Chiropractic for Treating Vertigo
Originally written and posted by the Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors
How many of us loved the sensation of spinning around in a circle to make ourselves dizzy as children? We spun and spun and spun, were dizzy for a few seconds and laughed it off. Vertigo sufferers feel this dizzy sensation constantly and it can last for hours or even days and can come out of nowhere.
Chiropractic has been found to be an effective treatment for certain types of vertigo, which can be very frustrating for suffers.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is the feeling of being off-balance and dizzy, as if you or your surroundings are moving, spinning, or swaying. Sufferers’ feelings of being off balance can differ greatly, from being barely noticeable to so severe they find it hard to keep their balance doing everyday tasks.
A lot of people misunderstand what vertigo is. Vertigo is actually a symptom rather than a condition itself. This means your dizziness is your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right.
Vertigo is most common in elderly people, but it can affect both sexes at any age.
What conditions is vertigo a symptom of?
Vertigo is most commonly a sign of a problem in an area of your body that plays a role in how your body orients itself and maintains balance. Vertigo may be a symptom of;
- damage to the inner ear
- damage to spinal joints or ligaments
- misalignment or a partial dislocation of the vertebrae in the neck
How can chiropractic help?
Chiropractic is an excellent option for treating certain types of vertigo. Your treatment will depend on what your vertigo is a symptom of.
One treatment option, is an adjustment targeting the joints that aren’t moving properly. In the upper neck, faulty motion patterns can result in mistaken information about body position and movement being communicated from your joints to your brain. A simple adjustment can often correct this problem.
If your problem is inner-ear related, your chiropractor may preform what is called the Epley Maneuver. This maneuver consists of repositioning debris that has collected in the sensitive areas of your inner-ear to a more harmless position. Another option for inner-ear related vertigo is specific exercises targeting the vestibulocochlear (inner-ear) system.
After an initial assessment, your chiropractor will decide the best course of action for you in treating the condition behind your vertigo.
