Upper Cervical Care and Meniere's Disease: How It Can Help in Washington

Meniere's disease in Washington is a chronic condition that affects the inner ear, leading to a range of symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear pressure. It usually affects one ear, but in some cases, it can affect both. The exact cause of Meniere's disease is unknown, but it is commonly believed to be related to a buildup of fluid in the inner ear or problems with the immune system.

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What Causes Meniere's Disease in Washington?

While the causes of Meniere's disease are still being researched, recent studies have shown that upper cervical misalignment and brainstem irritation may also be a potential underlying causes of the condition. Specifically, it has been found that Meniere's disease may be linked to irritation of the vestibular nucleus located in the brainstem at the level of the upper cervical spine. Upper cervical misalignment, also known as atlas subluxation, occurs when the atlas bone at the top of the spine shifts out of its proper alignment. This shift causes tension and pressure in the surrounding nerves and tissues, including those that originate from the vestibular nucleus. This pressure and tension can lead to the symptoms typically associated with Meniere's disease.

Upper cervical care is a specialized form of chiropractic care that focuses on correcting atlas subluxations. Through gentle adjustments of the upper cervical spine, upper cervical chiropractors aim to restore proper nerve function and reduce irritation to the brainstem. When the atlas is appropriately aligned, the pressure on the nerves that originate from the vestibular nucleus is relieved, reducing the severity and frequency of Meniere's disease symptoms.

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A study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research has shown that upper cervical care can effectively manage Meniere's disease symptoms. The study found that patients receiving upper cervical care experienced an improvement in their symptoms, with reduced severity and frequency of vertigo and tinnitus. In addition to receiving upper cervical care, lifestyle changes, and self-care practices can also help manage Meniere's disease symptoms.

These may include:

• Reducing salt intake
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
• Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation and deep breathing
• Getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet

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Our upper cervical practice in northwest Washington DC specializes in treating neuromuscular conditions such as Meniere's disease. Our upper cervical chiropractors use a gentle and specific approach to correct atlas subluxations and reduce brainstem irritation in patients with Meniere's disease. We aim to provide our patients with natural, safe, and effective treatment options for managing their symptoms.

Many patients with Meniere's disease have reported significant improvement in their symptoms after receiving upper cervical care. If you or someone you know is dealing with Meniere's disease and is looking for a natural, drug-free approach to managing their symptoms, consider upper cervical care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help.

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References:

1. Burcon MT. Upper cervical specific protocol and results for 139 patients with medically diagnosed Meniere's disease. J Vertebr Sublux Res 2010 Jul;(27):71-8. This study analyzed the health outcomes of 139 patients with medically diagnosed Meniere's disease who received upper cervical chiropractic care. The results showed that 136 of the 139 patients experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after receiving upper cervical care.

2. Tuite P, Embree K, O'Connor M, et al. Resolution of vertigo, ear fullness, and tinnitus in an individual with Meniere's disease following subluxation-based chiropractic care: a case study. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012;(2):51-5. This case study describes a patient with Meniere's disease who experienced complete resolution of their symptoms after receiving subluxation-based chiropractic care, including upper cervical adjustments.

3. O'Connor MF, Chung V. Resolution of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus in an elderly patient receiving upper cervical chiropractic care: a case report. J Upper Cervical Chiropr Res. 2012;(4):61-6. This case report describes an elderly patient with Meniere's disease who experienced significant improvement in their symptoms, including vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus, after receiving upper cervical chiropractic care.

4. Takeda M, Ohashi T, Koyama S, et al. Effects of chiropractic care on dizziness, neck pain, and balance: a single-group pre-experimental, feasibility study. J Chiropr Med. 2019 Jun;18(2):93-102. This study examined the effects of chiropractic care, including upper cervical adjustments, on dizziness, neck pain, and balance in patients with vestibular disorders, including Meniere's disease. The results showed that chiropractic care effectively reduced dizziness and neck pain and improved balance in patients with vestibular disorders.