Vertigo is a subjective sensation of movement in the environment that can range from mild, fleeting episodes to severe, persistent episodes.
Often, vertigo is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, discomfort, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. It can result from a variety of underlying causes, including problems involving the upper cervical spine.
While conventional treatments such as medications or physical therapy can help manage some symptoms, many individuals are exploring alternative therapies to relieve vertigo. One such approach is upper cervical chiropractic care, a specialized branch of chiropractic medicine that focuses on the correct alignment of the upper vertebrae in the neck.
Common causes of dizziness:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This condition occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged, affecting balance.
- Vestibular neuritis: An infection or inflammation of the vestibular nerve that can lead to vertigo.
- Meniere’s disease: An ear disorder characterized by recurring bouts of vertigo, along with loss of hearing and tinnitus.
- Migraines: Some people have vestibular migraines, which can cause symptoms.
- Upper cervical spine problems: Problems with the upper cervical spine can disrupt the signals transmitted between the brain and the inner ear, leading to vertigo.
How Upper Cervical Spine Care Can Be Helpful
Upper cervical chiropractic care is especially suitable for people with dizziness because it focuses on the correct alignment of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, located at the base of the skull.
Here’s how this specialized approach can provide relief:
- Accurate assessment: Upper cervical chiropractors are highly trained to assess the alignment of the upper cervical spine. Advanced imaging techniques, such as X-rays, are often used to accurately identify misalignments.
- Gentle adjustments: Upper cervical adjustments are gentle and non-invasive, involving precise techniques tailored to the individual’s needs. This helps minimize discomfort during the procedure.
- Restore proper alignment: By correcting misalignments in the upper cervical spine, upper cervical chiropractic therapy can help restore the proper flow of nerve signals between the brain and inner ear, potentially reducing symptoms of dizziness.
- Vestibular System Support: The vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation, can benefit from improved alignment of the upper cervical vertebrae, leading to reduced episodes of vertigo.
- Holistic Approach: Upper cervical chiropractors often take a holistic approach to health care, considering lifestyle, nutritional, and other potential causes of vertigo.
- Non-invasive and drug-free: Upper cervical chiropractic care is a natural, drug-free option that is safe for people who want to relieve vertigo without medication or surgery. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This condition occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged, affecting balance.
- Vestibular neuritis: Infection or inflammation of the vestibular neuritis can lead to vertigo.
- Meniere’s disease: An inner ear disorder characterized by recurring attacks of vertigo, along with hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Migraines: Some people experience vestibular migraines, which can cause symptoms of vertigo.
- Misalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae: Misalignment of the upper cervical vertebrae can disrupt the signals transmitted between the brain and the inner ear, leading to vertigo.
