I have had loud ringing in both ears for about 15 years, accompanied by severe stiffness in the back of the neck and both sides of the neck. I can barely turn my head. The ringing rises markedly in pitch and intensity if I jut my lower jaw forward. If I push the tip of my tongue towards the back/right of my mouth I get the same result, but not if I direct the tongue to the left. When looking upward I tend to lose my balance and become dizzy. The tinnitus has been getting louder year after year, to the point where it is almost driving me nuts. I have an appointment for 5 successive treatments over the course of 5 weeks with a noted osteopath. At our first meeting I intend to mention cervicogenic tinnitus, occipital neuralgia and C3/C4 facet joints in the hope that the ensuing discussion will reveal the most promising course of action. Since I have already been diagnosed with arthritis in the upper spine, perhaps fusion is the most logical altlernative, though I would prefer to avoid surgery as much as possible. I shall keep you posted.
Barry Jackson
St. Lazare, Quebec
March 5, 2013