Vertigo and Meniere’s Disease in Williamsburg

Those who suffer with or have a loved one who suffers from Meniere’s disease in Williamsburg know that it can be an intense, debilitating condition. Meniere’s disease (also known as endolymphatic hydrops) is often described as hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness in one ear. This is often accompanied by severe vertigo, nausea, and even headaches. Patients with Meniere’s disease will often experience “attacks” or episodes where these symptoms flare up and suddenly intensify. These episodes can be as short as 30 minutes or as long as 24hrs or more. As the disease progresses, the hearing loss that a patient may experience can become permanent and some patients even begin experiencing symptoms in both ears. While the cause of Meniere’s is officially classified as unknown, it has long been thought that a buildup of fluid, called endolymph, inside the ears is responsible for this condition. However, recent research has shown that this may not be the sole reason for the disease.

WHAT DOES RESEARCH SAY?

A groundbreaking study completed by the University of California found that while all patients with Meniere’s disease had this buildup of fluid, not everyone who had the excess fluid had Meniere’s disease. This has led to a reinvestigation of the root cause of this disease.

Upon further investigation, the researchers found that there was a strong link between migraines and Meniere’s disease. In both cases, a neurologically-based change to blood vessels led to symptoms of both Meniere’s disease and migraines. Patients who have the build-up of endolymphatic fluid were found to be more susceptible to this change, causing pathological change to both hearing and balance. This would explain why only a certain group of patients with the buildup of endolymphatic fluid would experience the symptoms of Meniere’s disease.

HOW CAN CHIROPRACTIC in Williamsburg HELP?

The researchers concluded that irritation to the trigeminal nerve (an important cranial nerve found in the brainstem) is likely directly linked to the cascade of changes experienced by both Meniere’s and migraine patients. A special group of health care professionals known as upper cervical chiropractors evaluates the relationship between these nerves and the upper portion of the spine. Through their work, a direct relationship has been shown between mechanical irritation to the trigeminal nerve and the development of both Meniere’s disease and migraines.

Upper cervical doctors work to alleviate this mechanical irritation. By taking precise measurements, they can make gentle and precise corrections to the first two bones in the neck. While corrections are so gentle that patients barely feel them being performed, they have been shown to restore relationships in the upper portion of the spine and remove the mechanical irritation to the trigeminal nerve. This stops the cascade effect leading to the symptoms of both Meniere’s disease and migraine headaches.

At Via Vitae Chiropractic in Williamsburg, our doctor practices upper cervical chiropractic and has had great success with helping patients who suffer from both migraines and Meniere’s disease. Many patients have experienced significant symptomatic relief from their conditions and now lead lives without fear of constant attacks, allowing them to once again live a normal life. If you would like to experience the incredible power of an upper cervical adjustment, please call our office at (757) 208-7108 to schedule a complimentary consultation with our doctor.