Ross Hauser, MD
Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus is a specific form of tinnitus, often described as ringing in the ears, that stems from structural problems in the cervical spine. Unlike tinnitus that results from hearing loss, cervicogenic somatic tinnitus falls into a category known as somatosensory tinnitus. This means that it’s affected by sensory signals coming from the body, particularly the nerves in the neck area. Issues with neck muscles, joints, or nerves can lead to the onset or worsening of tinnitus symptoms.
In 2015, doctors writing in the journal Otology & Neurotology (1) explored the prevalence of cervical spine dysfunction in patients with cervicogenic somatic tinnitus and how that prevalence compared to patients suffering from other forms of chronic subjective non-pulsatile tinnitus.
In total, 87 patients were included, of which 37 (43%) were diagnosed with cervical spine dysfunction. In comparison with the non-cervical spine dysfunction group, the cervical spine dysfunction group demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of cervical spine dysfunction.
A July 2024 review study in the journal Cureus (2), doctors further describe Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus.
Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST) is a subgroup of somatosensory tinnitus that arises from altered sensory input from the cervical spine due to changes in anatomical and physiological functions. (Note: I call this Cervical dysstructure – the structure of the cervical spine is compromised, weakened, or simply “broken.”)
Unlike primary tinnitus, usually caused by auditory system issues, Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST) is due to somatosensory disruptions from the cervical region. (Note: It is coming from the Cervical dysstructure.)
Conditions such as degenerative disc disease, cervical spondylosis, whiplash injuries, and neck muscle stress or spasms are commonly associated with Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST).
The pathophysiology of Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST) involves complex interactions between the cervical spine’s somatosensory inputs and central auditory pathways, particularly affecting the dorsal cochlear nucleus (the auditory processing center) in the brainstem, leading to enhanced excitability and synaptic reorganization (changes in the brain’s way of receiving sensory information), giving rise to tinnitus.
Treatment strategies encompass physical therapy, medications, interventional procedures, and complementary therapies, aiming to reduce tinnitus perception, alleviate neck dysfunction, and improve overall quality of life.
Emerging therapies, such as neuromodulation and regenerative medicine, show promise in further improving Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST) management. This multidisciplinary approach highlights the importance of addressing both musculoskeletal and auditory health in the effective treatment of Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus (CST) .
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References
1 Michiels S, De Hertogh W, Truijen S, Van de Heyning P. Cervical spine dysfunctions in patients with chronic subjective tinnitus. Otology & neurotology: official publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [and] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology. 2015 Apr;36(4):741-5. [Google Scholar]
2 Wadhwa S, Jain S, Patil N, Jungade S. Cervicogenic somatic tinnitus: a narrative review exploring non-otologic causes. Cureus. 2024 Jul 26;16(7):e65476. [Google Scholar]