Input on Probable Underlying Causes (Neck, TMJ, Tonsils)? — Tinnitus Stopped Once 3 Years Ago

Hello everyone,

I want to keep this as short as possible as you've most likely heard similar stories. I'd like to get to the important details. I am a 22 year old male from California. I got tinnitus 5 years ago out of nowhere sitting on my couch and habituated in about 4 months. Years went by with no issues besides a spike here and there. I never did much research and just let it be. I used to only hear it at night when I was very tired or in a quiet room. The only thing I had done was a hearing test with an audiologist which resulted in positive results. I have heard of hidden hearing loss but I would like to talk about some underlying problems that could be causing the tinnitus so I can rule them out first (with a doctor as well).

Reason I am posting: I used to be able to say I could ignore and forget my tinnitus. Just in the past month I've had spikes and new tones. More issues and stress. I missed the deadline for health insurance and I can't take advantage of my work's 500 dollar health insurance allowance. Last week I had my first breakdown after 5 years because of this spike. I've discovered many health concerns that I should have taken care of long ago but from my research this could be influencing or even be causing the ringing.

The only relief I've ever found: Massaging or rubbing the LEFT side of the back of my head instantly reduces the ringing from a 5/10 to a 1/10 until I stop. It isn't placebo and it isn't because the sound of the rubbing. At one point it was so quiet I shed a tear since I thought it stopped.

Issues and concerns: My left ear rings at about 5/10 pushing 6/10. Right side 1/10.

1) Left side of neck cracks 9/10 times when I tilt to the right. Does not happen on the other side.

2) Left TMJ clicked for almost as long as I've had tinnitus. Last year my jaw and left joint was very sore and my tinnitus spiked to a 7/10 until I treated it with ice and it returned to it's usual volume. (I have not gotten treatment for the clicking) My jaw has been clicking more and I am looking to get it treated asap before further damage.

3) Both tonsils enlarged from first year of college, mono and strep throat. (no tonsils stones) Doctor said it was normal for them to be enlarged. They are definitely not normal size but it's been about 4 years.

4) Lymph nodes on both mastoid process stayed enlarged as well from the mono and strep throat. Never reduced in size. No symptoms or side affects. 3 doctors told me they were lymph nodes and 1 doctor told me it was a pimple. Still haven't gotten them checked out or treated.

5) When I tilt my head to the right BEFORE the neck cracks I hear something within my ear that sounds like little pop but not like the bones. It sounds like 1 strand of Velcro being separated.

6) Blood pressure; My ringing is lowest in the morning, loudest during stress and being tired. I've had blood tests done and everything came out healthy. My family does have a history of high blood pressure but I am very active. I do eat like complete shit though I just don't gain weight. Unfortunately, growing up I wasn't forced to eat anything I did not like. It resulted in picky eating but the only fruit I eat are bananas. I go to the gym 3 days a week and rock climb twice on the weekend. I have just discovered that after eating a burger or fatty foods my ringing gets louder

7) SINUS PRESSURE; For as long as I can remember I've never had a good breath of air through my nose. It was always met with resistance and I've felt pressure below my eyes. No matter how hard I try to clear my nose nothing comes out. I have tried nasal spray which cleared them and the ringing lowered but that was short lived. It always comes back.

8) My neck is usually tense and sore since during college I slept on a futon for 4 years in the same position since ringing side of ear was always up. It definitely did damage to my body.

The one time it stopped: I've posted this quick snippet before but 2 years into my tinnitus I was involved in a very heated argument. One that had me stressed out and on the verge of breakdown. In the middle of it my ringing in my left ear stopped. 100%. I literally stopped what I was doing, ran to the bathroom in complete silence and heard nothing. It lasted for 30 minutes but I would hope anyone can explain why or correlating causes.

I welcome criticism and greatly appreciate any input, suggestions, stories or whatever you would like to contribute. I wish you all to continue the great fight.

 

@John Smith Do one thing and that is stand straight in front of a wall mirror with shoulders relaxed and see if one shoulder is lower than the other. If so, this would could be part interference as secondary in nature, but more will need to be discussed such as a past neck injury.

 

@Greg Sacramento Thank you for the reply. I tried what you said and I can't really tell. . I am not 100% sure if one is lower than the other. I do for sure know that one side of my body is more flexible than the other and when I raise my arms up above my head one has more reach than the other. For years I slept on my futon with my left ear up (since it rings) and something minor I would always have my wallet in my right back pocket.

Would you suggest seeing a chiropractor or getting a scan? As per the post my neck cracks only on the left side almost every time I tilt to the right.

 

It may have been biomechanical intracranial hypertension (Larsen 2018b Gweon 2011, Dashti 2012, Higgens 2015). A compression of an artery with weak and tight scalene muscles. Distal SA obstruction will force blood redirection toward the carotid and vertebral arteries, thus saturating the cerebrovascular system.

As a second but perhaps more important problem, is that hinge-neck postures may cause blockage of the internal jugular vein, which is the main venous drainage from the cerebrum. This may occur as the vein is blocked between the styloid process of the cranium and the transverse process of the C1 when the patient hyperextends their head in posture. Drainage will be impaired, and the pressure will build up. The subclavian artery is obstructed as well. Under a hyperactive moment with a neck hinge or twisting/lifting of neck with transverse process of the C1, compression of an artery/vein with tight scalene muscles, not a twisted nerve, tinnitus can either temporary stop or increase due to gray matter in the brain.

Most reference say that this is the number reaction of intracranial hypertension. I have spent two years researching this. I had tinnitus for several years and then went to the dentist, lifted and twisted my neck from the dental chair and my tinnitus stopped for a few minutes. Then within a hour I developed physical somatic tinnitus. My neck is now messed up and sinus pressure behind my eyes increased. My necks cracks and I also developed TMJ. I did not receive more hearing loss and my blood work and blood pressure is fine. My thyroid has problems and I received damage mouth nerves from dental, but this doesn't apply to you.

As to what caused your tinnitus may also had been intracranial hypertension with the C1 and scalene muscles and other cervical muscles spasming and was later set off from bad posture while sitting on the couch. I recently talked to a person where what's mentioned in this paragraph happened. Neck therapy should help and I would consider to start there.

 

I think I have the hypertension thing from reaching over with my head not being supported by my neck in my basement over time... Greg go to YouTube and search for "Y strap chiropractic". That's what my New (5th different chiro) is doing now with a bunch of other techniques.

 

Hi @John Smith -- You may want to check out THIS POST I made with some video testimonials (very short) on tinnitus improving after doing a specialized neck adjustment called AtlasProfilax. -- In another post (below), I share some of my experiences with addressing my own long-standing neck issues. -- Best...
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Tinnitus, TMJ, Headaches, Neck Pain, Facial Pain, etc. — Possible Treatment

Regarding the AtlasPROfilax technique, you will probably find it interesting that both my sister and nephew marveled by how much clearer their sinuses were feeling after having it done. Have you ever considered whether your sinus problems could be stemming from your neck?

 

Thank you for all your replies. I was very busy but I'm getting back to you now. I will begin with this because as I've stated before my neck cracks and pops 9/10 of times on the left side. Either tilting or turning to the right. I have absolutely no neck pain. Should I risk seeing a chiropractor? Is there home stretches or exercises I can do at home to help getting things into alignment?

 

Thank you for this. My sinus congestion is probably the only thing that has been happening longer than my T. I don't know the cause of it. It can be physical or some sort of allergic reaction that I'm not figuring out. I can press right below my eyes and pull my nostrils apart which results in a clear breathe of air.

 

Hi @John Smith -- In case you've not heard of a specialized technique that can sometimes help with sinus issues, I thought I'd leave you with a link (below) to a 47-page publication on Bilateral Nasal Specific. If you'd be interested, here's an additional link to the HISTORY of this technique.

This technique is often referred to by other names, such as "Nasal Specific"; "Endo-Nasal Technique"; "Neuro-Cranial Restructuring", etc. -- I've had good success from having this done by a local chiropractor for $50. Osteopaths, ND's, and Chiropractors are your best bets for finding somebody who can do this. It's been taught in Osteopathic school for decades.

Testimonials and Explanation of the Bilateral Nasal Specific Treatment for Chronic Sinusitis, Chronic Migraines, Concussions, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatioc Stress Disorder, Hearing Loss, Vertigo, Cognitive Disorders and More...

Here's a snippet from page 1 of the above publication:

One of the most profound and advanced manual medicine procedures is the BNS, Bilateral Nasal Specific. For a patient suffering from an assortment of problems ranging from TMJ, migraines, tension headaches, sinus problems and even ear disorders, BNS can be incredibly effective.

@OneTimePoster; @Wolfears; @Greg Sacramento; @Bill Bauer; @Bam; @Arseny; @Striveon; @dan26; @Melike; @Mathew Gould; @humptydumpty69; @BreachOfEuphoria; @ruben ruiz; @jmasterj; @Karen

 

You may want to consider looking into Gua Sha. I just recently discovered it myself, and have already noticed some modest improvements in my neck and Eustacian Tube Dysfunction. -- Here's a short INTRODUCTORY VIDEO on Gua Sha.

P.S. -- Here's another 10-Min. VIDEO, with some interesting comments on a place in the back that's often connected to neck pain. At the 5:00 minute mark.