Efficacy of myofascial trigger point deactivation for tinnitus control

Carina Bezerra Rocha,Tanit Ganz Sanchez

doi:10.5935/1808-8694.20120028

Carina Bezerra Rocha, Tanit Ganz Sanchez

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5935/1808-8694.20120028

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Abstract

Chronic pain in areas surrounding the ear may influence tinnitus. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of myofascial trigger point deactivation for the relief of tinnitus. MethodA double-blind randomized clinical trial enrolled 71 patients with tinnitus and myofascial pain syndrome. The experimental group (n = 37) underwent 10 sessions of myofascial trigger point deactivation and the control group (n = 34), 10 sessions with sham deactivation. ResultsTreatment of the experimental group was effective for tinnitus relief (p < 0.001). Pain and tinnitus relieves were associated (p = 0.013), so were the ear with worst tinnitus and the side of the body with more pain (p < 0.001). The presence of temporary tinnitus modulation (increase or decrease) upon initial muscle palpation was frequent in both groups, but its temporary decrease was related to the persistent relief at the end of treatment (p = 0.002). ConclusionBesides medical and audiological investigation, patients with tinnitus should also be checked for: 1) presence of myofascial pain surrounding the ear; 2) laterality between both symptoms; 3) initial decrease of tinnitus during muscle palpation. Treating this specific subgroup of tinnitus patients with myofascial trigger point release may provide better results than others described so far.

Highlights

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear or head when no outside sound is present and it occurs in 10 to 15% of the world adult population[1]
Treatment of the experimental group was effective for tinnitus relief (p < 0.001)
The presence of temporary tinnitus modulation upon initial muscle palpation was frequent in both groups, but its temporary decrease was related to the persistent relief at the end of treatment (p = 0.002)

Summary

Introduction

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear or head when no outside sound is present and it occurs in 10 to 15% of the world adult population[1]. The association between tinnitus and pain has been the subject of many medical journals recently[2,3,4]. Some case reports suggested an association between tinnitus and myofascial trigger points (MTP)[5,6,7,8]. Our previous clinical experience showed that patients suffering from myofascial pain syndrome in head and neck regions complained of tinnitus. After MTP deactivation through digital pressure, patients commonly reported partial or total tinnitus relief in some cases

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