Meniere’s disease seems to happen without any warning. It can be very unpredictable. A person with this illness would experience a series of attacks within a short time frame. Then, sometimes, it will not appear again for a prolonged period. In some cases, you may go for years without experiencing any attacks.
Meniere’s disease differs among various ethnic groups and locations, often seen more among Europeans. In the United States, approximately 615,000 people have Meniere’s disease, while at least 45,000 new cases are becoming diagnosed annually.
Meniere’s Disease Symptoms
It is a disorder of the inner ear that affects your balance and hearing. It is notorious for causing the following symptoms:
- Vertigo – a spinning feeling involving you or the things around you
- Tinnitus – is a ringing or roaring noise in the ear
- A sense of congestion in the affected ear
- Fluctuating hearing loss that may become permanent
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inability to do all daily routines well
- Feeling off-balanced
Meniere’s attacks may last for a few hours. These can trigger its attack:
- Fatigue
- Illness
- Increased stress
- Emotional distress
- Dietary factors
Meniere’s disease often appears during the middle years, usually around age 40 or 50 years old. It affects only one ear most of the time, but as this condition progresses, it can attack the other ear later on.
Research Indicates A Possible Cause of Meniere’s Disease
For many years, the underlying cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown. No one has been able to accurately interpret the symptoms, warning signs, and why they happen. However, quite recent research conducted at the Colorado School of Medicine shows a possible cure for Meniere’s disease is very close to reality.
Medical doctors named Carol Foster and Robert Breeze report a secure link seen between Meniere’s disease and conditions that temporarily decrease blood flow to the brain.
Dr. Foster explains that a malformation of the inner ear may trigger episodes of Meniere’s disease and vascular disease risk factors in the brain (like migraines and sleep apnea). The hypothesis involves caring for the vascular risk factors to allow symptoms to become controlled better. As a result, this would decrease the need for surgery to impede the balance system and stop the Meniere’s disease episodes. If these attacks get reduced, then the hearing loss can still be prevented.
Also, the researchers discovered that the fluid buildup in the inner ear causes pressure regulation to malfunction. Thus, it leads to a decrease in the flow of blood in the inner ear. When combined with a vascular disease that can also constrict the blood flow to the ear and brain, it is similar to a transient ischemic attack or a mini-stroke in the brain. However, these may happen in the neural tissues of your inner ear. When the internal ear tissues don’t get any blood supply, they would also stop sending signals to the brain. Thus it would lead to Meniere’s disease, hearing loss, vertigo, and tinnitus.
If this theory is proven right, it will open up new doors and doctors’ opportunities to become better equipped to help patients.
Meniere’s Disease and A Natural Care for Its Symptoms
Upper cervical chiropractors have already known for a long time the adverse effects of restricted blood flow to the brain. We know that it can cause health problems, including vertigo, Meniere’s disease, migraines, etc. Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on keeping the spine aligned to maintain the nervous system in peak shape.
Upper cervical doctors also understand how a subluxation in the upper cervical spine’s top bones can be the reason for Meniere’s disease. The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae are uniquely shaped and designed to protect the delicate brainstem. These vertebrae support the head while allowing it a vast range of motion. As a result, the flexibility and mobility they offer can make them more susceptible to misaligning than the other vertebrae in the spinal column.
What can cause a misalignment?
- Vehicular accident
- A simple trip and fall
- Sporting injuries
- A simple blow to the neck or head
- Whiplash
These incidents can all be reasons for either the atlas or axis bones to move out of place. Misalignment puts pressure on the brainstem. Thus, it can put excess weight and stress on the brainstem, leading to the following problems:
- The brainstem starts to give the wrong signals or messages to the brain. Often, it can result in the ears not draining correctly, or the wrong signals would cause vertigo.
- The subluxation would block the proper flow of blood going to the brain and often leads to vascular disease and all the conditions that go along with it.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and Meniere’s Disease
Upper cervical chiropractors apply a gentle method to help these misaligned bones move back into proper alignment. We strictly use only a precise and mild realignment process that encourages the vertebrae to reposition themselves naturally. It is frequently all that is required to help restore proper blood flow to the body and brain. As a result, numerous patients see immediate and significant improvements in their Meniere’s disease, vertigo, and other health issues.
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