Neck Pain and Tinnitus

Neck problems may be related to tinnitus. Neck strain, whiplash and degenerative changes in the cervical spine may predispose one to, aggravate possibly cause tinnitus. A few days wearing a soft neck brace may confirm the relationship. Proper ergonomics, especially sitting at a computer, is good advice along with neck exercises, stretches and proper breathing techniques to relieve strain on cervical muscles. Chiropractic evaluation may be helpful, especially the upper cervical segments, however, forceful adjusting should be avoided and I often recommend a low force technique called NUCCA and you can find out more about this through the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association.

Neck Injury

Any neck injury, such as whiplash should be fully evaluated by a health care provider.

In general, injuries involving soft tissues, are similar to a cut on your finger. When a tissue, such as a muscle, is involved in a neck injury, it tears and bleeds. When the bleeding stops a scab is formed. After the scab falls off a scar is left. Scar tissue is weaker, less elastic and more pain sensitive than normal tissue.

During the initial tear of a muscle in a neck injury, there is inflammation present often for the first few days, so it is important not to use heat for neck pain relief which would cause more inflammation. Cold applications are appropriate until any swelling and inflammation is gone along with a soft type of neck brace to help limit further tearing and prevent sudden temperature changes.

It is important to remember that muscles will start to weaken just a few days after motion is restricted. It is important to minmize inflammation so that motion can be restored thus minimizing scar tissue formation and muscle imbalance to limit chronic neck pain.