How Meniere’s Disease Is Related to a Spinal Misalignment

Meniere’s disease is a rare vestibular condition that results in vertigo, tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the affected ear, and partial hearing loss. Most people are diagnosed with this condition between ages 40 and 60. Approximately 15 in 100,000 people are diagnosed with Meniere’s.

Traditional Meniere’s Disease Care

What are the usual treatment methods for Meniere’s? Most doctors will begin by recommending a low-salt diet and prescribing medications such as a diuretic. This is to reduce fluid in the inner ear. However, these medications may cause dehydration and frequent urination as they encourage the body to stop retaining fluids.

Other more invasive methods exist that are often considered if medication does not control the condition alone. For example, injections into the ear or surgery are also available. However, it makes sense to exhaust all conservative methods of care before choosing these options.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Meniere’s

Upper cervical chiropractors often have a great deal of success with Meniere’s disease. Why is this the case? Vertigo and other Meniere’s symptom are often related to a misalignment of the C1 or C2 vertebra. This is because a misalignment here, at the base of the skull, can put pressure on the brainstem and affect blood flow to the brain. Also, research has shown that upper cervical misalignments can affect Eustachian tube function. These tubes are designed to drain fluid from the ears naturally.

Studies involving Meniere’s disease and vertigo reveal that many patients undergoing upper cervical chiropractic care see much improvement or even complete relief. These results are particularly common for individuals with a history of head or neck trauma such as a concussion or whiplash. If you have Meniere’s disease and have ever been in a car accident, experienced a sports injury, or suffered head or neck trauma in another way, we encourage you to come in for an examination.

 

References:

Semaan, MT. Megerian, CA. Meniere’s Disease: A Challenging and Relentless Disorder. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 44 (2011) 383-403. Web. Accessed on 1 July 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21474013>. Volume 44 pages 383-403

 

Purves. D, Augustine, GJ. Fitzpatrick, D. Motor Control Centers in the Brainstem: Upper Motor Neurons That Maintain Balance and Posture. Neuroscience 2nd Edition. 2001. Web. Accessed 1 July 2015. < http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK11081/>.

 

Meniere’s disease. National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. July 2010. Web. Accessed on 1 July 2015. <http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/balance/pages/meniere.aspx>.

 

Elster, EL. Sixty Patients with Chronic Vertigo Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis.  Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. November 2006. Web. Accessed 1 July 2015. < http://www.erinelster.com/files/vertigo.pdf>.

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