Can Neck Problems Cause Ear Problems?
How Do Neck Problems Cause Ear Problems?
Contrary to popular belief, the position and mobility of your spine and neck can have a significant impact on the function of the inner ear. This is because the upper cervical spine is indirectly responsible for regulating the musculature tone along the eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes are twin canals which connect the middle ear to the upper throat and nasal cavity (an area known as the nasopharynx). When the lining of these canals is under stress, the eustachian tube can become blocked or filled with fluid.
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Problems
If your ear problem is connected to a misalignment in your upper cervical spine, you will probably experience one or more of the following symptoms: loss of hearing, tinnitus, vertigo, aural fullness (i.e. the feeling of a plugged or full ear), balance and coordination issues, more frequent headaches, nausea, and vomiting. If these episodes frequently result in vertigo and ringing, you may be suffering from Meniere’s disease, a chronic disorder affecting balance and inner ear function.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Ear Problems
As we outlined above, misalignment in the upper cervical spine can cause muscles in the eustachian tubes to flex in an irregular fashion. If the musculature in this region disrupts the opening and closing of the eustachian tubes, it will often produce inflammation along the eustachian canal, the upper throat, and nasal cavity. Left untreated, this inflammation can develop into a full-blown infection, causing swelling and/or fluid build-up in the inner and middle ear. At this point, the misalignment in the upper cervical spine may be the overarching driver of a wide range of worsening ear problem symptoms.
How Our Treatment for Ear Problems Works
At Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Las Vegas, our program for treating ear problems is informed by a deep understanding of the connection between the spine and the neurology of the inner ear. Using a series of precise, painless chiropractic adjustments, Dr. Kramer—our resident expert chiropractor—will attempt to realign any abnormal vertebra in your upper cervical spine. If this treatment is successful, the musculature tone in the eustachian tubes should return to normal, reducing inflammation in the nasopharynx and restoring normal function to the inner and middle ear.
Because the upper cervical spine often plays such a major role in the frequency and severity of ear problems, Dr. Kramer and his team aim to not only deliver symptom relief, but also remedy the underlying cause of your ear problem.
If you suffer from ear problems related to the upper cervical spine, we provide treatment for patients all over the Las Vegas area, from greater Clark County all the way to neighboring states like Utah, California, and Arizona.