My Experience with Epsom Salts — Helped My Sciatica Pain and Improved My Tinnitus

[Strawberryblonde]

Although you haven't asked for advice, I hope you don't mind me mentioning it's probably a good idea not to listen to audio through any type of headphones even at low volume. If your hearing therapist disagrees with this (some do), my advice is don't use them, as you risk making the tinnitus and oversensitivity to sound worse.

Headphones have been tossed away to the landfill 6 months ago and NEVER will my ears go near headphones again! Thanks @Michael Leigh.

 

[UKBloke]

It's a liquid spray. Stings a bit when you first apply it but apparently that's a good thing.

I was working with a builder a couple of years ago who swore by that Magnesium spray. He recommended a particular brand (can't remember the name of it now but am sure it came in a blue coloured bottle) but when I tried to buy some it'd been discontinued here in the UK.

Do you think you'll give the Epsom salt bath thing a go? A lot of this is probably trial and error.

 

[Strawberryblonde]

Do you think you'll give the Epsom salt bath thing a go? A lot of this is probably trial and error.

I've bought some tonight so may give it a go and see what happens. Got nowt to lose and I'll enjoy a nice hot soak anyway.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Do you think you'll give the Epsom salt bath thing a go? A lot of this is probably trial and error.

Someone has recently contacted me to say, she has degenerative back issues that involved having microsurgery 5 years ago. Goes to a chiropractor every two weeks for deep tissue massages. Her doctor advised Epsom salt baths, which she has 2 to 3 times a week, in a deep bathtub that has jets and soaks for up to 60 minutes. She power walks 2-3 and 4 miles a week, and says, this routine has helped her to keep functional and live without the need to take steroid shots and drugs for her back.

Michael

 

[Ben Winders]

I had a feeling, it wouldn't take long for the doubters and negative thinkers to hijack this thread, and I have been proven right.

Why do you always feel so 'attacked' all the time (not just in this thread)? This is a public forum where people are invited to give reactions to whatever someone posts. It serves no purpose to immediately categorise the people that post genuine reactions as 'doubters', 'negative thinkers' or 'hijackers'... it's just people with opinions, and yes, sometimes those opinions differ from yours. Grow up.

That said: I'm going to try Epsom salt and will report back, good or bad, like an adult.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Why do you always feel so 'attacked' all the time (not just in this thread)? This is a public forum where people are invited to give reactions to whatever someone posts. It serves no purpose to immediately categorise the people that post genuine reactions as 'doubters', 'negative thinkers' or 'hijackers'... it's just people with opinions, and yes, sometimes those opinions differ from yours. Grow up.

On the contrary, I do not feel attacked, I am expressing my views that you and cohorts, have nothing else better to do than to promote negativity in this forum. It is not the first time you have interfered on my threads with your negative bias. Whilst I cannot prevent this I would rather you kept a wide berth.

Michael

 

[Ben Winders]

On the contrary, I do not feel attacked, I am expressing my views that you and cohorts, have nothing else better to do than to promote negativity in this forum. It is not the first time you have interfered on my threads with your negative bias. Whilst I cannot prevent this I would rather you kept a wide berth.

Dear lord - you do realise all of our posts are public, right? Mine are here: https://www.tinnitustalk.com/search/7552444/

90% of my posts are of a positive and encouraging tone like here.

The fact that you triggered here again on me just saying "Hey Michael, I have the same effect without using the salt, just taking warm baths, so the salts may not be necessary"explains a lot though. This is already considered by you as "negativity". I seriously have no clue how you survive outside.

I wish you the best of luck trying to find a much needed balance and a more mature understanding of what is 'biased negativity' and just 'critical thinking' - not everyone thinks like you do. I'll even give you a rainbow reaction to support you in that quest.

Update: I went out and bought Epsom salt from the local store (I was surprised they have it in stock).

I will report back after thorough use as suggested. I'll include a trigger warning if my results turn out to be negative/not in line with what Michael reports.

 

[GeorgeLG]

Magnesium is central to hundreds of body processes and so it is critical to good health.

I have taken a Magnesium citrate supplement for decades after I discovered that it helped with panic attacks in the 80s. It helps me with sleep, relaxation, heart rhythm but I can't say that I have ever noticed a link to back pain. For back pain, my vitamin D status is critical, something I have to keep on top of to stay in the range, a common issue for cancer patients like me. Magnesium, like all supplements, can have a profound effect on your health if you are deficient or low normal. If your Magnesium status is good, supplements may not help you much because your body rids itself of any excess through the bowel, sometimes rather quickly (ask me how I know). Some natural health experts believe that the American population is chronically deficient in Magnesium. Your skin absorbs almost everything that comes in contact, it's also a good route to excrete toxins going the other way.

To Ben Winders' point, I have also discovered a profound impact on my back and joint arthritis pain from hot and or cold therapy with water or packs like ice, frozen peas, etc. sometimes it's hot, sometimes cold, sometimes both I just have to experiment on that area. When I first got debilitating pain hyperacusis, I tried hot compresses on my ear and the pain flared up so bad that I was crying in pain. I switched to cold compresses and that immediately helped my ear pain. I use cold during bad flare ups which thankfully is finally better most days because the arrival of pain hyperacusis caused me to almost forget I even had tinnitus.

George

 

[Michael Leigh]

You raise some interesting points @GeorgeLG. I am surprised by the amount of people that have contacted me to say, Epsom salt baths, has helped relieve some of their back pain symptoms and other joint related problems.

 

[GeorgeLG]

You raise some interesting points @GeorgeLG. I am surprised by the amount of people that have contacted me to say, Epsom salt baths, has helped relieve some of their back pain symptoms and other joint related problems.

It's a tool in the box, and I am sure has a profound benefit for some. Epsom salt baths never did much for me but hot and cold always has. I think the key to all of this is that the menu is huge and everybody is unique. Experimentation and critical honest observation is what gets you there. I found about Magnesium almost 30 years ago quite by accident. I was having a brutal panic attack in a public setting and just miserable crawling out of my skin trying to hide the whole affair. Someone handed me a bottled water and I chugged the whole thing. In 5 minutes I was completely calm and I thought, WTF just happened. I went to the garbage and retrieved the bottle of this new product - Dasani and it said fortified with minerals for taste. Voila.

George

 

[makeyourownluck]

I've heard you can take probiotics to help with stomach issues after taking antibiotics. Not sure if that'd be a good idea or not though?

Thanks @Strawberryblonde, I got one But am back on antibiotics again.

 

[Michael Leigh]

Update:

Anyone that has been reading this thread that might be interested, I would like to give an update on the progress with my sciatica.

Before doing that, I would like to clarify a few things as some people might have got the impression that I live with persistent back pain prior to the onset of my sciatica, and regularly take medication to cope with it. I assure you this is not the case. Fortunately, I have never had to visit my doctor complaining of back pain or been admitted into hospital because of it and hope this continues.

As mentioned in the title of this thread. With the advancement in age, like a lot of people, I have noticed my back plays up now and again and have my own self-help remedies to cope with that which are taken periodically. I am 62 years of age, soon to turn 63 and regularly walk, use an elliptical machine 3 times a week and do most of the maintenance on my home. This includes decorating, gardening, carpentry, plumbing when required and can turn my hand to some electrical work, as one of my brothers is a qualified electrician and has taught me a lot. Being able to help myself has saved me a lot of money over the years.

The onset of my sciatica back in June changed my circumstances significantly. It has been a slow recovery and also learning curve. I am a patient person and believe 4 years habituating to tinnitus for the second time has enabled me to be this way. Surprisingly, I thought my tinnitus would increase with the amount of stress I was under with the sciatica pain, but it hadn't. If it had, I wouldn't have been able to visit this forum and continue to post messages. The only time I mentioned the sciatica was when I posted this thread in October.

I am pleased to say the sciatica has improved by 98% so far and my back feels absolutely fine. I have returned to walking regularly and slowly introducing myself to the elliptical machine. I am sure regularly taking the Epsom salt baths has helped the healing process. Many people, including healthcare professionals, mention the benefits of Epsom salts on YouTube and elsewhere on the Internet.

The improvement in my tinnitus is something I wasn't looking for and can only say there has been significant improvement. I was never overly troubled by the tinnitus prior to taking Epsom salts, because I have habituated for many years. Once or twice a month when it ramped up to severe levels was the only time it was a problem. Taking Clonazepam for one or days, then stop, easily took care of that and would calm things down.

My tinnitus is variable from: silent, mild, moderate, severe and very severe. Therefore, I could easily manage it when mild or moderate, even when severe it would sometimes reduce by itself without the need to take Clonazepam. I have taken Clonazepam 3 times in around 5 months. I used to a have to take it twice a month. Most of the time I am not even aware the tinnitus is there and find myself listening for it because this seem so strange.

Michael

Frequently Asked Questions | Epsom Salt Council

 

[UKBloke]

find myself listening for it because this seem so strange.

This must be wonderfully strange indeed.

I think I'm going to try the Epsom salt therapy. I'm in a strange place with my tinnitus and hyperacusis at the moment as some days - weeks even - life is pretty good, and then from out of nowhere the glassy high-pitched electrical sparky noises that I can almost feel inside my head and ears come back to crush my existence. So bizarre.

I'm currently in NHS audiology at Baguley's old clinic so I suppose one of the better places to be with this condition. Having said that I'm encountering so many contradictory statements (regarding things like sound therapy for example) that the entire process has become like navigating a mindfield.

In light of my blunt refusal to engage in CBT apparently I need to learn to relax! So I guess I'll do that in a nice warm Epsom salt bath.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I'm currently in NHS audiology at Baguley's old clinic so I suppose one of the better places to be with this condition. Having said that I'm encountering so many contradictory statements (regarding things like sound therapy for example) that the entire process has become like navigating a mindfield.

In light of my blunt refusal to engage in CBT apparently I need to learn to relax! So I guess I'll do that in a nice warm Epsom salt bath.

Hi @UKBloke.

I am taken aback by your post and sorry to know that you find yourself in such a quandary. If I didn't know better, I would assume I am reading a post from someone that is new to tinnitus which is definitely not the case.

I will assume that you have previously habituated and would like to know, is the increase in your tinnitus and hyperacusis a result of a second noise trauma? If so, how long have you been this way?

When you did habituate, were all traces of oversensitivity to sound and hyperacusis cured? This is important to know. If you are able to give me some background on your tinnitus, when it increased and what might have caused it, I might be able to give you some advice.

All the best,
Michael

 

[UKBloke]

Hi @UKBloke.

I am taken aback by your post and sorry to know that you find yourself in such a quandary. If I didn't know better, I would assume I am reading a post from someone that is new to tinnitus which is definitely not the case.

I will assume that you have previously habituated and would like to know, is the increase in your tinnitus and hyperacusis a result of a second noise trauma? If so, how long have you been this way?

When you did habituate, were all traces of oversensitivity to sound and hyperacusis cured? This is important to know. If you are able to give me some background on your tinnitus, when it increased and what might have caused it, I might be able to give you some advice.

All the best,
Michael

Thanks for the response, Michael. I'll take all the help and advice I can get.

Back in '91 I experienced what I now know to have been mild tinnitus for the first time without hyperacusis. Long story, short - NHS sent me home with an over-the-ear masker and usual advice; "you'll learn to live with it".

To be fair I did learn to live with it, and within circa 2-3 years the tinnitus ceased to be any problem at all. This all happened naturally without any further medical intervention and remained unchanged for 20 or so years.

Fast forward to around 2017 and, not knowing any better, I blasted my ears with enclosed headphones on a daily basis for about 3 months until one day it just felt like something in my ears broke.

From that point forward the tinnitus ramped up to moderate/severe levels and has never gone down.

To be honest, I was coming to terms with the increase but about 18 months ago while I was listening to some music on the laptop speakers my ears screeched like they were feeding back. Literally as though an unseeing hand had shoved the master gain fader in my head all the way to the top. It was the most unbelievable sound/sensation and one that made me wince. Unbeknown to me back then this was the beginning of hyperacusis setting in.

The hyperacusis is getting gradually worse. Slight sounds like the rustling of bedsheets can make me wince in the same way as flushing the toilet can do. All very strange. Also, my bi-lateral tinnitus has a wild quality about it; very high-pitched and super 'dynamic' and LOUD. Sounds also seem 'crushed' at times if that makes sense - like an audio compressor has been switched on.

Last year I eventually got into NHS audiology. When I explained all these symptoms to the first audiologist, especially the various sounds that can make me jump she said, "It sounds like recruitment". And that was pretty much it.

At this point in time I'm seeing a different audiologist who specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment and management. To be honest though, they're not telling me anything I don't already know: I have a classic noise-induced notch in my hearing, explain the ear anatomy, explain the involvement of the limbic system where tinnitus is concerned, make sure to have good sleep 'hygiene', use sound-enrichment (even though I did explain I find a lot of the masking sounds irritate my ears), take regular exercise, practice relaxation techniques etc etc etc.

So hear I am. Gritting my teeth and getting through each day as best I can. Some days are fine - I need to be super busy for that and thankfully I still can be. But some days are not fine. In fact they can be hideously un-fine. It's been this way for almost five years now, not knowing how it's going to develop from one moment to the next. One thing I can say with absolute certainty, however, is that I'm not naturally habituating, not like I did the first time.

 

[Michael Leigh]

At this point in time I'm seeing a different audiologist who specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis treatment and management. To be honest though, they're not telling me anything I don't already know: I have a classic noise-induced notch in my hearing, explain the ear anatomy, explain the involvement of the limbic system where tinnitus is concerned, make sure to have good sleep 'hygiene', use sound-enrichment (even though I did explain I find a lot of the masking sounds irritate my ears), take regular exercise, practice relaxation techniques etc etc etc.

Hi @UKBloke, thank you for your very detailed post. The information helps a lot.

I understand everything that you are going through because I went through something very similar when I suffered my second noise trauma in 2008. My very low tinnitus changed to variable tinnitus in an instant and showed no mercy in its severity. It took 4 years to habituate for the second time and you can too.

Your audiologists mean well but it's unlikely they have seen many patients with your type of tinnitus and hyperacusis, because your original tinnitus has changed to variable after a long habituation period. This type of tinnitus is treatable but requires time, patience, determination and a positive attitude. Reading your post, it's clear to me that you have these essential qualities and that's in your favour and will make you become the victor over this awful condition.

I believe you need to start wearing white noise generators to treat your oversensitive auditory system that is causing the hyperacusis and help to treat the tinnitus. I know you are very sensitive to sound(s) at the moment so you will have to take things very slowly. If you haven't been issued with white noise generators yet, see if you can gently persuade your audiologist to prescribe them. This is one of the best ways to desensitize your oversensitive auditory system and hopefully cure the hyperacusis.

Last year @Eleanor89 was experiencing very painful hyperacusis. She followed some of my suggestions on using white noise generators. At first, she could only wear them for 5 to 10 minutes, then had to take them off for the same duration, then put them on again. Over many weeks and months, she gradually increased the wearing time, always keeping the volume low. Now she can wear them for many hours at a time and her oversensitivity to sound has dramatically reduced and she continues to make improvement.

When you get the white noise generators, if you want advice on how to use them, please ask me. Some audiologists advise patients to slowly increase the volume of the WNGs to treat the hyperacusis first, unfortunately this often causes irritation and can make the tinnitus and hyperacusis spike. It is better to always keep the volume low.

If you are not using sound enrichment at night, then I suggest that you do. Place a sound machine by your bedside and keep the volume low. The sounds should play throughout the night until morning. I recommend that you don't listen to audio through any type of headphones even at low volume. When listening to audio through speakers or through your laptop, keep the volume low.

Since you are a tinnitus veteran, you know all about keeping positive. Try to engage in things you like doing. Going out and socialising if possible. Take up a new interest or hobby. Anything that helps to take away your focus from the tinnitus and hyperacusis. Things will improve but it will take time.

My ENT consultant prescribed me Clonazepam as my variable tinnitus was so severe. It was a lifesaver for me and I don't know what I would have done without it. Please click on the link below and read my post: My Experience with Tinnitus. I was advised to only take it when my tinnitus was severe. I have been taking it for over 10 years and never had a problem with it. If your tinnitus and hyperacusis is causing stress, I suggest talking things over with your audiologist or GP and see if something can be prescribed to help lower the stress. Stress makes tinnitus worse, and tinnitus makes stress worse. It can become a vicious cycle if stress is not managed.

I wasn't looking for my tinnitus to reduce when I started having Epsom salt baths. It came as a complete surprise and fortunately it still remains low for most of the time. I don't think Epsom salt baths will do you any harm. I noticed I'm a lot calmer and sleep wonderfully. I now use 3 cups of Epsom salts in the bath. I get mine from Amazon in a 25kg bag. Please click on the links below and read my posts.

All the best,
Michael

My Experience with Tinnitus | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Can I Habituate to Variable Tinnitus? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

[UKBloke]

Hi @UKBloke, thank you for your very detailed post. The information helps a lot.

I understand everything that you are going through because I went through something very similar when I suffered my second noise trauma in 2008. My very low tinnitus changed to variable tinnitus in an instant and showed no mercy in its severity. It took 4 years to habituate for the second time and you can too.

Your audiologists mean well but it's unlikely they have seen many patients with your type of tinnitus and hyperacusis, because your original tinnitus has changed to variable after a long habituation period. This type of tinnitus is treatable but requires time, patience, determination and a positive attitude. Reading your post, it's clear to me that you have these essential qualities and that's in your favour and will make you become the victor over this awful condition.

I believe you need to start wearing white noise generators to treat your oversensitive auditory system that is causing the hyperacusis and help to treat the tinnitus. I know you are very sensitive to sound(s) at the moment so you will have to take things very slowly. If you haven't been issued with white noise generators yet, see if you can gently persuade your audiologist to prescribe them. This is one of the best ways to desensitize your oversensitive auditory system and hopefully cure the hyperacusis.

Last year @Eleanor89 was experiencing very painful hyperacusis. She followed some of my suggestions on using white noise generators. At first, she could only wear them for 5 to 10 minutes, then had to take them off for the same duration, then put them on again. Over many weeks and months, she gradually increased the wearing time, always keeping the volume low. Now she can wear them for many hours at a time and her oversensitivity to sound has dramatically reduced and she continues to make improvement.

When you get the white noise generators, if you want advice on how to use them, please ask me. Some audiologists advise patients to slowly increase the volume of the WNGs to treat the hyperacusis first, unfortunately this often causes irritation and can make the tinnitus and hyperacusis spike. It is better to always keep the volume low.

If you are not using sound enrichment at night, then I suggest that you do. Place a sound machine by your bedside and keep the volume low. The sounds should play throughout the night until morning. I recommend that you don't listen to audio through any type of headphones even at low volume. When listening to audio through speakers or through your laptop, keep the volume low.

Since you are a tinnitus veteran, you know all about keeping positive. Try to engage in things you like doing. Going out and socialising if possible. Take up a new interest or hobby. Anything that helps to take away your focus from the tinnitus and hyperacusis. Things will improve but it will take time.

My ENT consultant prescribed me Clonazepam as my variable tinnitus was so severe. It was a lifesaver for me and I don't know what I would have done without it. Please click on the link below and read my post: My Experience with Tinnitus. I was advised to only take it when my tinnitus was severe. I have been taking it for over 10 years and never had a problem with it. If your tinnitus and hyperacusis is causing stress, I suggest talking things over with your audiologist or GP and see if something can be prescribed to help lower the stress. Stress makes tinnitus worse, and tinnitus makes stress worse. It can become a vicious cycle if stress is not managed.

I wasn't looking for my tinnitus to reduce when I started having Epsom salt baths. It came as a complete surprise and fortunately it still remains low for most of the time. I don't think Epsom salt baths will do you any harm. I noticed I'm a lot calmer and sleep wonderfully. I now use 3 cups of Epsom salts in the bath. I get mine from Amazon in a 25kg bag. Please click on the links below and read my posts.

All the best,
Michael

Thanks for this very helpful post, Michael. I often think that my tinnitus trajectory and yours are quite similar. The hyperacusis element changed things massively for me but as I'm only 18 months in I do hold the belief that it can stabilise at some point.

I absolutely do think that what I have now is not the average tinnitus. Regarding this, I was trying to probe the audiologist for a point of view on where she saw me on the scale of people she treats but on that she was quite circumspect. I suppose trained medics make a point of not comparing patients - openly at least.

I have another session booked with her in about 3 months' time where I think I will suggest the use of WNGs if things have not gotten better. It's all a delicate balance - the use of Clonazepam too, which although I'm not averse to I think I have a psychological barrier with. It's almost like me using it would be an admission that I have a real problem to deal with. Perhaps that's something I need to accept. Will need to think a little more about that.

Thanks for the link to the Epsom salts. It's definitely something I'm going to make part of a new regimen. I've got quite a lot of faith in these older remedies and points of view. I'm sure much of what we deal with health-wise is about trying to restore the natural balance. Will let you know how I get on.

 

[Michael Leigh]

I often think that my tinnitus trajectory and yours are quite similar. The hyperacusis element changed things massively for me but as I'm only 18 months in I do hold the belief that it can stabilise at some point.

Hi @UKBloke.

I agree with you that my tinnitus is similar to yours with some slight differences. My hyperacusis did not return after the second noise trauma and has remained completely cured for over 20 years. Since you are 18 months in and have hyperacusis, I am surprised that you weren't issued with white noise generators months ago, which is often standard practice when hyperacusis is present.

I appreciate that each audiologist within the NHS will have their particular way of doing things and therefore, I don't think it has anything to do with funding for these devices. They aren't cheap at around £3k or more but, from my experience and people that I correspond with that have tinnitus and under the care of the NHS, it is the patient's needs in most instances that comes first.

I was recently issued with top of the line Oticon white noise generators that come fitted with hearing aids which were disabled via computer as I don't have hearing loss.

See how you get on. I advise that you start using low-level sound enrichment whenever possible.

Take care,
Michael