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We understand that getting diagnosed with a rare condition, such as eagle syndrome, can be overwhelming. However, understanding the disease and how it affects your life can help you better manage it. Read on to know what eagle syndrome is, what causes it, its treatment options, and how chiropractic care in Singapore can provide relief.
What is Eagle Syndrome?
Eagle syndrome is a rare condition that causes pain in your face or neck. It occurs due to the elongation of the styloid process or calcification of the stylohyoid ligament. The styloid process is a small pointed bone present just below your ear, and the stylohyoid ligament connects it to the bone (hyoid) in your neck.
When this bone grows longer than normal and the ligament hardens, it compresses the nearby nerves and blood vessels. This can cause discomfort or pain in your neck, face, and throat, and the symptoms can get worse with any neck movement.
However, not all people with an elongated styloid process develop the syndrome. Research suggests that almost 4% of the population has an abnormally long styloid process, but only 4-10% of these people have eagle syndrome.
The syndrome is named after the scientist, Dr. Watt Weems Eagle. He first described the condition in 1937. Eagle syndrome usually affects people over the age of 50 and more commonly occurs in females than males.
Eagle Syndrome Causes
The main cause of eagle syndrome is the abnormal structure of the styloid bone. Its usual length is about 2.5cm. But when it grows longer than 3 cm, it exerts pressure on nearby nerves and blood vessels. Further, when the stylohyoid ligament becomes calcified, it loses elasticity and contributes to the symptoms of eagle syndrome.
Multiple factors can affect the styloid process and the ligament. Some of them include:
1. Trauma or Injury:
Trauma to the neck or throat can cause the development of eagle syndrome. For example, a car accident can fracture the styloid process or cause displacement of these structures. These changes can damage or pinch nearby vessels and nerves.
2. Age-Related Changes
As we age, the natural wear and tear decreases the elasticity of the ligaments. This hardens the stylohyoid ligament and turns it into a bone-like structure.
3. Tonsillectomy
Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure for removing tonsils. It can trigger the formation of scar tissue around the styloid process, which can irritate nerves in this region.
Eagle Syndrome Symptoms
Symptoms of eagle syndrome depend on which nerve or vessel is being compressed by the styloid process. It causes sharp or stabbing pain in the neck, face, or throat. Other symptoms include;
- Difficulty and pain swallowing
- A feeling like something is stuck in your throat
- Migraine or tension-type headaches
- Pain in one or both ears
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
- Occipital pain (pain in the upper neck area and back of the head)
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Tingling or numbness
- Change in voice or hoarseness
- Chest discomfort and palpitations
- Stomach upset and pain in the belly
Eagle Syndrome Diagnosis
Eagle syndrome is hard to diagnose as its symptoms mimic other conditions, such as temporomandibular disorder. Your doctor will take a detailed history about your symptoms, such as where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and if it gets worse with any movement. He might ask if you have a history of throat surgery, such as tonsillectomy, or trauma to the neck.
Further, he might examine the area near the tonsils to check if there is an abnormal styloid process. He may also order the following tests:
X-rays: Your doctor might order an X-ray to capture a picture of your styloid process and stylohyoid ligament.
CT scan: It provides detailed images of the styloid process, its thickness, and its effect on surrounding structures.
MRI: Your doctor might order an MRI to view an image of soft tissues and rule out other conditions that cause symptoms as eagle syndrome.
Eagle Syndrome Treatment
Your healthcare provider will choose the treatment based on the severity of your condition. He might recommend the following treatment options.
1. Non-surgical Treatment
If you have mild to moderate symptoms, non-surgical treatment might work for you. It includes:
● Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Over-the-counter medicines, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen, can help ease pain and inflammation.
● Anticonvulsants
Anticonvulsants like gabapentin and pregabalin can decrease nerve pain caused by an elongated styloid process.
● Lidocaine Injections
Lidocaine injection numbs the affected area and is used for short-term management of pain.
● Steroids
Steroidal injections near the styloid process can decrease inflammation and lessen pain.
● Physical Therapy
Physical therapy includes gentle stretches and exercises that help strengthen your neck and back muscles. This helps reduce strain and improve the range of motion in the neck.
2. Surgery
If the above methods don’t work, your doctor might suggest a surgical procedure known as styloidectomy. This involves shortening the styloid process to relieve pressure off nearby vessels and nerves. This can be done in two ways.
Your doctor may access your styloid process through the mouth (Transoral approach). It won’t leave a visible scar, but it would be harder for your doctor to reach the styloid process. This approach also carries a high risk of infection.
Otherwise, your surgeon might make an incision in the neck for direct access to the styloid process. It will leave a visible scar, but it will provide better control and visualization.
Eagle Syndrome Complications
Elongated styloid process can sometimes press on critical structures in the neck, such as the internal jugular vein. It can interfere with the venous blood flow from the brain. This causes venous congestion and leads to raised intracranial pressure and produces symptoms, such as blurred vision, persistent and intense headaches, and dizziness.
Further, the compression of the carotid artery by the elongated styloid process may lead to transient ischemic attack (mini strokes). You might experience symptoms such as numbness, dizziness, changes in your speech, and passing out (syncope). This is a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate help if you experience any of these symptoms.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help People With Eagle Syndrome in Singapore?
Chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to manage symptoms of eagle syndrome. It is focused on correcting misalignment within your vertebrae and helps restore the function of the cervical spine.
When the vertebrae in our upper cervical spine are misaligned, even by an inch, it can compress the nearby nerves and vessels. Chiropractic adjustments correct misalignment within the spine and reduce mechanical stress on surrounding tissues and nerves. This helps reduce irritation of the glossopharyngeal and cranial nerves and provides pain relief.
Further, proper cervical alignment can enhance vascular function, which improves blood flow to the brain. This improves symptoms related to vascular compressions, such as dizziness and headache. Chiropractic care also includes posture correction and exercises that strengthen neck muscles and help prevent symptoms from flaring up.
At Vitality Chiropractic Centre in Singapore, our experts specialize in Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. Our clinic is the first of its kind in Singapore, focusing on the upper cervical region to address a variety of health issues. We believe that proper spinal alignment is the key to a person’s health and well-being. Our team provides personalized care plans tailored to your individual needs. So what are you waiting for? Contact us right now!
References
- Bokhari, M. R., Graham, C., & Mohseni, M. (2023, July 29). Eagle Syndrome. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430789/
- Moon, C., Lee, B., Kwon, Y., Choi, B., Lee, J., Lee, H., Yun, S., & Ohe, J. (2014). Eagle’s syndrome: a case report. Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, 40(1), 43. https://doi.org/10.5125/jkaoms.2014.40.1.43
- Raina, D., Gothi, R., & Rajan, S. (2009). Eagle syndrome. Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging – New Series/Indian Journal of Radiology and Imaging/Indian Journal of Radiology & Imaging, 19(02), 107–108. https://doi.org/10.4103/0971-3026.50826
- Searle, E., & Searle, A. (2020). An overview of Eagle’s syndrome. British Journal of Pain, 15(4), 388–392. https://doi.org/10.1177/2049463720969741
Call 8438 9550 or email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com today!
Meet Our Chiropractors Specializing in Eagle Syndrome Care in Singapore
Dr Shaan (Traditional and Complimentary Therapy Qualification) is a Chiropractor from London (UK) who graduated from the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK) as a Doctor of Chiropractic (not medical doctor or dentist). He has completed post-graduate studies and has been serving patients in Singapore since 2015.
He founded Vitality Chiropractic Centres to open the first Upper Cervical clinic in Singapore, and the only practicing Knee Chest Upper Cervical Technique in South East Asia.
He is the Alliance of Chiropractic (AoC) Chairman for Outreach, organising events within Singapore with the People’s Association and other charities. Shaan has served thousands of patients, with experience in patients with headaches, migraines, vertigo, Meniere’s, trigeminal neuralgia, whiplash, IBS and other chronic nervous system problems.
Dr Jessey (黄钰心矫正师) (Traditional and Complimentary Therapy Qualification) is a Chiropractor from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), graduated from Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (UK) as a Doctor of Chiropractic (not medical doctor or dentist). She has experience serving patients from 2 weeks old to 96 years old prior to moving to Singapore and joining Vitality Chiropractic (活力脊椎矫正中心).
She has completed post-graduate studies and is Singapore’s first female Upper Cervical Chiropractor (上颈椎矫正护理).
Jessey is active in outreach, participating in charitable trips to Cambodia and within Singapore. Jessey has experience helping patients with headaches, migraines, dizziness (眩晕/头晕), Meniere’s (美尼尔氏综合症), slipped disc, anxiety, fibrillations, IBS and other chronic nerve system problems. She also has a special interest in children and younger patients.
If you’ve been struggling with Managing Eagle Syndrome, call 8438 9550, email help@vitalitychiropracticcentres.com or fill in your information below to book your appointment.
Chiropractic Care for Eagle Syndrome – Treatment Rates in Singapore
Here are the expected rates for Managing Eagle Syndrome care services at Vitality Chiropractic centres.
Discovery Call
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Jump on a call to discuss your concerns and determine if we are the right fit for you.
Consultation
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During the initial consultation, we will run a physical examination, postural assessment, and nerve system test.
Test Results
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Our chiropractor will explain the findings and test results from the consultation. A customised care plan will then be developed for you.
Single Session
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We will perform a nerve scan and adjustment as needed. Re-examinations and rehab exercises might be implemented.
Written by
Shaan Rai (Chiropractor, Singapore)
Shaan is a British Chiropractor, based in Singapore. He is an Alliance of Chiropractic (AOC) registered Singapore Chiropractor, completing a 5 year course at AECC (UK), attaining his Masters in Chiropractic. He is the Vice President and Chairman for Outreach & Charity for Alliance of Chiropractic (AOC) and is the founder of Vitality Chiropractic Singapore. He developed the NeuroPro method, combining Upper Cervical techniques with Functional Neurology Rehab, with published research coming in 2025.
Dizziness Research in Singapore
Read our case report about our patient with dizziness and hearing loss, and the improvements seen with our care. This was produced by the Australian Spinal Research Foundation, and published in the Asia-Pacific Chiropractic Journal.
Read Our Book
Shaan authored the book, ‘Dealing With Dizziness – Holistic Solutions For Unexplained Chronic Dizziness, Vertigo, and Balance Problems’.
You can find it on Amazon, or available in our Singapore Chiropractic clinic.
FAQS
Chiropractors are trained doctors of Chiropractic. They train exclusively as doctors of Chiropractic, not as medical doctors or dentists.
This is the same as how a Dentist, TCM or PhD graduate are trained as doctors in their field, but are also not medical doctors.
If you have any previous scans, x-rays, MRI’s or other imaging, please bring them to your appointment. We would also recommend bringing a family member or friend if you need support or to discuss finances.
Your initial Consultation will take approximately 1 hour, your Results will take approximately 45 minutes and follow up Appointments will take 20-35 minutes depending on your case.
After Chiropractic adjustments there can occasionally be side effects. The most common feelings after corrections (especially in the beginning) are:
- No changes yet
- Some stiffness in the muscles or light soreness
- Feeling relief
If there are any other symptoms or sensations experienced, please ensure to consult with your Chiropractor.
Absolutely! If you book using our online system you should get an email immediately then a WhatsApp confirmation from our staff.
For follow up appointments you should receive an email 48 hours before your appointment. If you do not, and you would like reminders, please let us know and we will be able to help. If you receive reminders but do not want to, you can also opt out of these emeails.
On any day you receive an adjustment we would advise taking it easy and drinking plenty of water. Give it at least 2 hours before exercising. If you feel tired then listen to your body and get to sleep early. Upon starting care, we will share a guide for you to take home, with a long list of do’s and don’ts, so you can take an active part in your care.
We recommend wearing something comfortable that you can bend in. While you don’t need to wear gym clothes, clothes which you can move in freely will be helpful for any tests or techniques the doctor will need to perform. For women, if you are wearing a dress or skirt we will provide blankets to cover you.
Chiropractic, and any health approach, will not be the answer for every patient and every health concern. Other Chiropractors may use different techniques and methods which may not produce the same results as Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
Our Chiropractors conduct a thorough history, physical assessment, nerve scans and biomechanical x-rays to determine if this is a case they can help.
If we are not the right fit for you, we will do our best to find the right practitioner for you.
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