Osteopathy and Acufene in Tirana, Albania

WHICH ARE THE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS OF TINNITUS?

Not all those who suffer from it show the exact same symptoms: many complain of the presence of a prolonged whistling sound, similar to that of a pressure cooker, others complain of hearing a rhythmic noise like that of a heartbeat or a hammer, still others they perceive tinnitus as if it were the chirping of a bird.

The cause of tinnitus is difficult to identify although it is known that there are many factors that can increase the risk of its onset. Very generally, it can be said that the causes of tinnitus are pathologies in progress in the system, which can either trigger or amplify the disorder.

If we were to look for the main causes, those that can generally be considered as the greatest risk factors for the appearance of tinnitus are:

• exposure to noise/sound with numerous decibels
• infections inside the ear or in the frontal or maxillary sinuses
• hearing loss
• Ménière’s syndrome
• blows or vibrations to the head
• high blood pressure
• dental problems
• neck/cervical spine problems
• problems of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
• trauma to the inner ear due for example to diving
• autoimmune processes and side effects of chronic or degenerative diseases
• hydrops (medical term indicating the accumulation of any liquid within the subcutaneous tissues, in hollow anatomical structures or in the serous cavities)
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HOW MANY CLASSIFICATION OF TINNITUS ARE?

• Acute: up to 3 months:
• Subacute: up to 6 months
• Chronic: greater than 6 months

1. Grade – very mild (THI 2-16) present in total silence;
2. Grade – mild (THI 18-36) associated with sleep disturbances;
3. Grade – moderate (THI 38-56) present with background noise;
4. Grade – severe (THI 58-76) disturbance of sleep and daily activity;
5. Grade – catastrophic (THI 78-100) impairment of normal work activities

WHICH ARE THE TREATMENTS OF OSTHEOPATHY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY?

One of the first steps in treating tinnitus is to identify and address any underlying conditions. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by a buildup of earwax in the ear, removing the earwax can lead to a dramatic improvement. Likewise, if tinnitus is associated with a health problem such as high blood pressure, treatment aimed at managing blood pressure can help reduce symptoms.

Some patients may benefit from the use of hearing aids or hearing maskers, which generate pleasant sounds to cover or distract tinnitus. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be useful in managing the anxiety and emotional distress associated with tinnitus, helping the patient to develop coping strategies

TINNITUS AND PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy can be useful for relieving muscle tension and improving posture. The goal is to reduce tensions that can negatively affect the perception of tinnitus. Physiotherapy may include massage muscle relaxation exercises, mobilization techniques joint and other physical treatment modalities.

TINNITUS AND OSTEOPATHY

The osteopathic approach will focus on carefully evaluating the patient, looking for any structural dysfunctions or muscular tensions in the region of the neck, head and temporomandibular joint. These dysfunctions can affect blood circulation, nerves, and the musculoskeletal system, contributing to tinnitus. Through targeted manual techniques, the osteopath will work to restore the balance and functionality of the body.

Additionally, osteopathy can also address autonomic nervous system involvement, which can affect the perception of tinnitus and the body’s response to stress. The osteopath can use relaxation techniques to calm the nervous system and reduce the intensity of tinnitus.

Craniosacral therapy: is a form of manual therapy that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of dysfunctions of the craniosacral system, which includes the skull, spine, and central nervous system. Through light manipulation and pressure, craniosacral therapy aims to restore balance and functionality of the nervous system and surrounding tissues, contributing to the relief of somatosensory tinnitus.

Stress management and relaxation techniques: Because stress can increase the perception of somatosensory tinnitus, it is important to adopt stress management strategies and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga or other practices that help reduce muscle tension and promote a state of calm.

It is important to emphasize that the approach to the treatment of somatosensory tinnitus must be personalized and adapted to the specific needs of each patient. The possibility that the Tinnitus and Osteopathy relationship can lead to a real benefit for the patient must first be evaluated by a medical professional specialized in the treatment of tinnitus who will carefully examine the individual situation and recommend the most appropriate combination of therapies and treatments.

The osteopathic proposal is therefore aimed at the evaluation and functional treatment of the cranio-cervical structures, acting on the musculoskeletal component of the base of the head and the cervical area, on the cranial bones, on the intracranial membranes (meninges) and on the fluids (blood and lymphatics).

The ultimate aim of osteopathic treatment also consists in finding the most suitable therapy for the patient’s psycho-physical situation in order to improve the life and everyday life of each individual in all respects.

If you are interested in resolving discomfort or pain related to tinnitus problems, book an osteopathic treatment at Fisiocenter on +355694003010 or write to me at the email address info@fisiocenter.al .

We’re here to assist your recovery!