Definition of Tinnitus
Tinnitus, which is the sense of sound when no actual sound is present outside, is a persistent illness that can be both irritating and incapacitating. In addition to whistling, buzzing, clicking, and even musical noises, tinnitus typically sounds like a ringing in the ears. You would probably be pleased to be free of your tinnitus, whatever it sounds like to you.
One or both ears may feel tinnitus, which can be sporadic or chronic. Tinnitus is a symptom of an illness or damage rather than a condition in and of itself.
What Causes Tinnitus?
Inner ear injury or disease
• Aging
• Head trauma
• Neck muscle dysfunction [Important]
• Surgical injury
• Smoking
• Arthritis
• Chemotherapy
• Idiopathic with no known cause
Tinnitus is more prevalent in those over 40, although it is also becoming more prevalent in younger people.
Tinnitus has no known treatment; however, massage can help alleviate the symptoms and make it more bearable. Studies have shown that massaging the muscles in the neck, ears, and mouth can significantly reduce tinnitus symptoms.
A massage treatment that focuses on the head, neck, and ears may be the solution you need if you’re in severe need of a tinnitus remedy.
Tinnitus symptoms can get significantly worse when there is stress, anxiety, or sadness. For instance, when TMJ is the source of the tinnitus, the stress of managing the symptoms can worsen both the TMJ and the tinnitus by increasing jaw and muscular strain.
The Benefits of Massage for Tinnitus
There are several ways that massage may ease the symptoms of tinnitus. Stress can worsen tinnitus and any underlying issues; massage relieves stress. Additionally, postural issues that may cause tinnitus can be resolved with massage.
Tinnitus might get worse when muscles are tense. Massage eases stiff muscles and fixes jaw, neck, and head alignment issues that might strain the inner ear.
In one case study, a patient’s tinnitus symptoms improved after 2.5 months of joint mobilization, repetitive motion, and soft tissue massage.
Techniques for Tinnitus Massage and Areas to Focus On
Massage can be used to target a few specific spots near the ear and neck to improve tinnitus symptoms. A good technique is to grab the bottom of the earlobe and pull it out to the side and upwards. This stretching action aids in reducing inner ear fluid buildup, which can lessen ear ringing.
The mastoid process, the bony portion of the skull right below the ear, is another point of concentration for tinnitus massage. Many of the neck and ear muscles are joined by the mastoid process. The neck can be made to move back into its proper position by gently massaging the mastoid process to release tension in the neck and ear muscles.
The corner of the jaw bone closest to the earlobe is where the masseter muscle, which connects the jaw to the skull, is situated. The masseter muscle is the body’s strongest muscle relative to its size, and excessive tension in it can lead to ear misalignment and ringing. The masseter muscle will also receive attention during any massage meant to relieve tinnitus.