Chiropractor Tilburg – why do you hear ringing ears with migraines?

Tinnitus during migraines is caused by disruptions in the nervous system and blood circulation around the head, neck, and jaw. These symptoms are closely linked to tension in the upper spine, which affects both the nerve pathways and the blood vessels leading to the head. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions about this connection and what you can do about it.

What does the spine have to do with tinnitus?

The spine — and the upper cervical vertebrae in particular — plays a direct role in the functioning of the nerves and blood vessels that supply the head and ears with information and circulation. When tension or a slight misalignment exists in the cervical vertebrae, it can disrupt nerve communication and contribute to symptoms such as tinnitus, headaches, and migraines.

The first two cervical vertebrae, the atlas and the axis, are located close to the brainstem. The brainstem controls numerous bodily functions, including the processing of sound and blood flow to the inner ear. Pressure or tension in this area can overstimulate the nervous system, manifesting in a wide range of symptoms — from neck pain to tingling in the head and ringing in the ears.

In addition, major blood vessels run along the spine toward the brain. Muscle tension in the neck and shoulders can affect circulation, which in susceptible individuals may trigger or worsen migraine attacks and associated hearing symptoms.

Why is tinnitus so common with migraines?

Tinnitus is common with migraines because migraine is a neurological condition that affects the entire nervous system, including the senses. During a migraine attack, changes occur in blood flow and electrical activity in the brain, which can temporarily disrupt hearing and cause a ringing or buzzing sound.

This phenomenon is related to the close connection between the auditory nerve and the trigeminal nerve — the primary nerve involved in migraines. The trigeminal nerve runs from the brainstem through the face and has branches that lie close to the ear. When this nerve becomes irritated, as it does during a migraine attack, it can also affect hearing.

Blood pressure fluctuations in the small blood vessels of the inner ear also play a role. The inner ear is extremely sensitive to changes in circulation. During a migraine, blood flow to the brain fluctuates significantly, and the inner ear experiences the consequences in the form of tinnitus, a feeling of fullness, or even temporary hearing loss.

What is the difference between tinnitus and ringing in the ears during a migraine?

Tinnitus is a chronic condition in which a person persistently hears sounds — such as ringing, whistling, or buzzing — without an external source. Ringing in the ears during a migraine is usually temporary and directly tied to the migraine attack itself. It typically disappears once the attack has passed, whereas tinnitus remains present even between attacks.

This distinction is clinically relevant because the causes and approaches differ. Tinnitus can stem from hearing damage, stress, medication use, or problems in the inner ear. Ringing in the ears during a migraine is a symptom of the neurological overstimulation that occurs during an attack and is therefore part of the migraine pattern.

That said, both conditions can occur together. People with chronic migraines are at an increased risk of developing tinnitus, as repeated overstimulation of the nervous system can over time lead to lasting changes in auditory processing. Anyone who notices that the ringing persists between attacks should have it evaluated.

Can a chiropractor help with migraines and tinnitus?

A chiropractor can help with migraines and tinnitus by reducing tension in the cervical vertebrae and surrounding muscles, improving nerve communication, and optimizing blood flow to the head. Chiropractic treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the symptoms rather than simply relieving them.

Many people with migraines have an undetected misalignment in the upper cervical vertebrae, sometimes as a result of an old injury, prolonged screen use, or poor posture. Through targeted corrections to the spine, pressure on nerves and blood vessels can be reduced, which may decrease the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.

Chiropractors who specialize in migraines and headaches look not only at the neck but also at overall posture, tension in the jaw muscles, and the position of the pelvis. The body functions as an interconnected system, and an imbalance in one area can cause or perpetuate symptoms in another.

When should you see a chiropractor instead of a general practitioner?

You may want to see a chiropractor when your migraine symptoms are accompanied by neck pain, headaches that radiate from the neck, or when you feel that your symptoms are related to posture, tension, or a previous injury. A chiropractor is not a replacement for a general practitioner, but a complement that focuses on the musculoskeletal and neurological causes of your symptoms.

A general practitioner is the right first point of contact for new, severe, or suddenly changing symptoms — such as a migraine that feels different from usual, or when you experience dizziness, hearing loss, or neurological deficits alongside tinnitus. In those cases, it is important to rule out other causes first.

When a general practitioner finds no medical cause but symptoms persist, a chiropractor is a logical next step. No referral is needed to make an appointment, which keeps the threshold low. Chiropractic care is accessible, non-invasive, and focused on restoring balance in your body.

How Ruggensteun helps with migraines and tinnitus

We understand how debilitating migraines can be, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as tinnitus. Our chiropractors combine in-depth knowledge of the nervous system with advanced treatment techniques to address the root cause of your symptoms. Here is what we offer:

• Specialized treatment of the upper cervical vertebrae, aimed at reducing pressure on the nerves and blood vessels around the head
• Y-strap treatments, one of the few practices in the Netherlands authorized to perform this technique, for effective spinal decompression
• A holistic approach in which posture, tension, and the nervous system as a whole are assessed
• Prompt availability for urgent symptoms, without a referral from a general practitioner
• Personalized explanation of the cause of your symptoms and a treatment plan tailored to your needs

Are you suffering from migraines, tinnitus, or other symptoms that seem to originate from the neck or nervous system? Take a look at our website or book an appointment directly. We are happy to help you on your way to lasting recovery.