What is Somatosensory Tinnitus?
Turn Down The Ringer. Somatosensory (somatic) tinnitus is a unique form of tinnitus, an internal ringing, humming, or buzzing sound, triggered or modulated by non-auditory (not related to sound) sensory (movement/damage) input from the head, neck, jaw, or cervical spine. This subtype of tinnitus is closely linked to biomechanical and neurological issues involving muscles, joints, and nerves outside the auditory system.[1][2][3][4] How Does Somatosensory Tinnitus Happen? Somatosensory tinnitus results from abnormal signals or irritation in muscles or nerves of the jaw, neck, and face. A few xamples would be TMJ dysfunction, neck strain, misalignment, or muscle tension. These issues “interact” with the brain’s auditory pathways, especially the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Signals from these regions can “cross-talk” with hearing centers, leading to or changing the perception of tinnitus sounds:[2][4][5][1] – Common triggers: TMJ disorders, bruxism, whiplash, cervical spine dysfunction, trigeminal or cervical nerve irritation, and poor posture.[5][6][1] – Key mechanism: Nerves in the face/neck/jaw converge in the DCN, where muscle tension or joint misalignment alters sensory input to the auditory centers, leading to tinnitus perception.[4][2][5] Causes – Muscle tension (neck, jaw, shoulders) [4][5] – Cervical misalignment or spine disorders [3][7] – Jaw misalignment, TMJ dysfunction. Often caused by...
read moreFlautist Injuries – Body Mapping – Prevention – Healing | Portland, Maine U.S.A.
Flautists: Elevating Posture, Preventing Injuries, Body Mapping and Playing with Longevity Performing on the flute is physically demanding. Elite flautists are often called “musical athletes” for a reason. Mostly due to the intricate coordination and stamina required. Isn’t that true with all high level instrumentalists? Yes, of course it is, but the flute requires posturing that is unique and somewhat cumbersome. Understanding anatomical literacy and body mapping is critical not only for technical mastery but also for injury prevention, healing, and sustaining a healthy performance career. Common Injuries and Health Issues in Flautists Flautists most frequently experience overuse syndromes, especially in the hand, wrist, forearm, shoulder, and scapular areas. Up to 82% of flautists report pain caused by overuse, with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, and focal dystonia being prevalent. Nerve entrapments, such as ulnar neuropathy, are also documented, tied to sustained wrist positions and repetitive movement. Contributing factors include: – Prolonged, asymmetrical playing postures – Extension and ulnar deviation of the wrists – Elevated or abducted arms for long periods – Insufficient rest or sudden increases in practice time Body Mapping Principles for Optimal Playing Body mapping is a conscious study of accurate anatomy...
read moreMusicians and Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis in instrumentalists
Musicians and Lateral Epicondylitis (“Tennis Elbow”): What You Need to Know How do you get tennis elbow if you don’t play tennis? For many instrumentalists, long hours of practice can take a toll on the body—particularly the arms and elbows. One common overuse injury seen among musicians is lateral epicondylitis, more widely known as “tennis elbow.” While the name may suggest this is only an athlete’s problem, musicians are actually at higher risk due to the repetitive, precise, and often awkward movements required by their instruments. What Is Lateral Epicondylitis? Lateral epicondylitis is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. These tendons, especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis, are responsible for stabilizing and extending the wrist. When they are stressed repeatedly without adequate recovery, tiny tears and inflammation can develop, leading to pain and weakness. Symptoms and Presentation in Musicians * Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow. * Weak grip strength (trouble holding bows, sticks, or frets). * Pain when lifting, gripping, or twisting (like turning a doorknob or opening a jar). * Symptoms worsened by practice sessions but may linger...
read moreInteroception and Body Awareness – Portland, Maine
Interoception, Natural Health, and the Role of Chiropractic Care When it comes to living a healthier life, most of us focus on what we can see—numbers on a scale, lab results, or how our posture looks in the mirror. But there’s another sense working in the background that can be just as important: interoception. Interoception is our brain’s ability to notice, interpret, and respond to signals from inside the body. It’s what allows us to sense hunger, thirst, heart rate, gut activity, or even subtle shifts in tension and discomfort. The better our interoception, the better we can **understand what the body is asking for**—and respond in ways that help prevent small issues from becoming larger health concerns. Why Interoception Matters Think of interoception as your body’s “dashboard.” Just like a car alerts you to low fuel or tire pressure, your body sends signals about stress, fatigue, inflammation, or imbalance. Learning from body signals: People with strong interoceptive awareness can catch early signs of illness—like recognizing unusual fatigue or irregular heartbeat—before problems escalate. * Natural prevention: By tuning in, you may be able to take simple actions (hydrating, stretching, resting, improving posture, or adjusting nutrition) rather than waiting...
read moreCostochondritis in Musicians: Healing, Management & Prevention in Portland, Maine & New England
Costochondritis in Musicians: Healing, Management & Prevention. Chiropractic Care and Costochondritis in Musicians When you think of musician injuries, sternum pain or costochondritis might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But for many performers, especially those playing stringed instruments, wind instruments, or drums, chest wall discomfort can be both painful and performance-limiting. More musicians are discovering that chiropractic care, integrated with strategic physiotherapy, offers a non-drug, non-surgical solution for healing, managing, and preventing costochondritis. What is Costochondritis and why do musicians develop this condition? Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage connecting your ribs to your breastbone (sternum). It can be caused or aggravated by: * Prolonged, forward-flexed playing posture (guitarists, violinists, pianists) * Overuse of chest and shoulder muscles during practice or performance * Repetitive upper body movement patterns * Heavy instrument straps or uneven weight distribution * Excessive pressure from breath control in wind or brass musicians * Previous rib or chest injuries that never fully healed For musicians, the constant tension in the thoracic spine, rib joints, and surrounding musculature can contribute to chronic inflammation and recurring pain. The main symptoms of costochondritis are usually focused on the chest wall, and they can sometimes...
read more