what is making me dizzy?
Feeling dizzy is common. You stand up too fast, you get light-headed from lack of sleep or make a sudden movement that causes your head to stop quickly. But have you ever suffered from vertigo?
Vertigo, by definition, is a false sensation that you or your surroundings are moving. The sensation is best described as spinning, whirling or moving vertically or horizontally. Vertigo attacks can be constant or sporadic and may last from seconds to days.
Dizziness, vertigo and balance-related conditions are among the most common health problems in adults. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults experience vertigo at least once in their lifetime, with women slightly more likely to get it than men.
It can occur because of a problem with the body’s vestibular system, which includes structures of the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brain stem and cerebellum, a region of the brain that integrates sensory perception, coordination and motor control. This system regulates balance, posture and the body’s orientation in space.
The symptoms of vertigo are slightly different from being lightheaded or fainting and can sometimes be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. While an infection of the ear, head injury or a specific illness can cause the problem it does not always have an obvious cause. Vertigo can develop suddenly and without any obvious underlying reasons attached.
Symptoms of vertigo are all dependent on each individual and may vary from this list.
Some common vertigo symptoms may include:
· Swaying
· Unbalanced
· Headache
· Sweating
· Ringing in ears
· Loss of hearing
· Nausea
· Spinning
The underlying causes of dizziness can include upper neck problems, motion sickness, side effects of medications and poor circulation. Infections and injuries to the inner ear can also cause dizziness.
Main Causes of Vertigo
Your doctor or chiropractor need to be aware of both your current health and your family health history.
There are three main causes of vertigo: BPPV, Meniere’s disease and vestibular neuritis.
· Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BBPV is a condition that effects the inner ear, particularly when calcium particles clutter in the canals of the ear. It can be brought on because of age, but the main cause of this condition is unknown.
· Meniere’s disease is caused by two facts: changing pressure in the ear and a build-up of fluid. This can cause vertigo and possible hearing loss.
· Vestibular neuritis is most commonly associated with an ear infection. Inflammation of the nerves in the inner ear is the reasoning behind the vertigo symptoms.
how your chiropractor can help
Choosing chiropractic treatment for your vertigo symptoms may be an option when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Common vertigo treatments include:
· Physical therapy (which aim to strengthen the vestibular system)
· Canalith repositioning maneuver
· Medication (such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or steroids)
· Surgery (for extreme cases)
Two types of chiropractic treatment that can be used to treat vertigo include: manipulation and positioning maneuvers.
· Manipulation can help with allowing the nervous system to operate properly and balance the pathways, allowing your balance to be restored. Manipulation works to target joints, particularly in the upper neck, to realign and help with the muscles and alignment of the neck to the brain.
· Epley Maneuver is a type of maneuver that helps to clear the debris that is settling in the vestibulocochlear apparatus. The vestibulocochlear apparatus is our “balance center” for our bodies and if there is debris that collects there, it will cause us to experience symptoms of vertigo. The debris is sometimes called crystals.
using chiropractic adjustments to ease vertigo and dizziness
Problems with balance caused by a spinning sensation, weakness and wooziness require proper chiropractic care to address the situation and limit the potential risks associated with a loss of balance.
At the Shimer Chiropractic clinic, we provide you with support to encourage recovery and healing from both dizziness and vertigo.
Spinal adjustments can go a long way to help alleviate abnormal spinal function which will improve proprioception and neurological input into the brain stem.
We always evaluate any spinal problems that contribute to the discomfort and ensure that we develop a personalized treatment plan based on the situation and your needs.
Feeling dizzy or losing your sense of balance can seriously impact your lifestyle. By working with us, we will identify the underlying causes associated with dizziness and vertigo. We will provide you with the best treatment or refer you to a GP or other specialist bests suited to your situation.
Take care of your body and it will take care of you.
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To learn more about our treatment strategies or to set up an appointment with our chiropractor, please contact Shimer Chiropractic today at 720-340-4107. Your body will thank you.
Your body will thank you
Schedule your first visit and adjustment for only $69.
