Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help with Meniere’s Disease?
What is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s (Ménière’s) disease is a chronic disease of the inner ear characterized by vertigo (severe dizzy spells), low frequency hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). Other symptoms may include a feeling of fullness in one or both ears and nausea. These symptoms can lead to sudden unexpected falls (drop attacks), which are especially of concern in elderly populations.
What causes Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear thought to be caused by an increase in pressure in the endolymphatic system. This increase of pressure causes an abnormal amount of fluid in the ear which ultimately affects balance. Additionally, the increase in pressure can contribute to hearing loss.
How is Meniere’s disease diagnosed?
Meniere’s disease is diagnosed by a medical professional and includes the following:
- Two episodes of vertigo (each lasting 20 minutes or longer)
- Hearing loss as verified by a hearing test
- Tinnitus or a feeling of fullness in one or both ears
- Ruling out other causes of vertigo
How is Meniere’s disease treated?
Treatment of Meniere’s disease includes dietary changes, medication, surgery, steroid injections, chiropractic care, and/or a hearing aid. Dietary changes, such as a low sodium diet, are the most widely accepted and used method for managing this disease. It is also recommended to avoid caffeine, smoking, alcohol and large quantities of chocolate because these are known to exacerbate the symptoms.
How common is Meniere’s disease?
According to Mayo Clinic, “Meniere’s disease can occur at any age, but it usually starts between young and middle-aged adulthood.” Risk factors include having a family history of Meniere’s disease, preexisting autoimmune disorders, allergies, and trauma to the head, neck, and/or ear.
What about chiropractic care?
Evidence has been found linking Upper Cervical Vertebral Subluxation Complex and Meniere’s disease. There have been several reports documenting physiological improvements in patients with Meniere’s disease managed with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care has been shown to reduce the structural shifts that obstruct the function of the nerves associated with vertebral subluxation in the upper cervical spine and can help those suffering with Meniere’s disease.
Case Study: Reduction of Symptoms of Meniere’s Disease & Trigeminal Neuralgia Following Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care
The woman reported on in this study had suffered head and neck injuries from repeated traumas. She was experiencing head pain, neck pain, ear fullness, vertigo, headaches, and face pain. She was also in a motor vehicle accident, which intensified her symptoms. Previous care from her primary care physician, a rheumatologist, and two otolaryngologists (ENT) did not help her. Lifestyle changes such as: Pilates, a clean diet, more sleep, and stress management did not help to resolve her suffering either.
She consulted with an Upper Cervical Doctor of Chiropractic, was examined, and x-rays were taken at the chiropractic clinic where they found structural shifts in her upper neck. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care, she experienced marked improvement in her symptoms and quality of life and reported she was “much better” than when she started.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic care as an option for those suffering with Meniere’s disease.
Proper alignment of the upper cervical spine is absolutely necessary for optimal function of the brain, spinal cord, neck musculature, and blood and nerve flow. At Pittsburgh Upper Cervical Chiropractic, Meniere’s disease sufferers show remarkable improvement once their spinal alignment has been corrected. If you suffer from Meniere’s disease, get your upper cervical spine checked for balance/imbalance.
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