I would get advice from your doctor about your head and neck problem as both are known to cause tinnitus and physio might help ......lots of love glynis
How can neck problems affect tinnitus?
Long-term pain and discomfort from conditions in the neck can also aggravate tinnitus in the same way TMJ problems do. Studies have shown that patients who have suffered an injury to the head and neck region, such as from a car accident, or who have neck pain or stiffness for other reasons, such as arthritis, are more likely to experience tinnitus.
Furthermore, there is some scientific evidence to support how the nerve endings in the neck make connections in the hearing centres of the brain, explaining how neck problems may affect tinnitus. Quite often the tinnitus associated with neck injuries may be more severe, and can be combined with other symptoms such as headache, depression, and problems with memory and concentration.
Treatment generally depends on the cause of the neck problem, but the results from treating the underlying neck problem are often good. Treatment options can be discussed with your family doctor, who in some cases will recommend simple measures such as the use of painkillers and physiotherapy. Some people are able to modify their tinnitus by moving their neck. Recently, it has been suggested that in a minority of these individuals, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) can help them with their tinnitus.
References
Björne A. 'Assessment of temporomandibular and cervical spine disorders in tinnitus patients.' Prog Brain Res. 2007;166:215-9.
Folmer RL, Griest SE. Chronic tinnitus resulting from head or neck injuries. Laryngoscope. 2003;113(5):821-7.
Levine RA, Nam EC, Oron Y, Melcher JR. 'Evidence for a tinnitus subgroup responsive to somatosensory based treatment modalities.' Prog Brain Res. 2007;166:195-207.
Shore S, Zhou J, Koehler S. 'Neural mechanisms underlying somatic tinnitus.' Prog Brain Res. 2007;166:107-23.
Vanneste S, Plazier M, Van de Heyning P, De Ridder D. 'Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of upper cervical nerve (C2) for the treatment of somatic tinnitus.' Exp Brain Res. 2010;204(2):283-7.
For further information
Our helpline staff are available to answer your questions on this and other tinnitus related topics on 0800 018 0527.
John Phillips FRCS (ORL-HNS), Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital