What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by a ringing or persistent buzzing sound in one or both ears. The condition is usually associated with aging, but it can be caused by a variety of other conditions, including ear blockages, exposure to loud noises, and jaw problems.
While tinnitus is not a life-threatening condition, it can cause significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. It is estimated that as many as 15 million Americans are affected by tinnitus.
Signs and Symptoms of Tinnitus
The symptoms of tinnitus vary between different individuals. The most common symptom is the previously mentioned ringing sound in the ears. This sound has also been described as a high-pitched whine, whistling, or buzzing noise.
The noise can be continuous or intermittent and may be louder or softer than the background noise of the environment. In some cases, tinnitus may be accompanied by a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Tinnitus
The upper cervical spine consists of the top seven vertebrae of the spine. In addition to stabilizing the musculoskeletal structures of the head and neck, the upper cervical spine also plays a key role in the proper function of the eustachian tubes, small canals in the inner ear that are responsible for regulating pressure in the middle ear.
For this reason, the upper cervical spine is particularly important in cases of tinnitus. When the upper cervical spine is out of alignment, the ensuing muscle strain inevitably leads to inflammation across the neck, upper back, and head. Left untreated, local inflammation can negatively impact the function of the ear, causing blockages in the eustachian tubes and dysfunction in the craniofacial nerves which transmit hearing and balance information to the brain.
How Our Tinnitus Treatment Works
Our tinnitus treatment approach is based on the understanding that the upper cervical spine is a key factor in the cause and maintenance of tinnitus. To achieve optimal results, our approach is designed to reduce inflammation, remove nerve flow disruptions, and restore the upper cervical spine to its natural alignment.
The first step in our tinnitus treatment is to identify whether you are suffering from an upper cervical misalignment. To do this, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will use gentle X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans to analyze your spinal column for vertebral misalignments.
Armed with this information, Dr. Bello will target the affected vertebra with a series of precise, non-invasive chiropractic corrections. By correcting the misalignment and restoring the spine’s natural curve, our chiropractic treatment is designed to eliminate the root cause of tinnitus.
If you’re looking for tinnitus treatment that is both effective and natural, get in touch today. Dr. Bello services patients in Beverly Hills, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Brentwood, Marina Del Rey, Westwood, and the surrounding areas.