Vertigo can often occur after head and neck trauma. The source of vertigo may be from disturbances in nervous system pathways or from inner ear problems. Chiropractic manipulation is often helpful in cases of vertigo. Here’s what you need to know about how a chiropractor can help vertigo, courtesy of Dr. Shane Silver.
Symptoms of Vertigo
The most common symptom of vertigo is a feeling that things are spinning around you. It can occur when you are sitting, standing, lying down or moving. People with vertigo may sway when standing or sitting. They often report feeling unbalanced, complain of nausea, headache or sweating. They may also say they have ringing in the ears or hearing loss.
Alignment, The Ears, and Vertigo
After years of poor posture or a trauma, the joints in the neck may not move properly. Faulty motion patterns affect the messages your nervous system sends to the brain, including messages about body position and movement. This can result in what is called cervicogenic vertigo. The other position sensor in your body is inside the ears. Debris – usually from calcium fragments – can accumulate on the hair-like sensors. This distorts messages going to the central nervous system and causes vertigo.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Whether the vertigo is triggered by a misalignment or debris in the inner ears, chiropractic adjustments can be helpful. Manipulation of the head, neck, and shoulders can restore normal alignment and promote improved nervous system function. For inner ear problems, the chiropractor will usually use a technique called the Epley Maneuver to reposition the inner ear debris. Your chiropractor may also recommend various exercises for both conditions.
Vertigo, especially if it is severe, can be miserable for the patient. A chiropractic adjustment can make a big difference and you need not worry about medication side effects. If you have vertigo, please contact us for an assessment.
