TINNITUS AND
RINGING IN THE EARS
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing or noise in the ears that no external sound causes. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, after a medical assessment, we check whether tension in the neck contributes to the problem and try to ease it with manual therapy.
Tinnitus has many causes: from hearing damage, noise and inner ear problems to raised blood pressure and stress. In some people the loudness and nature of the noise are also influenced by tension in the neck and base-of-skull muscles (so-called somatic tinnitus). In them manual therapy may help, in others it does not. The response varies a great deal, which is why we suggest treatment only after a medical hearing assessment.
When tinnitus may be linked to the neck
We suspect a link with the neck when any of the following is present:
- 🔹 Restricted mobility and tension in the cervical spine
- 🔹 Tension in the muscles at the back of the head and neck after long sitting at a computer
- 🔹 A previous neck injury (for example after a traffic accident)
- 🔹 The noise changes with movement of the neck or with pressure on tight muscles
- 🔹 Other causes present at the same time that are identified by a doctor (hearing, blood pressure, stress)
How tinnitus may present
People often describe:
- 🔹 Ringing, whistling or humming in one or both ears
- 🔹 Loudness that changes with a different posture or movement of the neck
- 🔹 Tension and pain in the neck or back of the head
- 🔹 A feeling of blockage or pressure in the ear
- 🔹 Headache or dizziness with a tense neck
- 🔹 Poorer sleep and difficulty concentrating because of the noise
How we treat tinnitus linked to the neck
Treatment is possible after a medical hearing assessment. The aim is to reduce tension in the neck that may contribute to the noise. We cannot guarantee the result: it helps some people and not others.
1. Conversation and assessment
A careful history, examination of the cervical spine and muscles, and an assessment of whether a somatic factor is present.
2. Gentle manual therapy
Release of the muscles of the neck, back of the head with gentle techniques.
3. Guidance
Exercises for the neck, guidance on posture, sleep and releasing tension.
Which methods we use for tinnitus
For tinnitus we often combine several gentle approaches. For many patients the combination proves to be good support, but we do not promise a result.
- Osteopathy: gentle release of the neck, back of the head, cranial joints
- Craniosacral therapy: deep relaxation and calming of tension in the head and neck area
- Biotherapy: support for relaxation and inner balance
- Reiki: relaxation and stress relief
Tinnitus and ringing in the ears we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Ringing, whistling or buzzing in the ears
- 🔹 A noise that changes with neck movement
- 🔹 Tinnitus with a tense neck and back of the head
- 🔹 Tinnitus after a neck injury or a stressful period
- 🔹 Tinnitus that disturbs sleep and concentration
Signs that require immediate attention
Seek medical help immediately with sudden hearing loss or a worsening of hearing, with tinnitus in only one ear that appeared suddenly, with tinnitus together with dizziness, facial paralysis, weakness or speech disturbances, and after a head injury. Sudden hearing loss is an emergency.
With any new or changing tinnitus, the first step is an examination by a doctor (family doctor, ENT specialist, audiometry). Manual therapy is a complement, not a replacement, and it helps some people and not others.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
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Visit YouTube channel →Tinnitus and ringing in the ears in Maribor
People describe the problem as tinnitus, ringing or buzzing in the ears. Before manual treatment we recommend an examination by a doctor (ears, hearing), because the cause may be in the ear or elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions about tinnitus
Do craniosacral therapy and osteopathy help with tinnitus?
For tinnitus linked to tension in the neck or back of the head, osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are often used as gentle support, and biotherapy and Reiki for relaxation and stress relief. The response varies greatly: it helps some people and not others, and we do not promise a result.
What kind of tinnitus do people come to you with?
Most often ringing, whistling or buzzing in the ears that changes with neck movement, with tension in the neck and back of the head, and after stress or a neck injury.
Does manual therapy help with tinnitus?
In some people tinnitus is linked to tension in the neck, where gentle treatment may help. For tinnitus with other causes we do not promise improvement. A medical assessment is needed first.
Does manual therapy cure tinnitus?
It does not treat tinnitus as such. In some people in whom the neck contributes to the noise it may ease the problems; in others it has no effect. We make no promises.
How do I know whether my tinnitus is linked to the neck?
A clue is a change in the noise with movement of the neck or with pressure on tight muscles. The examination gives a reliable assessment.
When is urgent help needed?
Urgent help is needed with sudden hearing loss, with sudden noise in one ear only, or with signs such as dizziness, nausea or facial weakness.
Does stress worsen tinnitus?
In many people it does. Stress increases muscle tension and sensitivity to the noise, so relaxation helps too.
Is audiometry needed?
We recommend that a doctor assesses your hearing before treatment, because this helps exclude causes that manual therapy does not treat.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the cause and duration; some patients notice a change after a few visits, in others there is no improvement, which we establish early.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
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