Vertigo creates a feeling of spinning or dizziness even when you are not moving. It often results from inner ear problems, but it can also be triggered by conditions affecting the brain, such as strokes or tumors. Treatment options differ and may involve medications, repositioning techniques, or surgical procedures. Chiropractic treatment is another option that can help.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is not a condition but a symptom. It is the sensation that either you or your surroundings are in motion or spinning. This sensation can vary from being mild to so severe that it affects your balance and everyday activities.
Vertigo often leads to dizziness and a sense of imbalance. The attacks can occur suddenly and be brief, lasting only a few seconds. Sometimes, it can persist for an extended period. In severe cases, vertigo can be constant and persist for several days, significantly affecting your ability to lead a normal life.
Symptoms Of Vertigo
Dizziness is the most common symptom of vertigo. The symptom worsens when the head moves. Patients often describe it as a spinning sensation. Aside from this, the other symptoms include:
- Loss of balance
- Involuntary movement
- Hearing loss
- Buzzing or ringing in your ears
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Increased sweating
Treatments And Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Vertigo
While vertigo may not be the most common reason for seeking chiropractic care, those who do visit a chiropractor often report significant relief. People experiencing dizziness or balance issues tend to find relief when they consult chiropractors in contrast to other healthcare professionals.
According to studies, chiropractic care can help with vertigo in the following ways:
1. Spinal adjustments
Spinal adjustments have many advantages to patients, and one of them includes addressing vertigo. The spine plays a vital role in housing the central nervous system. This in turn facilitates communication between the brain and the body.
However, when there is an abnormal positioning of spinal vertebrae or subluxation, this communication can be disrupted. These subluxations can directly or indirectly impact dizziness and vertigo.
For instance, in cases where vertigo is linked to an ear infection, non-invasive and safe spinal manipulation can help in the healing and recovery process. This is by addressing the underlying subluxation. Additionally, chiropractic care provides various methods for treating vertigo other than adjustments.
2. Fixes nerve interference
Issues with nerves, especially in the upper neck area, can lead to symptoms of vertigo. When vertigo is linked to irritated nerves in the upper neck, it is known as cervicogenic vertigo syndrome. This kind of vertigo results from neck injuries, trauma, or bad posture habits.
In such cases, hands-on chiropractic techniques gently move the neck vertebrae back into their proper positions. This realignment helps stop the irritation of the nerves. Once the vertebrae are in the correct place and the nerves are no longer irritated, the vertigo symptoms tend to improve or disappear.
In other words, if your neck is injured or you have a poor posture and it is causing vertigo, a chiropractor can often help. The help offered is through the gentle adjustment of your neck to make it better. This can relieve the nerve irritation that contributes to the symptoms of vertigo you feel.
3. The Epley maneuver
The Epley maneuver is most suited for individuals with a condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV happens when tiny calcium crystals accumulate in your inner ear, disturbing your balance. This vertigo can make you feel dizzy when you move your head.
The Epley maneuver works best with the help of a chiropractor. A chiropractor will guide you in performing the maneuver correctly and teach you how to do it by yourself at home. It is a method that is effective in managing BPPV.
Therefore, a chiropractor can teach you special techniques to help provide relief if you have BPPV. With their help, your troublesome ear crystal can be repositioned, such that it will reduce dizziness.
4. Stretches and exercises
Your chiropractor will likely recommend some exercise and stretches to do at home that will help with the symptoms of vertigo. Their recommendations will be tailored to the specific type of vertigo you are experiencing. By following these exercises, you may find out that your vertigo improves within as little as two weeks.
Also, these at-home exercises are designed to target the underlying causes of your vertigo. They can help with issues like balance problems or inner ear disturbances. They are more like a routine to make you feel better.
Therefore, if you do the exercises your chiropractor gives you regularly, you might see your vertigo get better in just a couple of weeks. These exercises are like a special plan to help you feel steadier and less dizzy.
5. Nutrition tips
Many chiropractors either have certification in nutrition or work with a team of nutritionists. This relation is because chiropractic care sees the body as a single interconnected system. What happens in one part can affect unrelated areas, and this includes the food you consume.
While not all types of vertigo can be managed through dietary changes, nutrition can be a valuable component. It can help in addressing conditions like Meniere’s disease and vertigo linked to migraines. In any case, maintaining a healthy diet can only bring benefits and will not harm you.
Generally, some chiropractors are also experts in nutrition or work with nutrition specialists because they understand that what we eat can impact our health, including certain types of vertigo. Eating well can improve your overall well-being, and it is a good idea.
Conclusion
Chiropractic care can offer support in managing certain types of vertigo, particularly those related to neck issues and inner ear disturbances. While it may not treat all the symptoms, many individuals find relief and improve overall well-being through chiropractic treatment. It is important to consult with a professional to determine if chiropractic care is suitable for the symptoms you feel.