Treatment of tinnitus in osteochondrosis and arterial hypertension

Author:

Amelicheva Alena Aleksandrovna medical editor

Tinnitus (tinnitus) is a condition in which a person hears extraneous sounds (ringing, buzzing, hissing, crackling, humming, roaring, clicking) of varying heights and intensity in the absence of external sounds.

Subjective tinnitus is the most common and is caused by abnormal activity in the auditory cortex, the part of the brain's temporal lobe that processes auditory information. The reasons for the occurrence of such activity are not fully understood; subjective tinnitus is heard only by the patient himself.

Much less common is objective tinnitus; it is an actual, most often pulsating noise that occurs due to problems with blood flow in the head or neck, changes or tumors in the brain. It can be heard not only by the patient himself, but also, for example, by a doctor using a stethoscope.

Tinnitus may be accompanied by dizziness, loss of coordination, headache, nausea, hearing loss, anxiety, and depression.

Causes of severe tinnitus

Tinnitus varies in character and intensity and may be constant or occur periodically. Patients describe tinnitus as a high-pitched continuous sound, turbine noise, ringing, humming, whistling, hissing, clicking, and so on.

Causes of severe tinnitus:

• diseases of the middle and inner ear;
• damage to the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is responsible for transmitting sound from the ear to the brain;
• multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases that cause muscle spasms;
• Meniere's disease;
• otosclerosis;
• acoustic trauma, barotrauma;
• noise and ringing in the ears in older people is associated with the natural aging process and hearing loss;
• osteochondrosis;
• arterial hypertension;
• thyroid diseases;
• cardiopsychoneurosis;
• cerebral atherosclerosis;
• brain tumors;
• intoxication;
• stress.

Nervous stress, caused by tinnitus, causes insomnia, irritability, and depression. A number of studies support the link between anxiety and poor concentration with tinnitus. Even in balanced people, tinnitus can cause nervous system disorders. Emotionally labile patients constantly focus on the problem, which increases their discomfort. Therefore, the treatment of tinnitus is an important medical and social task. How to get rid of congestion and noise in the ears depends on the cause that caused this condition.

Dizziness caused by pathology of the cervical spine

Dizziness and otoneurological symptoms are described in various types of pathology in the neck: traumatic injuries of the neck and spinal cord [4, 5, 10], cervical osteochondrosis [2], occlusion of the vertebral artery (VA) [1, 3, 12] and strokes caused by VA injuries [1, 11, 13, 15], VA dissection, in connection with neck movement or manipulation of the cervical spine [6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 14].

The identification of vertebrogenic dizziness is due to the prevalence of the pathology among young people, the severity of the disease, the variety of symptoms, and the occurrence of strokes during manipulation of the neck.

A distinctive feature of vertebrogenic dizziness is an acute onset associated with a certain position of the head (bending forward, throwing back, sharply turning to the side, etc.), often in the morning, after sleep. Dizziness, which occurs as a result of a change in the position of the head, can be caused by both irritation of the inner ear and the central vestibular structures of the brain (trunk, cerebellum). Compression of the arteries develops with osteophytes and lateral disc herniations in uncovertebral areas, anterior exostoses of the articular processes, as well as with subluxation.

The anatomical and topographical features of the VA include the location of most of its extracranial part in the spinal canal, where it is displaced and compressed by osteophytes or articular processes in various degenerative diseases, in particular osteochondrosis (Fig. 1).

An otoneurological examination of the patient allows for accurate topical diagnosis, as well as differential diagnosis from peripheral dizziness caused by other diseases: Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, vestibular neuronitis.

Barre (1926), who first drew attention to the connection between otoneurological symptoms and pathology in the neck, described them under the name “posterior cervical sympathetic syndrome,” pointing out the importance of the connection between the head and neck through the sympathetic nervous system.

It has been shown that an in-depth study of the VA, taking into account not only the diameter and characteristics of the blood flow, but also using functional tests, allows us to identify points important for the differential diagnosis between hemodynamically significant and insignificant extravasal compression of the VA.

The damaging effect of extravasal compression factors is directed primarily at its nerve plexus. Irritation of the spinal nerve, increasing the tone of the VA, can reduce the velocity of volumetric blood flow in it by 30% of the initial value, by 40% in the branches of the main artery, in particular the inner ear [1].

Thus, the functional state of the spinal nerve and structural changes in the VA are the basis for the development of blood flow insufficiency in the vertebrobasilar system (VBS) at the extra- and intracranial level. As various authors emphasize, cochleovestibular syndrome can develop with circulatory insufficiency in the VBS, both in the area of ​​the inner ear and in the area of ​​the vestibular nuclei and pathways of the brain stem and cerebellum.

In addition to disturbances in the blood supply to the VBS, impaired proprioceptive nerve impulses from the structures of the neck also play a role in the pathogenesis of vertebrogenic dizziness. Movements in the joints of the cervical vertebrae and discs altered by osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis, as well as the resulting tonic muscle tension, contribute to the development of inadequate afferent impulses and incorrect assessment by the vestibular system of information about the position of the head, which causes a feeling of dizziness and imbalance.

The purpose of the work carried out at the Scientific Center for Neurology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences was to identify clinical features and otoneurological symptoms in patients with vertebrogenic dizziness against the background of pathological changes in the cervical spine, as well as to compare vestibular disorders with structural changes in the vertebral column, blood pressure level, and the condition of the internal jugular veins.

We examined 115 patients with acute and chronic circulatory failure in the VBS, including 47 patients with degenerative-dystrophic changes in the cervical spine, of which 33 had degenerative changes (osteochondrosis), 9 had craniovertebral pathology, Kimmerli’s anomaly, in 4 patients there was an anomaly in the entry of the VA into the canal at the level of C4, and spinal canal stenosis in one patient. The age of the patients ranged from 28 to 74 years.

The main diseases against which vestibular disorders developed were arterial hypertension (AH) in combination with atherosclerosis, vegetative-vascular dystonia, and osteochondrosis.

All patients underwent a complete classical otoneurological examination, including the study of spontaneous and experimental vestibular reactions (rotational and caloric tests) and hearing. The auditory analyzer study was carried out using audiometry and auditory evoked potentials.

Structural changes in the great arteries of the head (MAG) and hemodynamic parameters of blood flow through the VA and internal carotid artery (ICA) were studied using duplex ultrasound scanning of the MAG (MAG DS) with functional tests, in some cases during spiral computed tomography (SCT), magnetic resonance angiography.

Treatment for tinnitus

Unfortunately, there is still no medicine that can eliminate tinnitus once and for all. When choosing a treatment regimen, the cause of the disease (if established), the degree of hearing impairment, previous therapy, and concomitant pathologies are taken into account.

Treatment of tinnitus comes down to treatment of the underlying disease. Unfortunately, often the cause of tinnitus cannot be found. What to do if there is noise and pain in the ears, but the diagnosis has not been established? For unclear etiology of tinnitus, the following are indicated: drug therapy (betaserc, tanakan), reflexology, hearing aids, psychotherapeutic sessions, audio masks. There is evidence of the effectiveness of the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants in the treatment of tinnitus. The result of this treatment is a noticeable reduction in discomfort and improvement in the mood of patients.

It is important to know that when a diagnosis of cochlear neuritis is made, the success of treatment depends on the timing of its initiation. Therefore, if you experience tinnitus, you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely therapy is a guarantee of hearing restoration and the disappearance of obsessive tinnitus.

How to treat constant tinnitus with cervical osteochondrosis? Of course, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease. Taking medications prescribed by a doctor, a course of physiotherapy, massage, and therapeutic exercises will help improve the condition and get rid of tinnitus.

Causes

The factors leading to the development of cervical osteochondrosis are very diverse. They include the following:

• bruises and fractures of the spine;
• static and dynamic overloads of the spine;
• various postural disorders;
• improper distribution of the load on the spine due to pathologies of the feet (s) and wearing uncomfortable shoes;
• vertebral instability;
• age-related changes in the structure of intervertebral cartilage;
• sedentary lifestyle;
• excessive physical activity.

At CELT you can get advice from a neurologist.

• Initial consultation – 4,000
• Repeated consultation – 2,500

Make an appointment

Arterial hypertension and tinnitus

Dizziness and subjective tinnitus are often early symptoms of arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. Patients are more likely to experience noise at night when the environment is quiet. It has been noted that hearing loss develops simultaneously or shortly after the onset of tinnitus.

Blood pressure medications for tinnitus and dizziness should be taken regularly. In general, treatment of high blood pressure is not a one-time use of pills according to the principle “when the pressure has jumped.” If you are diagnosed with arterial hypertension, then blood pressure medications must be taken daily for the rest of your life. Read more about the treatment of arterial hypertension on our website Dobrobut.com.

Related services: Consultation with an otolaryngologist ENT combine

Diagnostics

If you have noise in your ears, you should immediately visit a neurologist. This is because osteochondrosis is not the only disease that causes such a symptom. The doctor will do tests and reflex tests to determine the problem. Examinations with other doctors will provide a more complete picture:

• ENT;
• cardiologist;
• therapist.

Detailed diagnostics are required before determining treatment methods

And at the same time, it is best to use the following methods for diagnosing diseases of the spinal column:

• radiography. Allows you to find out whether the elements of the spine are located correctly, how high the vertebrae are located in relation to each other, how high the mineral density of the tissues is;
• Ultrasound. To determine the quality of blood circulation in areas of the body, to determine whether and where there are blood clots/fatty deposits/plaques, as well as what the external pressure is;
• MRI of the neck and head. A thorough study of the inner ear, ear canals, and spinal column;
• audiological examination. In order to find out what condition the hearing analyzer is in.

Today, if a complete diagnosis is carried out in time, the doctor can select the necessary treatment. If there are even the slightest symptoms of neck osteochondrosis, you should immediately visit a doctor for an examination.

Secrets of traditional medicine

Recipes made from natural raw materials can also help. Below are some examples.

Lemon infusion . You will need:

• lemon;
• head of garlic;
• half a liter of boiling water.

Grind the garlic. Grind the lemon along with the peel. Mix both, pour boiling water, let stand for several hours. Strain. You can drink 50 ml before meals. This recipe will give elasticity to the brain vessels and also remove excess fat from the blood.

Herbs . You will need dried herbs in equal quantities:

• thyme;
• cornflower;
• lilac.

Make a tincture. Drink it once a day, 90-150 ml before meals.

Clover . You will need:

• red clover heads;
• alcohol.

Pour alcohol over clover and place in a dark place for ten days. Drink a couple of tsp. per day. Helps with ringing in the ears.

Recipe with motherwort . You will need:

• 10 drops of motherwort decoction;
• viburnum berries;
• cool boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the plant material. The result contains many substances necessary for the functioning of the ear and nerves.

Propolis . Needed:

• crushed propolis - 40 g;
• alcohol - 100 ml;
• olive and/or corn oil - a quarter of the volume of the rest.

Mix propolis and alcohol and leave for seven days in a cool, dark place. Strain. Mix with oil. The result is to moisten gauze flagella, which are placed in the ear for a couple of days. Until next time, wait a day. There are twelve such investments in total in the course.

Traditional medicine recipes can also help relieve symptoms caused by spinal disease

Ear discomfort can be relieved by taking a quarter of an unpeeled lemon every day and drinking purple rose tea regularly. It is also useful to consume before breakfast according to Art. l. unrefined olive oil. It’s good to do an alcohol compress at night.

If you instill a couple of drops of camphor oil and/or sweet almond oil into your ears, the pain becomes less severe. It goes away if you chop a garlic clove and a red geranium leaf, wrap them in gauze, and then insert them into the ear.

Osteochondrosis of the lumbar region

With osteochondrosis of the lumbar region, your back aches, your joints ache, your fingers and toes go numb. With any activity, the pain syndrome can intensify; if movement is limited, the patient develops muscle stiffness. There are many nerve endings in the lumbar region, so the course of lumbar osteochondrosis is often acute and becomes chronic. Severe pain syndrome is called lumbago - it is difficult for the patient to take one position, it is difficult to breathe, the pain in the lower back is sharp and sharp, a burning sensation and numbness are often felt. The pain may radiate to the sacrum, buttock or leg.

Thoracic region: how do the symptoms of osteochondrosis manifest?

Patients feel a girdle pain that radiates to the shoulders, under the shoulder blades, and prevents them from breathing normally. Sometimes the left side is more affected, then the person feels pain that resembles a heart attack. A characteristic sign of thoracic osteochondrosis is numbness of the arms, pain in the chest, abdomen and back.

If nerve endings are pinched during thoracic osteochondrosis, the patient experiences the following symptoms:

• pain in the lungs and heart;
• shortness of breath;
• fast fatiguability;
• stiffness of movements;
• pain when laughing, coughing, sneezing;
• inability to remain in a static position for a long time;
• difficulty moving the body;
• muscle spasms.

Manual therapy

Osteochondrosis is a disease of this kind that a good prevention would be to stimulate blood circulation throughout the body. Neck massage can also be done independently.

If you have a stuffy ear, you need the services of a chiropractor. This technique gives good results, but it can only be used after removing the acute phase of inflammation and pathology in general.

Thanks to a properly performed massage, you can achieve the following results:

• venous circulation becomes better;
• tension disappears from the muscles;
• discomfort goes away from the ears.

There is a standard scheme for massage. It includes the following movements:

• stroking;
• kneading;
• rubbing;
• vibration.

Massage must be done in full. It is determined by the individual characteristics of the pathology.