It stops when I press my neck - what does it mean?

[Fulltimemuso]

Hi again guys, I'm quite new to tinnitus and I posted last week and had some good replies. I thought it was subsiding but actually it is still very much there.

However, I noticed last night if I press a certain place on my neck it dramatically changes and at least some 'component frequency' disappear.

I've tried different things and certainly tensioning some neck muscles reduces the sound. Actually if I lay on the floor and press the back of my head into the carpet, it almost goes away.

I'm finding this condition even more confusing. I'm going to try and see my doctor, as I can feel it's getting me down a bit.

Any idea on the neck thing? Many thanks for any insights or advice

[Happyrosie]

before you see your doc (and on the assumption that you are in UK) give Tinnitus UK a ring. Open 10 to 4 Monday to Friday

[Fulltimemuso in reply to Happyrosie]

This sounds like an excellent idea - thankyou

[TinnitusUKPat Partner]

Hi Fulltimemuso, I would agree with Rosie - you can absolutely give us a call if you would like to speak to a member of the team. Unfortunately, that means you may also get me on the other end of the line, which I apologise for in advance. 😉

[Fulltimemuso in reply to TinnitusUKPat]

Thankyou for this - yes I'd definitely like to speak to someone. I'm working this morning and afternoon, but have a bit of free time lunchtime. I'll try the number then - be great to speak to you!

[Hidden]

Hi as a newbie to Tinntus myself as well as the good advice given already i recommend John Cowan Hill (UK) You Tube Videos he has experienced Tinnitus and has made available so much helpful info...i am finding this condition challenging to say the least and any help we can get is invaluable...do hope you find relief soon 👍👍

[Fulltimemuso in reply to Hidden]

Hi and thanks for the suggestion of John Cowan Hill - just had a look and the videos seem really good!

It makes perfect sense to me that once you have satisfied yourself there are logical reasons you experience it (and it's not an immediate threat) you should be able to tune it out. Like the first night in a new hotel room, I'm always listening for any tiny sound. After that I'm fine. Very best of luck though.

[Hidden in reply to Fulltimemuso]

Hi - because of Tinnitus I now have a better understanding of my nervous system and why after a long period of stressful events I ended up with it!!! It makes total sense!!! It has been extremely hard to deal with but yesterday I felt like I was beginning to cope with it, I am a very proactive person as regards my health and trying to find ways of getting better and to find genuine professional people out there who want to help us is a real treasure..keep us posted as to how you go as I think this really helps us all to hear positive stories 👍

[Sonnybee]

Hi there. After a couple of years with tinnitus, I have certainly found poor neck posture can increase the volume somewhat. Because tinnitus is so stressful, we don't realise that our muscles are tensed. Of course moving our neck, jaw etc, will always change our tinnitus, purely because we are moving our ear area around too. There are some good YouTube videos on neck exercises purely tinnitus based. I do a couple of them every day, and it definitely helps. I think they're called the SMC muscles. The 2 big muscles that run down the side of our necks. I find with tinnitus in general, a whole lot of small problems can lead to one big one- louder tinnitus. Start of easy with the exercises!! If you find any good ones, let us all know! Take care and good luck.

[Alys34]

Hi! I'm in the same boat as you. I've had tinnitus for the last 5 months in my left ear. After doing a shed load of research I think it's likely mine is caused by neck muscles. When I jump my left ear pops and when I (even slightly) touch the left SCM muscle on the side of my neck the popping stops. I've tried massaging that muscle which feels pretty unpleasant and it causes all sorts of changes to my tinnitus. Unfortunately it never stops it though! I'm looking into osteopathy and trigger point massage as a potential solution.

[PTNewbie]

I have pulsatile tinnitus and have the same, when I press on my neck. I think mine is vascular, as it’s in rhythm with my heart. I’ve had CT scan and audiology. Both results normal. None the wiser but my next ENT appointment is on 19.09.23 so if I learn any more about why reduces when pressing neck I’ll let you know. Though obviously important you speak to medical professional as we’re all different. In terms of the distress I’ve experienced that and found an app called Oto which is CBT based and has been very helpful in managing this x

[Teecx in reply to PTNewbie]

hey did they ever tell you anything else regarding the pressing of the neck

[PTNewbie in reply to Teecx]

Nope sorry not much at all. Though mines definitely postural. I brought a sit stand desk as mine seems to be worse when sitting it’s made a huge difference. Also taking folate supplements. Between the posture stuff and supplements my tinnitus has reduced to almost nothing, it’s still there but only notice when I really think about it!

[Teecx in reply to PTNewbie]

Thank you for your reply! I’ve had Pulsatile tinnitus for over a year now and mine seems to be getting worse, I have tried a hearing air, scans, sound therapy, ect and nothing has helped the only peace I get is when I push down on my knock under my ear!

[PTNewbie in reply to Teecx]

I was the same only when pressing on my neck. Not saying what I’ve shared will work for everyone and it certainly wasn’t an instant improvement (rather gradual over time) but it was linked very much to my posture and sitting down x

[DownUnderInAus]

Hi, You could Google "somatic tinnitus".., I suspect that a problem with my neck / cervical spine is causing my tinnitus.

[Shantelle00]

Hi,

I have the exact same thing. I have pulsatile tinnitus in my right ear. When I press on the right side of my neck it disappears. When I turn my head to the right it stops.

I am awaiting results for an MRI with and without contrast. I had this done two weeks ago. I had a letter sent through the post with another appointment date with the ENT consultant booked in end if March but still have not had my results.

I hope all is well.

[Fulltimemuso]

Just adding to this, I think for me when I press my neck what happens is sound changes. Not just tinnitus but all sound.

It's a bit like moving your earlobe. The tinnitus is still there but everything just sounds a bit different.