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Improving tinnitus with mechanical treatment of the cervical spine and jaw.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Cherian, K; Cherian, N; Cook, C; Kaltenbach, JA
Published in: J Am Acad Audiol
2013

BACKGROUND: Tinnitus affects approximately 30-50 million Americans. In approximately 0.5-1.0% of the population, tinnitus has a moderate to severe impact on their quality of life. Musculature and joint pathologies of the head and neck are frequently associated with tinnitus and have been hypothesized to play a contributing role in its etiology. However, specific physical therapy interventions to assist in improving tinnitus have not yet been reported. PURPOSE: To describe the examination and treatment intervention of a patient with subjective tinnitus. PATIENT DESCRIPTION: The patient was a 42-yr-old male experiencing intermittent bilateral tinnitus, headaches, blurred vision, and neck tightness. His occupation required long-term positioning into neck protraction. Examination found limitations in cervical extension, bilateral rotation, and side bending. Asymmetry was also noted with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) movements. Upon initial evaluation the patient demonstrated functional, physical, and emotional deficits per neck, headache, and dizziness self-report scales and a score on the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) of 62. Resisted muscle contractions of the cervical spine in flexion, extension, and rotation increased his tinnitus. INTERVENTION: Treatment focused on normalizing cervical spine mobility through repetitive movements, joint mobilization, and soft tissue massage. RESULTS: At 2.5 mo, the patient demonstrated a complete reversal of his tinnitus after 10 physical therapy sessions as noted by his score of 0 on the THI upon discharge. He also demonstrated objective improvements in his cervical motion. This case reflected treatment targeted at cervical and TMJ impairments and notable improvements to tinnitus. Future studies should further explore the direct and indirect treatment of tinnitus by physical therapists through clinical trials.

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Published In

J Am Acad Audiol

DOI

EISSN

2157-3107

Publication Date

2013

Volume

24

Issue

7

Start / End Page

544 / 555

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tinnitus
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Self Care
  • Recurrence
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Posture
  • Pain, Referred
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Otorhinolaryngology
 

Citation

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Cherian, K., Cherian, N., Cook, C., & Kaltenbach, J. A. (2013). Improving tinnitus with mechanical treatment of the cervical spine and jaw. J Am Acad Audiol, 24(7), 544–555. https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.24.7.3
Cherian, Kay, Neil Cherian, Chad Cook, and James A. Kaltenbach. “Improving tinnitus with mechanical treatment of the cervical spine and jaw.J Am Acad Audiol 24, no. 7 (2013): 544–55. https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.24.7.3.
Cherian K, Cherian N, Cook C, Kaltenbach JA. Improving tinnitus with mechanical treatment of the cervical spine and jaw. J Am Acad Audiol. 2013;24(7):544–55.
Cherian, Kay, et al. “Improving tinnitus with mechanical treatment of the cervical spine and jaw.J Am Acad Audiol, vol. 24, no. 7, 2013, pp. 544–55. Pubmed, doi:10.3766/jaaa.24.7.3.
Cherian K, Cherian N, Cook C, Kaltenbach JA. Improving tinnitus with mechanical treatment of the cervical spine and jaw. J Am Acad Audiol. 2013;24(7):544–555.

Published In

J Am Acad Audiol

DOI

EISSN

2157-3107

Publication Date

2013

Volume

24

Issue

7

Start / End Page

544 / 555

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Tinnitus
  • Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Self Care
  • Recurrence
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Posture
  • Pain, Referred
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Otorhinolaryngology