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Can A Neck Disc Problem Cause Ringing In Ears?
Question: I have neck disc problems. Why because of this would my ears ring or get stiff?
Brief Answer:
Compromised blood supply and the pressure on the nerves
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
Ringing in the ears that does not get better or go away is called tinnitus. You may hear a sound, such as a ringing or roaring, that does not come from your surroundings (nobody else can hear it). The sound may keep time with your heartbeat, it may keep pace with your breathing, it may be constant, or it may come and go.
This is because of a change in the blood flow to the inner ear. When you have a disc problem, it is due to Cervical spondylosis. There are two blood vessels ( vertebral arteries) that pass through openings in the cervical vertebrae. The blood flow in these vessels may compromised in cervical spondylosis. As these vessels are involved in the blood supply to the inner ear and its connections, these changes can lead to tinnitus ( ringing ) in the ears.
The neck gets stiff due the discs pressing on the nerves and producing spasm of the muscles of the neck.
I shall be happy to answer further queries
Compromised blood supply and the pressure on the nerves
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM and thanks for your query.
Ringing in the ears that does not get better or go away is called tinnitus. You may hear a sound, such as a ringing or roaring, that does not come from your surroundings (nobody else can hear it). The sound may keep time with your heartbeat, it may keep pace with your breathing, it may be constant, or it may come and go.
This is because of a change in the blood flow to the inner ear. When you have a disc problem, it is due to Cervical spondylosis. There are two blood vessels ( vertebral arteries) that pass through openings in the cervical vertebrae. The blood flow in these vessels may compromised in cervical spondylosis. As these vessels are involved in the blood supply to the inner ear and its connections, these changes can lead to tinnitus ( ringing ) in the ears.
The neck gets stiff due the discs pressing on the nerves and producing spasm of the muscles of the neck.
I shall be happy to answer further queries
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is there a way to alleviate this? Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Treatment would help
Detailed Answer:
Treatment of cervical spondylosis with physiotherapy, correct postures, immobilization and traction and muscle relaxants would help in relieving the neck stiffness.
Treating the tinnitus is less rewarding. I have found that a herbal product Ginkgobiloba which may be available OTC, helped several of my patients to lessen this problem.
If these are not sufficient, further imaging studies with MRI and surgery may be considered.
Best wishes
Treatment would help
Detailed Answer:
Treatment of cervical spondylosis with physiotherapy, correct postures, immobilization and traction and muscle relaxants would help in relieving the neck stiffness.
Treating the tinnitus is less rewarding. I have found that a herbal product Ginkgobiloba which may be available OTC, helped several of my patients to lessen this problem.
If these are not sufficient, further imaging studies with MRI and surgery may be considered.
Best wishes
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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