Long Did It Take You to Start Sleeping Normally Again?
   ...the month for about $600 or so. I recently started doing self-acupuncture, and am getting really good results from that as well. Once you...
   Post by: Lane, Mar 30, 2019 in forum: Support
4. 
   Post
   Electrical Stimulation on Acupuncture Points
   ...3 days. My acupuncturist is now teaching me how to do self-acupuncture so I can do it more consistently. I'm hoping longer term...
   Post by: Lane, Mar 27, 2019 in forum: Alternative Treatments and Research
5. 
   Post
   Piercing Tinnitus — Getting Worse and Can't Escape It
   ...I've been doing regular mHBOT, cranial sacral, self-acupuncture, etc., and believe the combination of things I'm doing are far safer and more...
   Post by: Lane, Mar 29, 2019 in forum: Support
6. 
   Post
   Tinnitus from Neck Spasm?
   ...my tinnitus. -- I"m currently in the process of learning self-acupuncture, which is of free except for the minimal cost of the needles. I'm...
   Post by: Lane, Mar 29, 2019 in forum: Introduce Yourself
7. 
   Post
   New Member — Positive Benzo Withdrawal Stories?
   ...lease out mHBOT chambers for around $600/month. Adding self-acupuncture (which I'm just now beginning, and with which I'm already getting...
   Post by: Lane, Thursday at 12:04 AM in forum: Introduce Yourself
8. 
   Post
   Went to Chiropractor — C1, C2 and Jaw Off / Remeron Worsened Tinnitus / Anxiety
   ...-- One thing I started recently is learning how to do self-acupuncture. I've only just started this past week, but feel it really holds a LOT...
   Post by: Lane, Mar 31, 2019 in forum: Support
9. 
   Post
   So... What's the Prognosis for Hyperacusis? — I'm 6 Months Into Severe Hyperacusis
   ...to keep muscle spasming down. I'm also learning to do self-acupuncture to go even deeper into some of those problem muscles....
   Post by: Lane, Apr 4, 2019 in forum: Support
10. 
    Post
    Peekaboo Tinnitus
    ...scrutiny going forward. I'll probably be doing a lot of self-acupuncture on all these areas. @jmasterj @Mathew Gould @Greg Sacramento @Wolfears
    Post by: Lane, Mar 29, 2019 in forum: Introduce Yourself
11. 
    Post
    Should I Stop Taking Citalopram? I Feel It's Making My Tinnitus Worse

 

[dellwas]

Another update. Saw my balance therapist yesterday. The BPPV is no longer an issue, it is resolved.

 

[Greatcyrrus]

Hello dellwas. Any update about your situation? Let us know.