Want to know what somatic tinnitus really is and what is the way to find its cure? This article is just for you!

Greek has lend itself to most terminology in modern science. Take the word “Somat” in Greek, which refers to the body. The English word “somatic” is derived from it. So, Somatic tinnitus must be a disease that has something to do with bodily movements? Indeed, yes. This most common form of tinnitus changes its symptoms with movements of the body. Studies have shown somatic tinnitus to be present in a sizeable slab of the population, from which we conclude that many people are affected by it. It is a recent phenomenon that tinnitus has been identified as the most dangerous symptomatic disease. Statistics show that Americans in the millions are affected by varied types and forms of tinnitus. No trace of an enduring cure, even relief, of tinnitus has been found by the befuddled doctors and researchers who are giving their all to this quest. On the other hand, Somatic tinnitus can be cured by the control of physical movements. Take the case of a patient who can hear ringing bells in an upright, standing position. The noise declines with the patient reclining.

Meniere’s disease and tinnitus both somatic and general is associated in three major ways. These are:

 Modifications are made by patients to their tinnitus resonance by doing movements in their jaws, neck and even the eyes.  Modifications are made by patients to their tinnitus resonance in terms of sound level and pitch by way of pressing their neck, cheek, the tragus (a small part of the external ear that assists the brain in sensing sound coming from behind), temple and mandible with a fingertip.  Display of muscular tension in the neck muscles and the jaw is done by patients.

An augmentation of the tension signals from the toughened muscles in the innervation area of the sensory trigeminal nerve which relates to the acoustic pathways is a result of these movements. Furthermore, they are related the least to stress or anxiety factors that result to tinnitus in most patients. In these cases, even physical examination shows up extreme muscular tension.

Somatic tinnitus is controlled mostly by bodily movements. All investigation about its symptoms are in reference to the body. Let’s take an example. The movement and flexibility, or their deficiency, of the jaw and neck are checked, calculated and recorded. Dental occlusion is assessed by maintaining the neck in a position which is straight. Tolerance of deviations in the upper cervical spine and the jaw is non existent as they together create an integrated motor system. Any forward head or neck posture should be treated as an adjustment for a disorder in the dental occlusion.

How to Plan for Treating Somatic Tinnitus

The suitable treatment plan looks to reduce neck and jaw muscle’s tension. Those who had believed that their tinnitus was linked to strain and stress begin to understand that the real issue is somewhere else. As they grind their teeth, the symptoms become less in pitch and volume. As you keep the neck in a position which is most favorable, dental occlusion can adjust with the grinding. With a mild maneuver of grinding teeth, even shining facets which remain within the mouth turns immediately dull. But when these facets appear to gleam brightly when the person visits a dental clinic next, these are thought to be because of masticatory muscle hyperactivity that happens when someone is in REM sleep.

After this, the patients are specially trained to sense the novel stabile occlusion in various postures like lying down, sitting and standing, etc. The best and most suitable posture for them is thus assessed. Patients of Somatic Tinnitus are sent to physiotherapists as well to find out how to cope with tension in the region of the neck and learn best the relaxing postures that yield relief to stress caused by tinnitus. Patients are taught to do regular stretching exercises to help their suboccipital muscles, and also to perform atlanto-occipital joint linked to the restricted side. Sometimes, breathing with the diaphragm form part the training program.

Somatic Tinnitus and its Holistic Treatment

The treatments discussed so far are not equipped to provide permanent cures. They can only provide some relief temporarily. We have to realize that from within our body, the root causes create all the distressing symptoms of tinnitus. Since conventional medicine only skim the surface of health and well-being, it just relieves the painful symptoms temporarily but does not either find out, or, cure the source. Soon the effects of medicines become weak, and the symptoms of tinnitus appear again. Most people are ignorant about tinnitus and the harm it can cause. Holistic medicine, which is the only way to permanently cure tinnitus, has a different approach to treating it. It treats the body as a whole, finding out the root cause and the various triggers of the symptoms first, and then attempting to cure the root causes. Varied remedies are suggested, including diet changes, lifestyle, herbs and exercise.