Vertigo, a sensation of feeling off-balance, is often associated with a perception of spinning or swaying when you're stationary. This condition can be quite unsettling and might be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and balance problems. Vertigo is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of various conditions, mainly related to issues in the inner ear or brain. Let's delve deeper into the causes of vertigo to understand its underlying mechanisms.
Peripheral Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium particles clump up in the inner ear canals, causing brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. BPPV can occur for no known reason and may be associated with age.
Meniere's Disease: This is an inner ear disorder caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear that can cause episodes of vertigo along with tinnitus (ringing in the ear) and hearing loss. The exact cause of Meniere's disease is still unknown, though it is believed to be related to viral infections of the inner ear, head injury, or genetic predisposition.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: These are inflammation of the inner ear usually caused by viral infections, resulting in dizziness and loss of balance. The inflammation causes a disruption in the transmission of sensory information from the ear to the brain.
Migraines: Some people may experience vertigo and other types of dizziness before they have a migraine or even without a headache.
Central Vertigo
Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A stroke or TIA in the brainstem or cerebellum can cause vertigo. These areas of the brain control balance and coordination, and disruption in their function can lead to feelings of vertigo.
Multiple Sclerosis: This is a disease of the nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. Vertigo can be an early symptom of MS.
Acoustic Neuroma: This is a benign growth or tumor on the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. Along with vertigo, symptoms may include hearing loss and tinnitus.
Migraines: Just as with peripheral vertigo, migraines can also cause central vertigo.
Vertigo is a complex symptom that can be a signal of various underlying conditions, most commonly those affecting the inner ear or brain. If you're experiencing vertigo, it's essential to seek medical advice. Through accurate diagnosis and treatment, the underlying cause of vertigo can often be effectively managed, leading to an improvement in symptoms. The management of vertigo involves a multidisciplinary approach that could include medications, physical maneuvers, vestibular rehabilitation therapy, lifestyle changes, or in some cases, surgery. Always consult with a healthcare professional to understand the best options for your specific condition.
How We Can Help Alleviate Vertigo
Dr. Gordon Elder is a practitioner of the Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractic Technique. This chiropractic care approach utilizes diagnostic imaging to gently realign the upper cervical spine, thereby restoring natural spinal column function and reinvigorating the body's innate healing processes.
In treating vertigo, Dr. Elder employs a two-phase method to identify and address the condition. The first step involves a screening process to ascertain whether a spinal misalignment might be triggering your vertigo. Initial screening sessions typically last between 25 to 30 minutes.
If a misalignment is identified, your initial consultation will be followed by a second appointment. During this session, Dr. Elder will apply advanced 3-D imaging tools to accurately determine the exact location and angle of your vertebral misalignment. Afterward, you'll receive a comprehensive report detailing the findings of your consultation. You'll also have the opportunity to ask Dr. Elder any queries you may have about your treatment plan.
To rectify your misalignment, Dr. Elder will implement a series of gentle, precise adjustment techniques to realign the misaligned vertebrae back to their natural position. This process aids in reducing inflammation in the surrounding areas and promoting normal nerve flow.
After the initial adjustment, patients are advised to return for regular check-ups, which will be spaced out to ensure that the adjustment remains intact over a period of 3 months. Over a span of 3-5 months, most patients typically have between 10 and 15 appointments with Dr. Elder.
If vertigo is hindering you from leading a fulfilled life, don't hesitate to reach out today to make an appointment with Dr. Elder. Situated in Lubbock, Texas, Blair Chiropractic Clinic also services the communities of 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.