Question
Hi Dr Tran,

I just recently started going to the Chiropractor after a 10 year absence of one. I decided to go again b/c I
was having this pain in the middle of my neck that became a burning sensation. My boyfriend is a hair
dresser too and when he would do my hair he said my head was crooked. So, when I went, the doc x-rayed
me and found a cracked vertibrae along my neck, not sure which C vert. it is. Maybe C3. The crack incident
happened about 10 years ago as well. I did not know it even happened when it did but I recall the incident.
Anyway, the x-ray also showed that b/c of this, the disk below the cracked vert. is kind of lopsided due to
the pressure put on it. My Dr. said it was diminishing. Additionally, there is a bone spur growing out of the
cracked vert (BTW, it healed fine) that I was told would is a normal reaction of the body and that it would
eventually fuse to the vert below it if/when the disk is gone. Mind you, I am a healthy 32 year old.

Anyway, I've been getting adjusted for about 3 weeks now. I notice that when he did the neck adjustment,
it actually hurt in my neck muscles. With the chiropractor I went to before (10 years ago) that adjustment
never hurt.

So, about a week ago, developed a ringing in my left ear. I had past issues with it from going to rock
shows and it is more sensitive than my right one. Before going to the chiropractor, I would hear a ringing
but it would be in a range of frequency and then it would go away. It would last about 10 sec. Well, since I
have been going to the chiropractor, it did that same frequency thing but then on it's way back down, it
decided to stay. This lasted for about an evening. Now, it switched to my right ear and has been on and off
for about 4 days.  

I told my Dr. about it and he told me not to worry and that it is probably the body healing itself after being
'off' for so many years.

I just wondered if this is a normal reaction or if I should seek another chiropractor.

Thanks for your help and any additional information you would like to provide is greatly appreciated.

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,
Tired of Ear Ringing :>

Answer
Hi Melissa,

I have not heard or have experience of ringing in the ear due to an adjustment of the neck.  My only suggestion is to see an "Ear Specialist" such as an EENT (Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat) doctor.  The doctor will be able to tell you more about the ringing of the ear.