Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but studies believe it might stem from fluid buildup in the inner ear. Most people who have this vestibular condition only have one affected ear. The symptoms tend to begin gradually and improve or worsen depending on the overall condition of the affected individual.
In the early stages of Meniere’s disease, vertigo attacks may occur sporadically, and hearing loss may only be mild. However, as the disease progresses, vertigo attacks may become more frequent and last for more extended periods. Hearing loss may also become more severe, and tinnitus may become constant.
While there is no cure for Meniere’s disease, you can manage your symptoms with medication, lifestyle changes, and proper care. A vertigo chiropractor in Rochester Hills can also help relieve vertigo symptoms caused by Meniere’s disease.
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Different stages of Meniere’s Disease
This health condition can be somewhat unpredictable, but there are telling signs to help you identify what stage you’re at when you’re dealing with this condition. Meniere’s disease has three main stages, and each step is associated with different symptoms.
Early Stage
The early stage often comes with occasional vertigo attacks lasting less than an hour. Usually, the early stage is sudden and unpredictable. It can trigger several symptoms, including:
- Vertigo and dizzying spells
- Development of hearing loss and tinnitus
- Return of normal hearing and full sensation in between attacks
You can consult with a physician or vertigo chiropractor in Rochester Hills on what you can do during the initial stage of your attack. Or, you can take advantage of alternative remedies like aromatherapy and the Epley Maneuver.
Middle Stage
The middle or intermediate stage can immediately follow the initial phase. Most of the time, this specific phase causes vertigo attacks that last for more than an hour, as well as hearing loss and tinnitus.
Late Stage
When you reach the late stage of Meniere’s disease, you may experience fewer vertigo attacks, but it can last longer than the earlier stages. Your vertigo episodes may take days or weeks before you feel better, accompanied by hearing loss and tinnitus. You might also experience balance problems and unsteadiness on your feet. If your vertigo episodes caused by Meniere’s disease have significantly been interfering with your life, perhaps a visit to a vertigo chiropractor in Rochester Hills can help you get relief from your symptoms.
What triggers Meniere’s disease?
The leading cause of Meniere’s disease remains unknown, but over the years, experts have found a connection between the development of this disorder with different triggers such as:
Trauma in the neck
If you have sustained a neck or head injury, it is crucial to receive care immediately. Otherwise, you might have severe or irreparable damage that can affect you in the long run.
For example, when you get rear-ended, or got into a vehicular accident, or endure an injury from a sporting activity, it’s essential to take extra precautions and follow proper care procedures. If you ignore possible injuries, these things can negatively affect some of the delicate structures inside your head.
When you sustain an injury to the neck, it can dislodge some bones and can cause an increase in your blood pressure. In addition, your nerve channels connected to the brain may also be affected. When this happens, your inner ears’ drainage system gets disrupted, contributing to Ménière’s disease. Thinner pathways can also distort the brain’s signals and trigger pain sensors linked to this disorder.
Blood vessel constriction
Blood vessel constriction in the inner ear and head may cause Meniere’s disease. This is due to a reduced blood flow which leads to elevated blood pressure levels affecting the sensitive structures of the inner ear.
Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can trigger different health conditions, including Meniere’s disease. Increased stress levels left unaddressed can cause internal tension in the person’s body that can eventually manifest physically.
Alcohol use and cigarette smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption combined with cigarette smoking can contribute to the constriction of your blood vessels and the thinning of the inner ear canals, which then affects the fluid drainage leading to Meniere’s disease.
Chiropractic Care for Meniere’s Disease
Suppose you’re one of the many Meniere’s disease patients who has tried different ways to deal with the accompanying symptoms but found no improvements. In that case, you might benefit from upper cervical chiropractic care as many patients did. Upper cervical chiropractic care may be the key to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Meniere’s disease can be a life-disruptive disorder, and it can cause significant hearing loss and balance problems. The symptoms are often chronic and difficult to manage, but there is hope for those living with it as relief and care options have improved drastically over the years.
Some cases, however, are linked to misaligned upper cervical bones that might have set off the chain reaction leading to drainage issues and thinner canals. Through the upper cervical care technique, you can potentially restore your neck bone alignment and reduce the symptoms and triggers of Meniere’s disease, relieving you from the pain and discomfort it brings.
Visit a reputable vertigo chiropractor in Rochester Hills
Meniere’s disease is a relatively rare and complex condition. This disorder can cause many symptoms similar to other health conditions, making it difficult for your doctor to diagnose it immediately. Once you have a positive diagnosis and determine that you have upper cervical bone misalignment, it would help to seek a vertigo chiropractor in Rochester Hills.
Dr. Richard Cicala of Balanced Living Chiropractic and Functional Medicine is committed to providing the best chiropractic care to those in need. We encourage you to schedule a consultation session with Dr. Cicala to know if upper cervical care is the right approach for your symptoms. Kindly call 248-831-0729 or fill out our online contact form to book your appointment.
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If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.