The classic account of
the first chiropractic adjustment by DD Palmer, the founder of chiropractic, involves
the hearing return of a deaf janitor after spinal manipulation.
(1) So interesting! Today’s research reports
help explain and confirm the connection
of hearing and cervical spine pain issues. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa hears reports
of improvement in West Des Moines chiropractic patients for issues not
always related to the issue that brought them
into Executive Chiropractic of Iowa for chiropractic care. Patients are elated!
Executive Chiropractic of Iowa is excited for them. Let us study this side-effect of hearing loss recovery after
chiropractic spinal manipulation.
THE HEARING AND CERVICAL SPINE CONNECTION
Hearing loss is not that uncommon with
cervical spine issues. The relationship
of cervical spine and hearing has been presented in
the medical literature for decades. In
1994, one author presented an idea of the
existence of a “vertebragenic hearing disorder” that accompanies
with tinnitus, a feeling of ear pressure, otalgia and deafness due to
functional deficit of the upper cervical spine. He linked issues
like cervical vertigo and hearing disorders in 15% of patients with cervical
spine issues and hearing losses of 5 to 25 decibels in 40% of them. (2)
West Des Moines chiropractic patients recount such problems
on occasion, so Executive Chiropractic of Iowa is not shocked
at all.
Cervical spine issues can affect ear vessels and/or nerves resulting
in hearing loss, vertigo or tinnitus. Cervical spine
injuries can trigger pain and limits in range of motion. The
possibility of hearing loss in patients with limited
left rotation ability is high. Such hearing loss after a cervical spine injury
is more common in men. (3) Further, there is indication
of interaction between the somatosensory and auditory brainstem structures, a
pathway connecting the cervical spine to hearing function.
Researchers are seeking ways to describe the
pathway and understand better how spinal nerves like those of C2 (the second
cervical spine segment) influence auditory responses (hearing).
They have found projections from C2 dorsal root ganglion extending
to the cochlear nucleus. (4) Patients who have Kimmerle’s anomaly – an
anatomical modification of the first cervical segment (C1) – often
experience chronic tension-type headaches and
neurosensory-type hearing loss. (5) What does this indicate about the
connection between hearing and the cervical spine? A connection. Executive Chiropractic of Iowa
considers this when making a treatment plan for West Des Moines cervical spine pain
patients with a hearing loss or deficit.
CHIROPRACTIC HELP FOR West Des Moines HEARING LOSS
RELATED TO CERVICAL SPINE ISSUES
Since that first chiropractic adjustment in 1895,
chiropractic has recorded improvement for more patients
with hearing issues. A study of 90 patients who experienced cervicogenic
sudden hearing loss reported that those who underwent
chiropractic treatment in addition to routine medical care improved
their hearing and alleviated their neck pain effectively
after 10 days of care. (6) A case of hearing loss and tinnitus associated with cervicogenic neck pain in a female patient whose hearing and tinnitus
were improved after undergoing chiropractic spinal manipulation
treatment. On a scale of 0 (no problem) to 10 (complete impairment), she graded
her issues a 7 at the start of care and a 1 at
the end of 5 months of care. An audiogram was normal, too. (7)
These are gratifying outcomes that West Des Moines
hearing loss patients could welcome! Executive Chiropractic of Iowa is up
for the chance to help!
CONSIDER Executive Chiropractic of Iowa FOR RELIEF
Listen to this PODCAST
about how Cox Technic relieves cervical spine related
neck pain and shoulder pain.
Schedule a West Des Moines chiropractic visit
to explore how Executive Chiropractic of Iowa may help improve
cervical spine problems, neck pain and even potentially
cervical spine related hearing loss.
"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the
DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by
Dr. James M. Cox I."