Did you know that chiropractic can help to reduce or eliminate vertigo symptoms? Our body's equilibrium is made up primarily of information compiled from the eyes, inner ear, and sensors found in muscle tissue throughout the body. The upper neck region has the highest density of these sensors and therefore contributes a substantial amount of information to the equilibrium conversation.
Read moreMeniere's Disease: Calming The Waters
At its worst, Meniere’s Disease can literally turn your world upside down. Aside from these severe episodes of vertigo known throughout the medical community as, “Drop Attacks”, the daily impact of tinnitus/roaring, hearing loss, fullness in the ears, mental fogginess and more mild vertigo symptoms wears very heavily on Meniere’s patients and their loved ones. Each case of Meniere’s is unique and different but the most common medical treatments available focus on the symptoms the patient is experiencing rather than trying to address the true cause of the body’s dysfunction. These medical interventions include the use of low/no sodium diets, injections of the antibiotic, Gentamicin or steroids across the eardrum (tympanic membrane), prescriptions of the antihistamine, Meclizine (Antivert), and in extreme cases the surgical destruction of the Vestibular Nerve. These interventions have varying levels of effectiveness and the unfortunate reality is that many individuals are still left looking for answers even after they have tried some or all these interventions.
Recent research in the field of upper cervical chiropractic has shown that one of the primary causes of Meniere’s Disease is damage or misalignment of the upper cervical spine, just below the base of the skull. This area of the spine surrounds the brainstem and serves to protect the integrity of nervous system pathways, cerebrospinal fluid flow, blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and a host of other vital functions. Small misalignments in this very important area can lead to decreased function of some, or all, of these vital systems. The brainstem area is also the point of origin for the nerves supplying and controlling the structures of the ear. These structures include the nerves responsible for hearing and equilibrium as well as those controlling the muscles tasked with opening/ closing the eustachian tube and dampening or amplifying sound.
A phenomenon that I have noticed in my studies and clinical experience is that individuals with Meniere’s Disease are often affected by other ailments which can be linked to misalignments in the upper cervical spine including: headaches/migraines, neck pain, TMJ disorders, sinus/ear congestion, difficulty concentrating, hypertension, and fatigue (to name just a few). The combination of some or all of these symptoms leads to even further difficulty maintaining a functional and enjoyable life. The GREAT news is that there is an option for individuals suffering from this complicated disease! It involves no drugs, no surgeries or injections, and the cost is often several times lower than many of the aforementioned treatments.
Dr. Michael Burcon, an upper cervical chiropractor and Meniere’s researcher has published several research articles detailing successful management with upper cervical chiropractic of hundreds of individuals suffering from Meniere’s and vertigo. This research has been published and presented around the world and upper cervical chiropractic is gaining traction as a viable option for those seeking answers and looking to address the CAUSE of their symptoms rather than simply managing the symptoms. Gentle and highly specific adjustments to the upper neck restore proper position and integrity of vital structures, clearing the way for normal function. Through the use of precision xray analysis, an upper cervical chiropractor is able to map out the anatomy of YOUR head and neck and determine the proper angles and direction to gently re-align your upper neck, freeing the body from interference and restoring proper function.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Meniere’s disease or any of the symptoms listed above, please consider contacting us to set up a complimentary consultation or to obtain help locating an upper cervical chiropractor in your area.
Dr. Alex