Tips from an ENT expert

Tense neck as a cause of tinnitus

The annoying ringing in the ears caused by tinnitus can also be caused by problems with the cervical spine.

(Bild: weyo/stock.adobe.com)

The annoying noises known as tinnitus, such as buzzing, whistling, hissing or ringing in the ear, can have various causes. Tension in the neck or a dysfunction of the cervical spine can also be behind it. ENT expert gives tips on self-help.

Several important blood vessels that supply the head with oxygen run in the area of the cervical spine. If the nerve plexus in the region of the posterior cranial fossa - where the inner ear is located - is irritated and blood flow is impeded, this can trigger tinnitus or exacerbate existing symptoms. 

The causes of this are sometimes muscle tension in the neck or a functional disorder of the cervical spine, e.g. due to blockage, wear and tear, changes in the vertebral joints, bones, cartilage or intervertebral discs. If the intervertebral joints are blocked, they can be loosened again by means of so-called mobilization exercises. 

Automobilization exercises can be used to unblock intervertebral joints.

Dr. Herwig Edlinger, HNO-Facharzt

Bild: Dr. Stefan Edlinger, Krone KREATIV

"This ultimately improves the oxygen supply in the posterior cranial fossa and therefore also in the inner ear," explains Dr. Herwig Edlinger, a specialist in ear, nose and throat diseases. In his book "Selbsthilfe bei Tinnitus" (Facultas/maudrich Verlag), the expert describes three particularly useful exercises. These are best performed in front of a mirror for self-monitoring:

Exercise 1: Half circles with a straight head
Stand upright and look forward. Now make seven semicircles with your head for about 15 seconds. Turn your head as far as possible to the right and left in a horizontal direction.

Exercise 2: Half circles with your head bent
Stand upright and bend your head forward as far as you can. If possible, your chin should touch your chest. Now perform seven half circles for approx. 15 seconds. Always keep your chin in contact with your chest and move it as far as possible towards your right and left shoulder.

Exercise 3: Slide forwards and backwards
Stand upright and look forward. Now slide your head and neck forwards and back again as far as you can. Also perform this movement seven times for approx. 15 seconds. Important: keep your upper body completely still! To check, hold your hand (open downwards) under your chin.