How a Back Injury Alleviated My Eight-Year Struggle with Tinnitus
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Chapter 1: A Sudden Panic Attack
On November 15, 2016, at Erasmus University in Rotterdam, Netherlands, I found myself struggling to stay focused during a lecture. Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of panic took over, prompting me to leave the amphitheater for some fresh air. After returning ten minutes later, the anxiety returned, leaving me uncertain about my attendance for the remainder of the session.
Later that day, during another class, I experienced the same distress. I stepped outside, called my parents, and excused myself from the lecturer before heading home. The cause of my panic remains a mystery to this day. However, I noticed that my mild tinnitus, which I had developed at a party the previous year, had intensified.
Over the next few weeks, I underwent numerous tests and spent two and a half years with a psychologist. I explored various methods to alleviate the tinnitus, but nothing provided a lasting solution. My hearing was above average, and no lesions were found. The most effective remedy seemed to be engaging in intense physical activities and talking for extended periods.
Section 1.1: The Miracle on September 1, 2024
Then came a turning point. On September 1, 2024, my mother asked for assistance in moving a heavy stone in our garden. I attempted to lift it but quickly realized it was too much for me. Two days later, I felt a noticeable stiffness in my back, which I attributed to the effort. I consulted ChatGPT for advice, which suggested waiting a few days before seeing a doctor if the pain persisted.
As the discomfort continued, I reached out to a physician who recommended an osteopath. A few days later, I found myself in the office of an assistant professor in osteopathy at a local university. After an hour of treatment, including some cracking, I left feeling lighter and somewhat uplifted.
Section 1.2: A Remarkable Discovery
The next day at work, I noticed something different. I usually listened to the sound of rain to drown out the silence in the office, but this time, I didn’t need it. While the tinnitus was still present, its intensity had diminished by approximately 70%. Intrigued, I searched online to see if others had experienced similar changes following osteopathic treatment. Some had, but not necessarily due to back issues.
Subsection 1.2.1: What Could Have Happened?
The reason for this improvement remains unclear. It’s possible that the stiffness in my back had been chronic, and the osteopathic adjustments restored normal blood flow, alleviating pressure in my ears. Alternatively, the treatment might have addressed emotional traumas that initially intensified my tinnitus back in November 2016. There is a recognized connection between back pain and emotions, and tinnitus itself often has an emotional component.
Chapter 2: Grateful Reflections
I plan to contact the osteopath soon to share my surprising recovery and express my gratitude. I also hope he can assist me in tackling the remaining 30% of my tinnitus. Eight years of auditory disturbances have taught me invaluable lessons.
A doctor once mentioned that tinnitus serves as an internal indicator of our well-being. Whenever I engaged in unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking, my tinnitus flared up. Conversely, positive actions resulted in a decrease in symptoms. This journey has revealed the importance of self-care and the often-overlooked remedies for healing, such as touch, love, warmth, and expressing our needs.
I feel immense gratitude toward my mother for encouraging me to lift that stone, to myself for pushing my limits, to ChatGPT for the guidance, to the initial doctor who referred me to the osteopath, and to the osteopath for his work on my back. Life is full of unexpected twists if we remain open-minded. Who knows what tomorrow holds? I don't, but I'm eager to discover it!
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