What are Ear Problems?
Ear problems is an umbrella term for any condition that affects the ear or inner ear. This can include things like earaches, hearing loss, or tinnitus. Few people realize that the ear, the upper spine, and the neck are actually closely related, with problems in the ear often originating from the neck, or more specifically, the upper cervical spine. If you’ve been suffering from inexplicable ear pain or other ear problems, it might be time to consider speaking with an upper cervical specialist.
Signs and Symptoms of Ear Problems
Ear problems can present in a number of different ways, but it is likely that anyone suffering from ear problems caused by the upper cervical spine will experience a similar range of symptoms. Common symptoms include loss of hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ear, vertigo, balance and/or coordination issues, frequent headaches, and nausea.
If you do suffer from regular bouts of vertigo or ringing ears, you may be suffering from a more serious condition like Meniere’s disease.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects the Ear
One of the most common side effects of a misalignment in the upper cervical spine is local inflammation in the neck and craniofacial muscles. Ongoing inflammation in these regions will contribute to a build-up of tension and pressure along the eustachian tubes. These tubes are located in the ears and connect the middle ear to the throat and nasal cavity. Left untreated, inflammation along the eustachian tubes can result in a wide range of inner and middle ear problems, including hearing loss, balance issues, and tinnitus.
How Our Ear Treatment Works
Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on using gentle, non-invasive correction techniques to restore the upper cervical spine to its natural position. During your first visit, our expert chiropractor, Dr. Bello, will perform a preliminary assessment to determine whether a misalignment in the upper cervical spine is responsible for your ear problems. This process often involves the use of cone-beam computed tomography scans and/or X-rays to pinpoint the exact location and angle of any misalignments.
If a misalignment is detected, Dr. Bello will perform a series of painless adjustments to correct the affected vertebra. By removing the underlying cause of inflammation in the inner ear and eustachian tubes, Dr. Bello is able to provide long-lasting relief from ear pain and related symptoms.
If ear problems are affecting your everyday life, Dr. Bello is here to help you. He services patients in Westwood, Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, and the surrounding areas.