Tinnitus:

We start off this week with a query from a tinnitus sufferer, whose whistling in her ears intensifies as her arthritic neck pain worsens. Can anyone help her? According to one reader, neck spondylosis (arthritis) and tinnitus seem to go hand in hand. So, to treat the tinnitus, it may be an idea to target the arthritis. Acupuncture and chiropractic has reportedly had some success in treating arthritis. One reader, who also suffered from neck pain and tinnitus brought on by whiplash, swears by his chiropractor’s healing touch. However, if you can’t get an immediate appointment with either a chiropractor or acupuncturist, you can try this exercise for short-term relief: lie flat on your belly on a table or bed with arms by your side. Allow your head to hang over the table straight down. This will apparently stop the ringing in the ears and help the arthritic neck. Another reader says her husband’s tinnitus was relieved by taking high doses of vitamin B complex. Liquid vitamin E when applied topically in the ear (with a cotton bud or dropped straight in) brought relief to one reader after a week or so. Other supplements that may be helpful include Gingko biloba; hawthorn berries (if tinnitus is related to hypertension); magnesium and calcium to restore the mineral balance in your body. Reflexology and Hopi ear candle treatment may also be beneficial.