The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has affected many individuals in the past two years, even more so those with Meniere’s disease.
Meniere’s has gained popularity in recent years as more individuals get afflicted with this inner ear disorder. One of these individuals is the famed Price Tag singer Jessie J. Jessie J, who lost her hearing in one of her ears before her diagnosis. Unfortunately, hearing loss is a typical symptom that comes with Meniere’s. Another feared sign of Meniere’s is vertigo.
Vertigo is a debilitating symptom that creates a false sense of spinning and appears out of nowhere. It urges you to lie down and shut your eyes, anxious about when it can take place again.
To better describe this condition, we asked for the help of our chiropractor for Newnan GA vertigo relief, Dr. Brandon Hard. We’ll discuss the different details you should know about Meniere’s and ways to cope with this condition during the pandemic.
Most doctors believe that excessive inner ear fluids are the main reason people develop Meniere’s. The inner ear is consists of tunnels, tiny crystals, and fluid that enable us to hear and process balance and movement signals-- the purpose of the vestibular system.
There are two possible causes of too much fluid in the inner ear: poor drainage and retention. It’s also worth noting that not everyone with fluid buildup in their ear automatically has Meniere’s. Also, not everyone with Meniere’s has an abnormal amount of fluid in their ears.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Given this idea, doctors also look at other factors that may cause Meniere’s. These factors are:
Other factors include inner ear infections, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and stress. Meniere’s disease is a prevalent inner ear disorder among people beyond the age of 40. This condition equally afflicts both sexes, prompting men and women to find a provider of Meniere’s and vertigo relief in Newnan GA.
People often think about vertigo when talking about Meniere’s disease symptoms. Perhaps, the reason for this is that it is the most debilitating symptom that comes with the condition. Who wouldn’t cry in fear when they see their surroundings suddenly spin around?
However, Meniere’s disease has other accompanying symptoms other than vertigo. These are:
Those who look for a provider of Meniere’s and vertigo relief in Newnan GA show varying symptoms, occurring in short bouts to more prolonged attacks.
The pandemic has embedded fear in the minds of everyone, including Meniere’s disease patients. But, unfortunately, COVID-19 does a lot more than physical harm-- it is a nesting ground for stress and anxiety that can worsen the symptoms of Meniere’s.
Today, we’ll share 10 helpful ways to cope with Meniere’s during the pandemic:
1. Learn stress management methods.
As mentioned before, high stress can inevitably result in attack flare-ups or more extended and more severe vertigo attacks. So, keeping your stress levels at a minimum can help you manage your condition better.
During the pandemic, there are still plenty of ways to destress. Try out reading, writing, or painting. You might even find a new talent along the way.
2. Limit alcohol drinking and smoking.
Smoking and drinking can only make Meniere’s disease symptoms worse. If these are your options to alleviate stress, it might be time for you to find a more positive way of coping with stress and anxiety.
3. Keep yourself hydrated.
Drinking enough water can help regulate the amount of fluid in your inner ear. So, increase your water intake to at least eight glasses a day or around 2 liters of water.
4. Avoid inflammatory foods.
Foods that cause inflammation can worsen your Meniere’s attacks. Limit your intake of inflammatory food items, like chocolate and coffee. Instead, add more fresh fruits, leafy greens, meats, and fish to your diet. Enjoy a nice fresh salad instead of eating processed foods.
5. Avoid salty foods.
If you live with Meniere’s disease, your doctor will definitely recommend that you take salt out of your diet-- or at least keep it at a minimum. Sodium promotes fluid retention, which can be detrimental to your condition.
6. Sleep.
Sometimes, the only thing you can do to face stressful events, like a pandemic, is to get some beauty rest and sleep for hours. Believe us; no one would scold you for dealing with stress this way. Did you know that the body heals itself best during sleep?
7. Eat regularly.
Eating meals on a schedule can help your body heal better. Eating can also be a stress reliever. Just make sure that you also exercise from time to time to maintain a healthy weight.
8. Take medication when necessary.
Doctors do not usually recommend medicines for patients dealing with Meniere’s. However, your health provider may prescribe medications to manage nausea and motion sickness that comes with vertigo.
9. Immerse yourself with music.
Tinnitus or ringing ear syndrome is an annoying companion of Meniere’s. At times, you might hear ringing, clicking, or popping noises that can drive you insane, especially when you are trying to focus on a task. Many patients combat this symptom by masking the sounds.
We invite you to play Rachmaninoff Concerto No.2 (adagio) or any other relaxing music to drown out the pesky tinnitus noises.
10. Get upper cervical chiropractic care.
You might be wondering what seeking help from an upper cervical chiropractor has to do with Meniere’s disease. The answer is pretty surprising but straightforward. As mentioned above, neck misalignments can lead to Meniere’s and vertigo. So, it only fits that you ask for help from the professionals: upper cervical chiropractors.
Those who look for a provider of vertigo relief in Newnan GA are often shocked to hear that their condition comes from neck misalignments. Fortunately, upper cervical chiropractors know how to deal with neck misalignments.
Upper cervical chiropractors, like Dr. Hard, only use gentle and precise methods to realign your neck. Then, after a few adjustments, you’d be experiencing relief.
At Liberty Upper Cervical Chiropractic, we extend our services to provide you lasting relief from vertigo. Fill out our web form or call us at (770) 502-0991 to schedule a consult with Dr. Hard.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Hard, call our Newnan office 678-661-5889, or just click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.