Tinnitus affects millions worldwide and can be incredibly upsetting and frustrating to everyday life. A constant buzzing in the ears can drive people crazy, but fortunately, effective relief exists! While there are many traditional treatments, few people know that neck exercises can help relieve tinnitus symptoms!
If you are a tinnitus sufferer, continue reading this blog. We’ll explore what is tinnitus, its symptoms, and how to implement tinnitus neck exercises into your daily routine to get relief and quieter days.
Tinnitus Explained
People often think that tinnitus is just an inconvenient noise, however, this can’t be more false. Tinnitus is actually a condition where individuals perceive sound without an external source. This noise can range from mild annoyance to debilitating sounds that affect everyday activities and sleep. Besides ringing, these noises are also described as buzzing, hissing, and even roaring.
A lot of people experience this condition after exposing themselves to loud noises, yet, for some, it can become a chronic issue. To better understand, tinnitus isn’t a disease, but a symptom of some underlying issue, like injury, hearing loss, or circulatory system disorder.
The cause of tinnitus is unclear, which only complicates its treatment. Researchers believe that this condition results from damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear’s cochlea. This damage can impact how sound is perceived and processed by the brain. Thus, it’s essential to find a holistic approach that includes lifestyle changes to address this issue.
The Most Common Symptoms
The most common symptom everyone experiences is the perception of noise in the ears when no external sound is present. This noise varies from person to person. For example, some people hear ringing and buzzing while some humming. The difference is also in fluctuation in pitch and intensity. Furthermore, some individuals reported that they noticed the noise appears more often when in a quiet environment, making it difficult to sleep at night, while others said it worsens with stress or changes in their posture.
Tinnitus can also affect mental health. Constant noise can lead to difficulty concentrating, anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
It’s essential to understand what triggers your symptoms so you can find relief quicker. Did you know that you can do exercises for tinnitus? Neck exercises are particularly effective in managing tinnitus.
Neck Exercises for Tinnitus
While there’s no cure for this condition, there are many tinnitus exercises you can do to relieve your symptoms. For example, neck exercises are surprisingly beneficial for tinnitus sufferers. This is because the neck is closely connected to the auditory pathways and nerves connected to the ears, so doing these exercises will reduce pressure and improve blood flow. Let’s go through three most effective exercises for tinnitus:
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Neck Rotations
You can do this exercise sitting or standing. Gently turn your head to the right and look over your shoulder. Hold in this position for a couple of seconds. Return your head to the center and repeat this movement on the other side. This will help you release the tension in your neck muscles, which can contribute to tinnitus.
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Chin Tucks
This is another excellent exercise you can do sitting or standing. Tuck your chin in towards your chest and hold for a few seconds. This will stretch your back and help correct your posture, leading to the alignment of your spine.
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Shoulder Shrugs
Shoulder shrugs are especially beneficial for reducing tinnitus symptoms. Lift your shoulders towards your ears, hold for a few seconds, and then release. This movement targets the upper trapezius muscles, which can hold tension that worsens tinnitus.
TMJ Tinnitus Exercises
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located near the ear and can play a role in tinnitus for some people. Tension or misalignment in this joint can contribute to the perceived ringing or buzzing in the ears. Doing TMJ exercises can be an effective way to target this precise cause of tinnitus.
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Jaw Relaxation Exercises
For this exercise you will need to sit comfortably with your mouth closed. Start by opening your mouth slowly. Keep your tongue against the roof of your mouth. This exercise will help relax your jaw muscles, reduce stress on the TMJ, and potentially alleviate tinnitus symptoms.
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Jaw Resistance Pushs
Place your thumb under your chin and gently push upwards while opening your mouth. This movement will strengthen your jaw muscles, while at the same time promote better alignment, and reduce tension that might trigger tinnitus.
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Side-to-Side Jaw Movements
With your mouth slightly open, move your jaw slowly from side to side. This motion helps maintain mobility in the TMJ, easing pressure that can worsen tinnitus.
Start Your Journey to Quieter Days
Living with tinnitus can be challenging and frustrating, and while there’s no cure, incorporating tinnitus neck exercises into your daily routine can help you greatly relieve its symptoms.
These exercises will help you improve your posture, circulation, and muscle tension, which all contribute to relieving that annoying buzzing in your ears.
Just remember, it’s important to be consistent and patient since the result can’t happen overnight. Start your journey to quieter days today!