Ringing in the ears is a relentless annoyance that some 20 million Americans struggle with. For some patients, the problem will come and go sporadically and may last for only a few minutes. In more extreme cases, the noise is continuous and may cause a wide variety of problems.
Usually, there is little that most doctors can do to alleviate ringing in the ears, however many patients are finding some relief when seeking upper cervical care.
Signs and Symptoms of Ringing In the Ears
The medical term for ringing in the ears is tinnitus, and it isn't always necessarily a ringing sound. It may be a hissing, whooshing, buzzing, humming, whistling, pulsing, or sizzle-like sound. The main issue is that the sound is not external; others cannot hear it, it is coming from inside your ear.
The noise may come intermittently, or it may be permanent in rare, severe cases. Some people may feel their head is full, or the noises can cause tension headaches or migraines.
While tinnitus isn't a life-threatening condition, in some cases, it can lower the quality of life. When annoying noises are persistent and long-lasting, they can interfere with concentration, cause communication and hearing problems, and disrupt sleep. By extension, people with tinnitus may experience anxiety, irritability, or depression due to the condition.
Causes of Tinnitus
There are two main causes of tinnitus. The first is loud noises, particularly if you're exposed to them for long periods. They may damage the delicate parts of the ear.
The second common cause is injuries to the musculoskeletal system, and possibly a compressed or damaged nerve. When there is an injury in the neck, jaw, or head, or when the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are misaligned, it can cause inflammation, compressed nerves, or a blockage in the ear.
How Our Tinnitus Treatment Works
At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, we offer a natural, non-invasive, drug-free treatment to help alleviate symptoms of tinnitus. Our goal is to ensure the health of the upper cervical spine to relieve any pressure or inflammation that may be contributing to the ringing in your ears.
Dr. Gordon Elder is a practitioner of the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a specialized technique focused on the health of the upper cervical spine. Blair practitioners use advanced technology and modern hands-on treatment to help restore the spine's proper alignment and facilitate healing.
Dr. Elder's treatment plan is threefold. The first step involved a health screening, including 3D diagnostic imaging scans to pinpoint problems. The second step is the healing process, which begins with low-force, gentle adjustments. The third and final step is to prevent problems from returning with regular chiropractic check-ups.
Many patients with tinnitus find that symptoms are decreased or eliminated with upper cervical care, so why not give it a try? Dr. Elder's areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.