Cervical trigger point acupuncture for treatment of somatic tinnitus

This report describes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a 71-years-old female with chronic neck pain who suffered from a left-sided tinnitus for 2 years, as well. The tinnitus and neck pain severity was rated as 7 and 6 respectively on a numeric rating scale (NRS) of 10. On examination, she had restricted cervical range of motion and several myofascial trigger points in cervical muscles. Audiometric tests of patient were normal. She received trigger point acupuncture of cervical muscles twice per week for 10 sessions. Her tinnitus completely disappeared after third session and did not return during 5 years follow-up. Her neck pain intensity also decreased to 1 on NRS after 10 sessions. Based on the results of this study, direct trigger point acupuncture of cervical muscles may be beneficial in the treatment of somatic tinnitus with a long-duration effect.
Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research