Ear noises through the cervical spine | Pain caused by the cervical spine

Ear noises through the cervical spine

The causes of ringing in the ears, caused by the cervical spine, are very similar to those for the development of dizziness. The nuclei in our brain, those responsible for balance and those responsible for hearing, are functionally and anatomically closely linked. These nuclei also receive information from sensors in the upper cervicals and shoulder-neck muscles, and these nuclei are also supplied by the vertebral artery (artery that runs through the cervical spine).

Chronic ringing in the ears, such as a tinnitus or a constant murmur, indicate degenerative changes (circulatory disturbance) or an incorrect position of the upper cervical joints. Noises triggered by a certain movement (e.g. rotation) can be indicative of vertebral artery syndrome, or may have muscular causes. In this case, too, a precise diagnosis must be made.

An examination of the jaw should also be included. The jaw itself can be the cause of noises in the ear, or it can influence the function of the cervical spine. People who grind their teeth or press (bruxism) often suffer from ringing in the ears. You can find more interesting information on this topic at Noises in the ear – caused by the cervical spine

Visual disturbances through the cervical spine

Vision problems can also be caused by the cervical spine. The course of the vertebral artery is also responsible for this. Visual disturbances caused by the cervical spine occur particularly frequently during final rotational movements (maximum rotational movements).

In this case the Foramina transversaria (“holes” in which the vertebral artery is screwed together to the maximum.Degenerative changes in the cervical spine or anatomically already small Foramina transversaria can lead to a short-term constriction of the artery and consequently to a reduced supply to the brain. Our visual center is located in the occipital lobe of the cerebrum (occipital lobe) and is supplied by branches of the A. vertebralis. A short-term reduction in blood flow can lead to a loss of visual field or other visual disturbances. Of course, this also applies here: Not all visual disturbances are caused by the cervical spine, a medical diagnosis is important to exclude other causes and to initiate appropriate treatment.