Vertigo is the feeling of being off-balance and dizzy, as if you or your surroundings are moving, spinning, or swaying. Sufferers’ feelings of being off balance can differ greatly, from being barely noticeable to so severe they find it hard to keep their balance doing everyday tasks. A lot of people misunderstand what vertigo is. Vertigo is actually a symptom rather than a condition itself. This means your dizziness is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. Vertigo is most common in elderly people, but it can affect both sexes at any age.
The sensation of spinning is usually related to a problem with the inner ear which can throw you off balance. Any movement of the head or body can worsen your vertigo symptoms.
The symptoms are slightly different from lightheadedness or fainting and can be accompanied with nausea or vomiting. While the problem can occur as a direct result of an infection of the ear, head injury or a specific illness it does not always have an obvious cause. Vertigo can develop unexpectedly and without any obvious underlying reasons attached.
While the underlying cause of the condition is not usually life-threatening or dangerous, poor balance and a feeling of weakness can result in accidents and injuries when left untreated.
The three most leading causes of vertigo are Meniere’s disease- due to the pressure changes within the ear it can result in vertigo. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo- a condition which occurs due to the accumulation of calcium within the ear canals leading to vertigo. Vestibular neuritis- mostly associated with inflammation or infection of the ears leading to vertigo.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic treatment is a conservative Vertigo relief option that can be done as a first course of treatment. Many patients visit the chiropractor after trying different types of treatments like the epley manuever with results. Upper cervical chiropractic serves as an excellent option for treating the symptoms linked with vertigo. The common therapies performed by chiropractors are, exercises that helps in strengthening your vestibular system. Canalith repositioning maneuver, surgery for very severe conditions, epley manuever and upper cervical chiropractic adjustments.
For a chiropractor, this is what I deal with everyday with almost every client in some way. Modern use of computers, driving, television, mobile devices, stress and a lack of exercise all play their part in creating restriction and improper motion in the delicate structures of the neck.
