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