When I meet a new patient, I always start with one simple request: “Tell me what’s going on.” I’ve reviewed their chart, sure, but that only scratches the surface. I want the full story—how is this affecting your life? What have you tried so far? How long has it been going on? Often, as they open up, I feel two strong emotions: compassion for their struggle and excitement because I know I have a unique approach that could make all the difference.
One condition that stirs these feelings the most is Meniere’s disease. If you or someone you love suffers from it, you already know how life-altering it can be. The symptoms can feel relentless:
- Sudden, intense vertigo that can make driving or even daily activities impossible.
- Balance problems that turn walking into a challenge.
- A constant, maddening buzzing or ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
- Cognitive fog that leaves you feeling disconnected or unable to think clearly.
Many Meniere’s patients come to me feeling disheartened. They’ve tried dietary changes, medications, physical therapy, and sometimes even injections or surgery. For some, these approaches help, but for many, they provide little relief.
That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing an alternative approach backed by incredible research. Dr. Michael Burcon, director of the Meniere’s Research Institute, conducted a five-year study with 300 Meniere’s patients, and the results are nothing short of remarkable.
In the study, patients rated their vertigo intensity on a scale of 1 to 10:
- Before treatment: an average of 8.5 (severe).
- Six weeks post-treatment: down to 3.0.
- One year later: 2.0.
- By years four through six: 0.8 (virtually gone).
Out of 300 patients, 291 experienced significant improvements in their ability to work, drive, and maintain healthy relationships. For the few who still had occasional symptoms, the attacks were less frequent, less intense, and much shorter in duration.
Dr. Burcon identified a strong link between whiplash trauma (like from car accidents or falls) and Meniere’s disease. Whiplash can cause misalignments in the upper neck—specifically the Atlas and Axis, the top two vertebrae. These misalignments disrupt the central nervous system and lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction in the ear, which can trigger Meniere’s symptoms. By using precise adjustments to correct these misalignments, Dr. Burcon was able to restore proper function, and his patients experienced lasting relief.
Cited Source: Health Outcomes Following Cervical Specific Protocol in 300 Patients with Meniere’s Followed Over Six Years Michael T. Burcon, B.Ph., D.C. 1 http://www.mccoypress.net/juccr/docs/2016-1430_menieres.pdf
Here in Fort Myers, I use the same upper cervical techniques as Dr. Burcon, and I’ve seen similar success. One recent patient went from two to three debilitating attacks a week to an entire month without a single severe episode. Her improvement has been nothing short of life-changing—for both of us!
If you’re battling Meniere’s disease and traditional treatments haven’t worked, I encourage you to get your neck evaluated by a trained upper cervical specialist. Relief is possible, and I’d love to help you get there. Come visit us at Upper Cervical Chiropractic Health Centers in Fort Myers. Give us a call at 239-243-8810 to set up your free consultation.
