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How Meniere's Disease Is Connected to a Problem in the Neck

how-menieres-disease-is-connected-to-a-problem-in-the-neckMeniere’s disease is a rare condition that can be quite disturbing to experience. As many as 600,000 people are thought to be affected by this condition, while 45,500 new cases are being diagnosed each year.

It is thought Meniere’s disease is linked to an excess buildup of fluid in the inner ear. This fluid is called endolymph. If there is too much of it, then pressure is felt in the ear and the signals being sent to the brain can become distorted. This area of the body is the communication highway of the body. The signals being disturbed can affect one’s hearing and balance, bringing about the following symptoms of Meniere’s disease:

  • Temporary and intermittent hearing loss that may become permanent if not cared for
  • Vertigo — the sensation that you or the things around you are spinning
  • A feeling of congestion or fullness in the affected ear
  • Tinnitus — a ringing in the ear

How a Neck Misalignment Causes Meniere’s Disease

The top two vertebrae of the neck, the C1 and C2, have the vital responsibility of protecting the delicate spinal cord and brainstem. The spinal cord contains nerves that branch off of it and relay messages through it to the brain via the brainstem. If these messages are distorted because of pressure from a misaligned vertebra, it can cause the symptom of Meniere’s disease. The upper cervical spine receives the most impact when these bones misalign.

A study was conducted of 139 patients who had been diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. Each recalled having some sort of trauma to the head or neck prior to the onset of Meniere’s, such as sports accidents or vehicle crashes. Each of the patients was found to have a misaligned bone in the top of the neck. An adjustment was given by an upper cervical chiropractor. Out of the 139, 136 noticed an improvement in their symptoms, especially vertigo.

Here at Thrive Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Onalaska, Wisconsin, we get similar results with our patients. The method used is gentle and effective. Many people are quite satisfied with the results.

To schedule a complimentary NUCCA consultation call 608-783-0384