Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or loss of balance, which has a very unsettling effect on sufferers, causing many to change their normal activities for fear of suddenly feeling dizzy, nauseated, or falling down.
If you are pondering the question “can a chiropractor help my vertigo?” the answer is usually yes. Seeing an experienced chiropractor for vertigo can help identify the root cause of the condition and in many cases reduce or eliminate the unsettling symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
In addition to feeling dizzy, unbalanced, or pulled to one side, vertigo is often associated with:1
Nausea and vomiting
Abnormal eye movements
Headache or migraine
Sweating and hot flashes
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
What Causes Vertigo?
More than 90% of vertigo cases are caused by these three medical conditions:2
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). The semicircular canals of the inner ear contain fluid and are essential to balance. When small crystals break free and float in this liquid, they can cause sudden and short vertigo episodes triggered by certain head movements. While BPPV is sometimes associated with head injury, it can also develop spontaneously.
Labyrinthitis. Sometimes called vestibular neuritis, this condition is usually caused by an inner ear viral infection, which causes swelling and irritation of the inner ear. While the swelling persists, sudden vertigo symptoms and hearing loss may develop.
Meniere’s Disease. Linked to viral infections, allergies, and injury, this condition causes excess fluid to build up inside the inner ear. Along with hearing loss and a feeling of pressure in the ear, it causes sudden, intense vertigo which can persist for a long period of time.
Other Risk Factors for Vertigo
You might experience vertigo as a symptom associated with these other conditions and risk factors:2
Chronic migraines
Head or neck injury
Inner ear infections
Genetic factors or family history
Medication use including aspirin and anticonvulsants
Drug or alcohol use
Dehydration
Low blood pressure
Heart problems or stroke
Neurological conditions
How Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo?
The best chiropractic treatment for vertigo will depend on the underlying cause. Based on your symptoms and history, Dr. Matt will likely recommend these types of treatments:
Chiropractic adjustment to ensure the joints of the neck and spine are properly aligned, enabling correct communication through the nervous system about body position and movement.
Specific techniques which reposition the crystals and bony particles within the inner ear to reduce the symptoms of BPPV.
Adjustments of the upper neck vertebrae which will allow the sinuses and Eustachian tubes to drain properly, which helps treat and prevent ear infection.
Lifestyle guidance to improve immune system function and help you avoid common chemical causes of vertigo, including smoking, alcohol, and certain medications.
Recommended relaxation techniques and exercises like yoga or tai chi which will help you focus on restoring and improving your natural balance and agility.
Finding the Right Balance for Your System
When you need a chiropractor to fix vertigo symptoms, you are seeking to restore balance and wellness to your life. Dr. Matt goes beyond asking where it hurts to learn about your unique needs and challenges.
With an understanding of how and why your head is spinning, McCann Family Chiropractic can help you find solid footing and whole body healing. Schedule an appointment today to regain that vital balance!