Many patients want to know why symptoms like vertigo, dizziness, or Meniere’s disease appear alongside TMJ problems. The answer often comes down to the delicate connection between the jaw, neck, and inner ear. By restoring this balance through advanced physiologic neuromuscular dentistry (PNMD) in Kansas City, patients can find lasting relief. Let’s take a closer look at vertigo, one of the most common symptoms.

Vertigo

Although people often use “vertigo” and “dizziness” interchangeably, they are different. Vertigo is the distinct sensation that the room is spinning around you. It is commonly linked to inner ear problems, but it can also develop when the top neck vertebra (the atlas or C1) and the jaw are out of alignment — a condition known as cranio-cervical mandibular dysfunction (CCMD).

Vertigo may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, imbalance, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), headaches, ear pressure, or motion sickness. Some patients even notice rapid, involuntary eye movements known as nystagmus.

There are two main types of vertigo:

  • Peripheral vertigo — usually connected to the inner ear or vestibular nerve, though often worsened by CCMD.
  • Central vertigo — less common, and usually related to brain conditions such as infections or traumatic injury.

By improving jaw and neck alignment through TMJ treatment, Dr. Raman helps many patients reduce or even eliminate that spinning sensation and restore steadiness to their daily lives.

Dizziness

Dizziness is a more general feeling of being off balance, faint, or unsteady. It can make you feel like you need to sit or lie down, and it often comes with lightheadedness, nausea, or a “woozy” sensation.

Because dizziness can have many possible causes, it’s important to recognize when TMJ misalignment may be contributing. If the jaw and neck are not aligned properly, the signals your body uses to maintain balance can become inconsistent, leaving you with frequent dizzy spells. Problems with jaw alignment and ear pain often occur together, as strain in the temporomandibular joints can affect both hearing and equilibrium.

At our Kansas City office, Dr. Raman uses TMJ treatments to restore proper alignment. As the jaw and neck move back into balance, patients often report significant improvements — less dizziness, reduced vertigo, and relief from other TMJ-related discomforts.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a condition of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus, hearing loss, and pressure in one ear. Traditional medical approaches often focus on managing symptoms with diet changes, stress reduction, diuretics, or even surgery — but these solutions don’t always address the underlying cause.

For many patients, TMJ dysfunction plays a role in Meniere’s disease. Misalignment of the jaw can interfere with the Eustachian tube, which normally equalizes pressure in the middle ear. When the tube doesn’t function properly, pressure can build up, creating or worsening Meniere’s symptoms.

Rather than resorting to invasive procedures that may damage hearing, PNMD and CCMD treatments work to restore balance naturally. Patients often find that improving jaw and neck alignment reduces the frequency and severity of their Meniere’s episodes.

TMJ and Related Symptoms

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is more than jaw clicking or pain. Because the jaw is closely linked to the neck and ears, misalignment can lead to balance problems, headaches, ear fullness, and even ringing in the ears.

Dr. Raman’s comprehensive CCMD approach may include:

  • Gentle physical therapy and posture training
  • Orofacial myofunctional therapy
  • TENS therapy and trigger point treatments
  • Relaxation techniques and behavior modification

The goal is to restore proper jaw and neck alignment, which not only relieves painful TMJ symptoms but also improves balance, steadiness, and overall quality of life.

If your dizziness worsens with jaw movement, chewing, or changes in posture, TMJ may be a factor. Dr. Raman offers diagnostic testing to help determine the source.

While conventional medicine often says there is no cure, many patients experience dramatic relief when underlying TMJ and neck misalignments are corrected.

Physiologic neuromuscular dentistry (PNMD) focuses on the natural relationship between the jaw, neck, and posture. Rather than masking symptoms, it addresses the root cause of imbalance.

In addition to vertigo and dizziness, TMJ disorders can cause headaches, jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, neck and shoulder tension, and even difficulty chewing.

Find TMD Relief In Kansas City

If you are struggling with vertigo, dizziness, Meniere’s disease, or TMJ symptoms, help is available. Call us today at (816) 436-4422 to schedule a consultation with Kansas City Physiologic Neuromuscular Dentist Dr. Prabu Raman and discover how proper alignment can restore your balance and peace of mind.