What is Meniere’s?
Meniere’s disease is a chronic disease of the inner ear characterized by vertigo, low frequency hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. Other symptoms may include fullness in ears and nausea. These symptoms can lead to a reduced postural control which can cause falls, especially in the elderly.
It is a disorder of the inner ear which is thought to be caused by increased pressure in the endolymphatic system. This increase of pressure causes an abnormal amount of fluid in ear which affects balance. It is unlikely for there to be an increase in pressure without some destruction of the hearing function.
There is no known cure for this chronic disease. The prevalence increases with age peaking between 40-60 years of age. Risk factors include having a family history of this disease, preexisting autoimmune disorders, allergies, trauma to the head and/or ear.
Treatment includes dietary changes, medication, surgery, and other noninvasive forms such as chiropractic care 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.
Evidence has been found linking misalignments and Meniere’s Disease. There have been several reports documenting physiological improvements to patients with Meniere’s Disease managed with chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic adjustments reducing the structural shifts that obstruct nerves associated with structural shifts may help those suffering with Meniere’s Disease.
Chiropractic Care Helps with Meniere’s Disease
The patient reported on in the study was a 48-year-old female with a history of several traumas. She had Meniere’s Disease, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, dizziness and imbalance. She was depressed, suffered from anxiety and chronic fatigue. The Menieres started on one side and over the course of three years progressed to the other side. She also experienced drop attacks, hearing loss, ringing in the ears. In addition to these symptoms, she had neck and lower back pain. Sadly, she was labeled a hypochondriac because no one could help her.
The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck. X-rays confirmed these findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction that chiropractors correct.
Following the upper cervical chiropractic care, she experienced resolution of all her symptoms.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
Reference
Resolution of Long Standing Intractable Bilateral Meniere’s Disease & Multiple Health Challenges Following Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care: A Case Report. Michael Burcon, BPh, DC. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research ~ Volume, 2023.