Vertigo is a form of dizziness characterised by a sensation of spinning or motion in you or your surroundings. It may include symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and feeling unsteady.
Chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive, and drug-free approach to managing vertigo and dizziness. Vertigo occurs when the brain misinterprets movement, causing a sensation of spinning or motion even when stationary. This feeling is common and can sometimes precede a migraine. While sudden head movements can trigger vertigo, it is usually not a sign of a serious condition, although it can be distressing.
At Be Fit Chiro, our chiropractors can identify the root cause of your vertigo or dizziness and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your health needs. Treatment options may include repositioning techniques such as the Epley or Semont Maneuver, which have proven to be effective in relieving symptoms in over 90% of patients.
Types of Vertigo
Vertigo duration varies depending on the cause, ranging from a brief moment to a lifetime. It can impact individuals of all ages. Below are some common types of vertigo:
(1) Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a frequently encountered condition characterised by short periods of disorientation caused by changes in head position. Although BPPV is not life-threatening, it significantly impacts daily life by causing inconvenience, impairment, and reduced quality of life.
Causes
BPPV occurs when tiny particles called otoconia become loose and move into one of the semicircular canals in the inner ear, disrupting the normal flow of fluid in that canal used by the brain to sense head position, resulting in vertigo.
(2) Meniere's Disease
Meniere’s Disease is a long-term condition that affects the inner ear, causing recurring episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. The precise cause of the condition is not completely understood, but it seems to be linked to an unusual buildup of fluid in the inner ear.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact reason behind Meniere’s Disease remains unclear, but various factors are thought to play a role, including abnormal fluid production in the inner ear, intracranial pressure, stress, vitamin B12 deficiency, menopause, under-active thyroid, weak heart, circulatory disorders, Collagenosis/Sicca Syndrome, and syphilis.
(3) Vestibular Neuritis
Vestibular neuritis occurs when the 8th cranial nerve, responsible for transmitting balance and head position information from the inner ear to the brain, becomes inflamed. This inflammation leads to symptoms such as severe vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues, typically without affecting hearing.
Causes
Viral Infections
Viral infections typically cause vestibular neuritis by directly inflaming the nerves or triggering an immune response that leads to nerve inflammation.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections, although less common than viral ones, can also provoke vestibular neuritis. Infections such as middle ear infections, meningitis, or systemic infections may allow bacteria to travel to the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
Cervicogenic Vertigo
Cervicogenic vertigo results from abnormalities in the cervical spine, which cause balance issues due to misfiring signals from the neck to the brain. People with cervicogenic vertigo may also experience neck pain and stiffness, and in some cases, certain neck movements or positions can trigger its onset.
Causes
Neck Injuries: Injuries to the neck, such as whiplash from a motor vehicle accident or sports activities, can lead to cervicogenic vertigo.
Cervical Spondylosis: involves degenerative spine changes in the neck, can compress nerves and cause vertigo.
Herniated discs: discs in the neck can bulge or protrude, pressing on nerves and causing vertigo symptoms.
Poor posture: Chronic poor posture, especially forward head posture, strains neck muscles and joints, contributing to cervicogenic vertigo.
Muscle Strain: Muscle strain or overuse in the neck can disrupt proprioceptive signals and result in dizziness.
How Chiropractors Can Help with Dizziness and Vertigo
Understanding the Role of Chiropractic Care in Managing Dizziness and Vertigo
Chiropractic diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal conditions with an emphasis on the spine, and chiropractors utilise a multitude of objective diagnostic and clinical procedures that may correct the underlying mechanical causes of dizzy and unsteady spells. When considering your treatment, keep in mind that chiropractic care is more than just adjustments to the spine – it is a natural, wellness-based healthcare approach that is non-invasive, drug-free and effective.
1 . Diagnosing the Underlying Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo
Upon suspicion of a diagnosis, our chiropractors undertake a comprehensive examination process to determine the root causes of dizziness or vertigo. This includes a physical examination, evaluation of medical history, and diagnostic tests to pinpoint if spinal misalignments or issues with the vestibular system may be causing the symptoms.
2. Spinal Adjustments to Correct Misalignments
Spinal manipulation or adjustment is considered essential in chiropractic care. By realigning the spine, or especially the cervical spine so as to take pressure off nerves and increase blood flow, the cause of cervicogenic dizziness and vertigo can be relieved.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
Our chiropractors frequently include vestibular rehabilitation exercises in their treatment plans to enhance balance and coordination. These exercises aim to retrain the brain and vestibular system to process sensory information more efficiently.
Be Fit Chiro’s Holistic Approach to Well-being
We at Be Fit Chiro Brunswick stays abreast of the latest research and integrates proven methodologies into our chiropractic services. With Be Fit Chiro Brunswick, you’re not just getting care; you’re getting efficient, evidence-based chiropractic treatments designed to produce optimal results and enhance overall well-being. Our comprehensive approach delves deep, which means we don’t just manage the apparent symptoms but also pinpoint and address the underlying root causes, using a blend of traditional and innovative treatments. With this, every patient benefits from a tailored plan for pain relief and wellness.
Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care supported by evidence offers reliable assessments and sustainable improvement in spinal health.
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
Our holistic treatment approach emphasises overall well-being by addressing root causes for a balanced and healthier self.
Dedicated and Compassionate Team
Our caring team is dedicated to your well-being, offering personalised attention throughout your health journey.
Feel free to book online or get in touch with us at (03) 9118 0619 to schedule your appointment and get relief from vertigo and dizziness.