Yes, you can get tinnitus from neck and shoulder sprain. It is a specific type of tinnitus known as cervical tinnitus. Understanding the relationship between neck and shoulder sprain and tinnitus is essential for treating it. 

This article will explain the causes, symptoms and treatment options for this condition. After reading this article, you will know everything about tinnitus and how to get rid of it. Let’s start with a quick intro to tinnitus.  

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus means feeling ringing in your ears. You may feel different ringing sounds like ringing, buzzing, hissing, clicking etc. The pitch and frequency of these sounds may vary from person to person. 

Tinnitus is a symptom you feel as a result of other health problems. There are different types of tinnitus. These include subjective, neurological, cervical, somatic and objective. It may affect one or both ears. 

General Causes Of Tinnitus

Several conditions can cause tinnitus. Some of the common causes for this condition include; 

  • Loud Noise: Listening to loud noise can also cause tinnitus. You may feel this after being in a concert, stadium or other noisy places. It is a common problem among veterans as they have been hearing loud gunfire, jets and other similar noises during their service. 
  • Earwax or an ear infection could also be caused due to excessive ear wax buildup or ear infection.  
  • Head or neck injuries: Tinnitus could also be caused due to head or neck injuries. When the nerve that carries sounds or the area of the brain that processes them is affected, you may also notice it. 
  • Medicines: Certain medications could also be the reason behind tinnitus. These include medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially in large doses. Follow your doctor’s instructions, and if you notice any such symptoms, contact him. He will adjust your dose or change your medicine.  
  • Hearing loss: Another common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss. It can develop with age or due to any other reason. Use hearing aids to avoid this condition. 

Understanding Neck And Shoulder Sprains Relation With Tinnitus

There is a nerve in your head that transmits sounds to your brain. It is called the auditory nerve. Neck and shoulder sprains can affect the blood flow and put pressure on this nerve. It can affect the auditory system, and you may feel tinnitus.

Neck and shoulder sprains may also misalign this nerve, making you feel ringing sounds. It is also called cervical tinnitus.  

Common Symptoms 

Following are some common symptoms of tinnitus from neck and shoulder sprain.

  • Feeling ringing, buzzing or other such sounds in the ears.
  • Having neck pain or stiffness.
  • Increased tinnitus when moving or straining the neck.
  • Headaches or migraines alongside tinnitus.
  • Muscle tension or spasms in the neck and shoulders.
  • Having difficulty in maintaining balance.

Visit an ENT specialist if you notice these symptoms. He will suggest to you the most suitable treatment option according to your needs. 

Treatments For Tinnitus From Neck And Shoulder Sprain

There are multiple treatment options for tinnitus due to neck and shoulder sprain. Most of these treat the root cause, which is strains. However, some of these may also be for helping with tinnitus. Let’s check these out.  

Neck And Shoulder Exercises

The first treatment is physical therapy. Doing certain shoulder and neck exercises can reduce the tension. It can correct any misalignment causing tinnitus. You can do this at home as well.  

Posture Correction For Tinnitus From Neck And Shoulder Sprain

The following treatment you may be recommended is posture correction. You can do it by practicing sitting upright and with the help of specific belts.  

Chiropractic Treatment 

Chiropractic care treats musculoskeletal problems with the hands by adjusting the spine and other joints. Visit an expert chiropractor to use this treatment. He may treat you by aligning the spine and releasing the pressure from the nerves.

Use Of Heat/Cold Therapy

Another treatment option that may help you with tinnitus from neck and shoulder sprain is heat and cold therapy. It can reduce the muscle main and strains and the feeling of tinnitus.   

Getting Tinnitus Retraining Therapy

Tinnitus retraining therapy may also be recommended to help you deal with it. It is done by combining sound therapy and counseling. It helps to change your brain’s response to tinnitus.    

Use Of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids may be recommended alongside these treatments if you have hearing loss. There are several hearing aids, including Bluetooth, that are completely in the canal, behind the air, and more. You can buy these from Chaos Hearing at affordable prices and have them delivered to your door. These use advanced technology and can help you improve your hearing and reduce tinnitus.