Central Vertigo

Peripheral Vertigo and Central Vertigo: What's The Difference?

Are you suffering from vertigo? If so, which kind? Did you know that there is more than one kind of vertigo? And did you know that one kind may indicate a much more serious health problem than the other?

If you are suffering from symptoms of vertigo, you might think it's not serious and you'll just wait for the problem to pass. Depending on the type of vertigo you have, this could be a mistake. Here is what you need to know. 

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a dizzy sensation that makes you feel like you or the room around you is spinning. It is very disorienting and can cause you to lose your balance. Some other common symptoms of vertigo include headaches, nausea, and vomiting. 

There are two types of vertigo you should be aware of:  peripheral vertigo and central vertigo.

What Is Peripheral Vertigo?

Peripheral vertigo is the most common type of vertigo, usually caused by a problem in the inner ear. It may be caused by an infection in the inner ear, a buildup of fluid, or harmless calcium crystal deposits. 

Misalignment of the upper cervical spine, located in the neck, may inflame the area and put pressure on tiny tubes causing blockages and drainage problems. This can cause fluid to build up, infections to fester, or calcium crystals to become trapped.

What Is Central Vertigo?

Central vertigo may indicate a potentially more serious problem. The symptoms are caused by a breakdown of communication in the Central Nervous System (CNS). Messages being sent from the brain are being disrupted. This may be due to a more serious condition such as stroke, tumors, migraines, or multiple sclerosis (MS). 

Once again, the upper cervical spine plays a key role. Starting just below the brain stem where it connects to the spinal cord, any misalignments of the upper cervical spine may cause inflammation and swelling. Nerves may be compressed and/or impinged, leading to disrupted nerve signals. 

How We Treat Vertigo

At the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas, we try to get to the root of both peripheral and central vertigo by treating the upper cervical spine. Our Dr. Gordon Elder is a specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. This technique combines the best of modern technology and specialized manual methods to restore the upper cervical spine's alignment. 

Blair practitioners start with state-of-the-art technology to assess the condition of your spine. They are then able to apply a lighter touch with more precision to make adjustments, making for a much more comfortable, gentler chiropractic experience. 

Dr. Elder has a three-step plan for treating vertigo, which begins with a thorough screening and advanced 3D diagnostic imaging tools. Once he assesses your unique anatomy, he's able to make corrections with low-pressure techniques to bring your spine back to proper alignment.

As a third and final step, Dr. Elder recommends adding chiropractic care to your regular healthcare routine. Check-ups will ensure alignments hold and will allow the doctor to nip any new problems in the bud. 

If you're looking for a safe, natural, drug-free, non-invasive treatment for vertigo, contact Dr. Elder to see how he can help you. Our areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as 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.