A Quick Guide to Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation that you or your environment is spinning even when you’re holding perfectly still. Medical specialists consider vertigo to be caused by problems in the inner ear and the brain, areas which are responsible in maintaining balance and eye movements. The condition affects as many as 70 million Americans. Some of its trademark symptoms are a sensation of disorientation or motion, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abnormal eye movements.

What Causes My Vertigo?

If you suffer from vertigo, it could be caused by one of these:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – This happens when otoconia, tiny calcium crystals, break loose and travel to parts of the inner ear that they shouldn’t be in. A sudden head movement such as rolling over in bed can bring on a sudden vertigo episode.
• • Meniere's disease – This inner ear disorder is caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear. It can create episodes of vertigo along with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.

• Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis – It is the inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve that is located within the inner ear. It may be caused by viral infections such as shingles, simplex, measles, polio, flu, chicken pox, and others.

The Link Between Your Neck and Your Vertigo

Your neck is supported by your spine, and your spine is responsible for protecting the brainstem and spinal cord. The brainstem is where signals travel to and from the brain, including information on balance and body position. Near the brainstem lies two vertebrae – the atlas and the axis.  Any misalignment of these vertebrae can disrupt the relaying of nerve signals, which can be the underlying cause of your vertigo. An upper cervical chiropractic adjustment can help restore the normal alignment of the spine.

A study done on 60 patients with vertigo proves the potential and effectiveness of upper cervical chiropractic care as a treatment choice for vertigo. After a period of adjustments, 48 patients reported relief from vertigo, and there was a reduction in vertigo symptoms for the remaining 12 patients. This successful treatment was accomplished using gentle and precise adjustments to the atlas.

Here at Balanced Living in Vancouver, Washington, we use the same method as the case study above. We perform scientific-based and precise adjustments to help correct your atlas misalignment. We avoid strong twisting or cracking of the neck. Schedule an appointment with us to learn more about how upper cervical chiropractic can help resolve your vertigo issues.

References:

https://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder

Elster E. Sixty Patients With Chronic Vertigo Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis. J Vert Sub Res [Internet]. 2006 [cited 3 November 2016]; 2006(Nov): 1-9. Available from: https://vertebralsubluxation.sharepoint.com/Pages/2006_1174_Vertigo.aspx

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Joe Perin, call our Vancouver office at 360-569-1740. You can also 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.

About the Author

Dr. Joseph Perin

Balanced Living Chiropractic

At the age of 11, Dr. Perin decided he wanted to become a Chiropractor, after receiving beneficial care from a local Doctor to correct his mild Scoliosis symptoms. After graduating from high school, he married the love of his life, started his family, and began actively pursuing his dream. In 2006, he moved his family of 4 to begin his education at LCCW. While in his first quarters of education, he was introduced to the NUCCA technique by a classmate and close friend, and felt that given it’s highly researched background and documented results, it was the technique that would best allow him to restore the body’s balance, alleviate pain, and optimize health.