Can cervical spondylosis cause tinnitus?
Disease description:
I have recently been experiencing a persistent buzzing sound in my head, which is very distressing. I already have cervical spondylosis, and I'm wondering whether it could be the cause. I would like to know whether cervical spondylosis can actually cause tinnitus or not.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Cervical spondylosis can indeed cause cerebral tinnitus in some cases.
Compression of the neck nerves or blood vessels caused by cervical spondylosis may affect the blood circulation of the head, especially the blood supply to the vertebrobasilar arterial system, which might lead to cerebral tinnitus. Cerebral tinnitus refers to sounds perceived subjectively within the ear or skull in the absence of corresponding external sound stimuli.
1. Vertebral artery type cervical spondylosis: When intervertebral disc protrusion leads to compression of the vertebral artery, insufficient blood supply to the brain may result in symptoms such as dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and cerebral tinnitus.
2. Sympathetic type cervical spondylosis: Stimulation or compression of the sympathetic nerves may cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, palpitations, and chest tightness, and may also be accompanied by cerebral tinnitus.
Cerebral tinnitus caused by cervical spondylosis is usually accompanied by other symptoms such as neck pain, shoulder and back pain, and arm numbness. Treatment options may include physical therapy, medication, cervical traction, acupuncture, and massage; severe cases may require surgical intervention.
If cerebral tinnitus is suspected to be related to cervical spondylosis, it is recommended to seek medical examination immediately.
