The Anxiety-Vertigo Link: Understanding What's Beyond the Dizziness

For many, the feeling of dizziness or spinning known as vertigo can be disorienting and frightening. But what's even more perplexing for some is the link between vertigo and anxiety. Understanding this connection can shed light on why vertigo might exacerbate feelings of anxiety and vice versa.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a false sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning or tilting, even when neither is moving. While it may be temporary or long-lasting, its symptoms can be severely incapacitating.

The Vertigo-Anxiety Connection

1. Physiological Links: Both vertigo and anxiety can activate the body's stress response. This can lead to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and a surge in adrenaline levels, which can exacerbate feelings of dizziness and unease.

2. Fear of the Unknown: Individuals who experience sudden bouts of vertigo might develop anxiety over the unpredictability of these episodes. The fear of a vertigo attack, especially in public or potentially hazardous situations (like driving), can intensify anxious feelings.

3. Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like Meniere's disease or vestibular migraines can cause vertigo. These disorders can lead to increased anxiety levels because of the recurrent and unpredictable nature of their symptoms.

4. Feedback Loop: Anxiety can heighten the awareness of vertigo symptoms, which in turn can increase anxiety. This feedback loop can make both conditions more challenging to manage.

How Anxiety Can Exacerbate Vertigo

• Hyperventilation: Anxiety can lead to rapid, shallow breathing or hyperventilation, which can result in dizziness or lightheadedness, further intensifying vertigo symptoms.

• Muscle Tension: Chronic anxiety can lead to muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulders. This tension can affect the muscles and joints connecting the cervical spine to the skull, potentially impacting the inner ear and contributing to vertigo.

Treatment Approaches

Understanding the link between vertigo and anxiety is crucial for effective treatment. Some strategies include:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation: This form of physical therapy focuses on improving balance and reducing dizziness-related problems.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals change negative thought patterns related to vertigo and anxiety, offering coping strategies to break the cycle between the two.

3. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care: Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can potentially affect the inner ear's function. Correcting these misalignments can alleviate some causes of vertigo.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake, practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises, and ensuring adequate sleep can all contribute to managing both vertigo and anxiety.

The intricate connection between anxiety and vertigo can make daily life challenging for those affected by both conditions. Recognizing the link and seeking comprehensive treatment that addresses both the physical symptoms and emotional responses is vital. With proper care and understanding, individuals can navigate this complex relationship and improve their quality of life.

How We Treat Vertigo

Dr. Gordon Elder specializes in the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This advanced chiropractic approach uses diagnostic imaging to delicately correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine, reinstating its natural alignment and reigniting the body's innate healing processes.

In addressing vertigo, Dr. Elder adopts a comprehensive two-tiered strategy. The initial step involves a screening to ascertain if spinal misalignment might be the root cause of the vertigo. This preliminary assessment typically spans 25–30 minutes.

If a misalignment is identified, a subsequent session is scheduled. During this, Dr. Elder utilizes state-of-the-art 3-D imaging to meticulously determine the degree and location of the vertebral misalignment. After this diagnostic phase, you'll be presented with a detailed analysis, and Dr. Elder will be available to discuss the findings and potential treatments.

To rectify the misalignment, Dr. Elder applies gentle yet accurate adjustment methods, positioning the vertebrae back to their natural state. This not only diminishes inflammation around the area but also promotes regular nerve activity.

After the primary adjustment, patients are advised to attend periodic check-ups, which become less frequent over time, to confirm the stability of the adjustment for the subsequent 3 months. On average, over a span of 3-5 months, patients have 10 to 15 sessions with Dr. Elder.

Should vertigo be hampering your daily life, we invite you to consult with Dr. Elder regarding enhancing the health of your upper cervical spine. Blair Chiropractic Clinic, based in Lubbock, Texas, also extends its services to Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

Stress, Anxiety, and Migraines: Uncovering the Connection

Stress, anxiety, and migraines are interconnected, often existing in a feedback loop that exacerbates each condition. With more than 37 million people in the U.S. affected by migraines, understanding the relationship between these three factors can be critical for both prevention and treatment. This article delves into the deep-seated connections and how they play a role in the lives of many individuals.

What are Migraines?

Migraines are not just regular headaches. They are a complex neurological disorder characterized by severe throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head, which can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last for hours or even days, with pain so severe that routine activities become impossible.

Stress & Migraines: A Cyclical Relationship

• Triggering Effect: High levels of stress can act as a trigger for migraine attacks. Stressful situations release certain chemicals in the brain that can provoke vascular changes, leading to a migraine.

• Post-Migraine Stress: The aftermath of a migraine attack can lead to increased stress, as individuals worry about when the next one might occur or cope with the disruption the migraine has caused in their daily lives.

• Prolonged Effects: Chronic stress can lead to increased frequency and severity of migraines over time, making stress management a key component of migraine prevention.

Anxiety’s Role in the Mix

Anxiety often travels hand-in-hand with both stress and migraines, further complicating the situation.

• Anticipation Anxiety: People who suffer from migraines often develop anxiety anticipating the next attack, especially if their migraines are unpredictable or particularly debilitating.

• Symptomatic Overlap: Migraine symptoms like increased heart rate, shortness of breath, and dizziness can mirror symptoms of panic attacks. This overlap can heighten anxiety levels during a migraine, making it harder to differentiate between the two conditions.

• Shared Neurological Pathways: Recent research suggests that migraines and anxiety may share similar neurological pathways, explaining the increased prevalence of anxiety disorders among migraine sufferers.

Breaking the Cycle

Understanding the intricate relationship between stress, anxiety, and migraines can pave the way for more effective management and treatment strategies.

• Stress Management: Incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can be beneficial. Regular physical activity and a consistent sleep routine also play a crucial role in stress reduction.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage stress and reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.

• Biofeedback: This technique teaches individuals to control physiological functions to reduce pain and the frequency of migraines.

• Stay Informed: Keeping a headache diary can help in identifying triggers and patterns related to migraines. Being aware can help in making lifestyle adjustments and better managing potential triggers.

The intricate web connecting stress, anxiety, and migraines underscores the importance of a holistic approach to treatment. By recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate interventions, individuals can significantly reduce the impact of these debilitating headaches on their daily lives. As research continues to shed light on these interconnections, it brings hope for more targeted and effective treatments in the future.

How We Treat Migraines

Dr. Gordon Elder stands out as a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This method emphasizes the wellness of the upper cervical spine, pinpointing and addressing spinal deviations to reinstate a healthy alignment and function of both the spinal column and the adjacent nerves.

In addressing migraines, Dr. Elder adopts a dual-faceted strategy to diagnose and treat the ailment. The journey commences with a detailed 25–30-minute assessment to discern if vertebral misalignment might be inducing nerve strain. After this evaluation, patients are provided a concise overview of the findings, allowing them an opportunity to discuss their spinal health concerns with Dr. Elder.

Subsequently, leveraging gentle, minimal-force corrective techniques, Dr. Elder skillfully aligns any deviated vertebrae to their inherent position. This not only revives the body's innate healing capabilities but also ensures seamless nerve communication. A cornerstone of this approach is the use of state-of-the-art 3-D imaging diagnostics, honing in on the precise site of any discrepancies in the upper cervical region.

Post the primary realignment, individuals are encouraged to attend consistent, though increasingly intermittent, sessions over the next three months to verify the sustainability of the adjustments. On average, over a span of 3-5 months, patients typically have 10 to 15 consultations with Dr. Elder.

Should migraines be hindering your daily routine, don't hesitate to reach out and book a session with Dr. Elder. The Blair Chiropractic Clinic, stationed in Lubbock, Texas, also extends its services to Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.

A Natural Treatment Method for Anxiety Disorder

What Are Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that affect over 40 million people in the United States. The cause of anxiety disorders is not fully understood, but it is believed that they are triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some common environmental triggers include stress, traumatic experiences, and transitions. Although there is no guaranteed cure for anxiety disorders, therapy, prescription medication, and natural treatments can all be used to reduce symptom frequency and severity.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety 

Anxiety disorders are characterized by a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, difficulty concentrating, chest pain, shortness of breath, and diarrhea.

How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Anxiety

The relationship between the upper cervical spine and anxiety has been the subject of an enormous amount of research in recent years. Much of this research has focused on the connection between the upper cervical spine and the brainstem. 

The brainstem is responsible for controlling the autonomic nervous system, which regulates many of the body's involuntary functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone production. When the upper cervical spine is out of alignment, the misaligned vertebrae can place pressure on the brainstem, causing inflammation and interfering with its ability to properly regulate major bodily functions. Left untreated, misalignment-induced dysfunction in the brainstem can lead to a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms, including anxiety disorders.

How Our Upper Cervical Spine Treatment for Anxiety Works 

Dr. Gordon Elder, our in-house chiropractic specialist, is an expert practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This approach to chiropractic care focuses on the use of precise and gentle chiropractic adjustment techniques to reboot the body’s natural healing mechanisms and restore natural alignment to the upper cervical spine. 

At our office, treating an anxiety disorder begins with a 25-30-minute consultation with Dr. Elder. During this time, Dr. Elder will discuss your symptoms and spinal health in a safe and comfortable space. If, at any time, you feel uncomfortable or need time or space alone, just let us know! To determine whether you are suffering from a vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine, Dr. Elder will employ a range of diagnostic techniques, including physical exams and advanced 3-D imaging tools.  

If the diagnostic process reveals a misalignment, Dr. Elder will perform a series of low-force, non-invasive adjustment techniques to correct the affected vertebrae. If you’re concerned about pain during the adjustment process, don’t worry — Dr. Elder will never use techniques that require painful cracking or twisting of the spine. 

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for anxiety. For best results, we strongly encourage first-time patients to return for regular check-ups (for at least 3-5 months) with Dr. Elder to monitor their symptoms and ensure their adjustment has set. Most patients average between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder to achieve long-lasting results.

If you’re tired of living with anxiety, we can help! Get in touch today to speak with Dr. Gordon Elder about your spinal health. Located in Lubbock, Texas, Dr. Elder also services Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, El Paso in Texas, and Hobbs in New Mexico.

Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.