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Part of my job as an upper cervical chiropractor in Utah is helping relieve vertigo and answering questions that patients have about their vestibular conditions. Vertigo is a relatively common symptom, afflicting as many as 69 million people in the United States. However, it remains a puzzling topic for most people.
Vertigo is the main indicator of a vestibular disorder. The vestibular system consists of parts of the inner ear and brain that play a role in maintaining our balance and controlling our eye movements. Patients may experience episodes of vertigo that range from occasional and mild discomfort to a severe and weakening condition that limits one’s ability to perform daily tasks.
In this blog, I’ll bring answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about vertigo. Proper education about this debilitating symptom is the first step in finding the right relief for it.
Question #1: Is Vertigo a Disease?
Vertigo is only a symptom of an underlying condition, but not a standalone disease. Several health conditions have vertigo as a symptom. Vertigo has two types, based on its origin:
Peripheral Vertigo
This is the most common type of vertigo. This is due to issues within the inner ear. Conditions that fall into the peripheral vertigo category are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis.
Central Vertigo
This is due to problems in the central nervous system. Some of the sources of central vertigo are medication side-effects, migraines, acoustic neuroma, multiple sclerosis (MS), and brain tumors.
Question #2: What Can Trigger Vertigo Attacks?
Many things can spark an episode of vertigo. Here’s a list of some common vertigo triggers:
- Certain head movements
- Stress or anxiety
- Flickering lights
- Dehydration
- Medications
- Migraines
- Neck injury
- Head injury
Question #3: Are Abnormal Eye Movements Linked to Vertigo?
Whenever the body receives abnormal balance signals, it tries to correct it by moving the eyes. The term for these involuntary, abnormal eye movements is “nystagmus.” It is common during vertigo attacks. It occurs when an issue in the vestibular system exists, resulting in the sending of mixed signals to the brain about the body’s movement. The eyes will attempt to compensate for the false feeling of spinning by making repetitive movements. The eyes may jerk solely in one direction or move back and forth. The pattern of eye movements can be useful in figuring out the underlying condition of vertigo.
Question #4: How Does Dizziness Differ from Vertigo?
Dizziness can mean different sensations such as feeling disoriented, lightheaded, woozy or almost fainting. On the other hand, vertigo is the false sensation of movement or spinning. It may feel like you or the room around you is whirling uncontrollably. Other symptoms may accompany vertigo, such as hearing issues, nausea, vomiting, and tinnitus. Dizziness and vertigo are similar in some aspects. For instance, both can be due to inner ear problems, dehydration, head positional changes, certain medications, and dramatic changes in blood pressure.
Question 5: Do Head or Neck Injuries Cause Vertigo?
A head or neck injury can bring on vestibular migraines, BPPV, cervicogenic vertigo and Meniere’s disease. In addition, it can damage the inner ear and cause the dysfunction of the central nervous system. Researchers have long established the link between an injury to the neck or head and the onset of vertigo. Vertigo is a chief symptom of post-concussion syndrome, which arises following a hard blow to the head.
Question #6: How Does Upper Cervical Chiropractic Relieve Vertigo?
Many vertigo patients are benefiting from the long-lasting relief of upper cervical chiropractic, a niche within the chiropractic field. What sets it apart from the traditional chiropractic practice is its focus on the alignment of the topmost vertebra in the spine – the atlas. An atlas misalignment can have an impact on the entire body, particularly on the function of the central nervous system.
The atlas is the most mobile vertebra in the spine, making it vulnerable to misalignment. Any injury, accident, or even simple wear and tear can shift the atlas out of alignment. An atlas misalignment may not be problematic in the beginning, but over time, it can bring on the onset of vertigo in two major ways:
- The atlas is close to the structure of the inner ear. When it is in its correct position, the inner ear functions smoothly. However, abnormal shifting of the atlas can lead to malfunction of the inner ear and the sending of inaccurate balance signals to the brain.
- The atlas, along with the axis vertebra (the one below the atlas), protect the brainstem, which is a vital part of the central nervous system. The brainstem facilitates the sending of signals between the brain and inner ear; therefore, it plays a crucial role in the body’s maintenance of balance. Misalignment of the atlas can obstruct the brainstem function, causing the false feeling of movement we experience as vertigo.
Just as a misalignment of the atlas can limit the body’s ability to function at its best, once an adjustment to correct the alignment occurs, the body can begin to heal and restore its normal function. The advantage of an upper cervical adjustment is that it can hold in place longer than other types of chiropractic adjustments, which yields natural, long-lasting effects that many vertigo patients prefer. Schedule a consultation with Source Chiropractic and Wellness in Draper, Utah by calling 385-237-3110 or filling out this contact form. Benefit from this gentle, safe, and effective technique to relieve vertigo and other balance disorders.
References:
https://articles.mercola.com/vertigo/faq.aspx
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