Feeling off balance and dizzy is an unsettling experience. Whether you’re dealing with vertigo or another type of balance disorder, you might experience more symptoms than dizziness. Lightheadedness, lack of coordination, or a sensation of spinning or floating can greatly impact your daily life. There are ways to treat it with medications. However, more people are turning to chiropractic care as a non-invasive option to find relief and regain their stability.
What Is Vertigo and What Causes It?
While vertigo, imbalance, and dizziness are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences worth noting. Vertigo is defined by a false sense of movement, typically described as spinning, whereas imbalance refers to a feeling of unsteadiness on your feet. Dizziness is a broader term that includes symptoms related to both vertigo and imbalance, as well as lightheadedness, faintness, and general disorientation.
Vertigo can be caused by various factors, and it's essential to understand the triggers causing the sensation. Often, vertigo is a symptom of an inner ear disorder, such as:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is typically triggered by changes in head position when an ear crystal has become dislodged.
- Vestibular neuritis: This occurs due to inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often as a result of viral infections.
- Meniere’s disease: This chronic condition is believed to be related to fluid buildup in the inner ear, though the exact cause is still unclear. Usually, it affects only one ear.
Head and neck trauma can also lead to various types of vertigo, including cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, which originates from the cervical spine.
Chiropractic care aims to address these conditions affecting the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear structure that helps maintain balance. When the vestibular system is impaired, the body struggles to maintain stability.
The Chiropractic Perspective on Vertigo
Spinal misalignment—especially in the upper cervical region—can disrupt the neurological signals that promote balance and overall quality of life. When the nervous system is impaired due to tension, inflammation, or nerve compression in the spine, it can affect the brain's ability to process signals from the inner ear, leading to dizziness and more severe symptoms like vertigo.
Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach by focusing on the relationship between the body's structure, primarily the spine, and its functions. Addressing misalignments in the spine can positively impact poor coordination and balance.
Key Chiropractic Techniques for Managing Vertigo
Chiropractors use several specialized techniques to effectively treat vertigo, including:
- Cervical spine adjustments: These adjustments help realign the joints and vertebrae, allowing nerves to communicate properly, reducing vertigo.
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Epley maneuver: This technique treats Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) by realigning the crystals in the ear that regulate balance. It is typically performed by chiropractors trained in vestibular rehabilitation. It can also be done at home on a bed if you’re not able to move around due to vertigo. This set of moves will help put the crystal back in its place
- Soft tissue therapy: Massaging the soft tissues in the cervical area can relax the muscles, improve circulation, and decrease nerve irritation, thereby promoting better balance.
- Postural correction: Chiropractors often provide exercises and stretching suggestions to help improve posture while sitting, standing, and sleeping.
What to Expect During a Chiropractic Evaluation
Your first chiropractic visit will involve a thorough assessment, which may include a review of your medical history, a physical exam, neurological testing, and imaging.
The chiropractor may also use other diagnostic tests, such as:
- Dix-Hallpike maneuver: This involves a series of head movements while you lie down to determine if BPPV is present.
- Romberg test: This requires standing with your feet together, first with your eyes open and then closed, to observe any balance issues.
Understanding whether your vertigo is related to a dysfunction in the spine or vestibular system allows the chiropractor to develop the most effective treatment plan.
The frequency and duration of chiropractic visits depend on the underlying cause of your condition. While some patients experience improvements within a few sessions, more serious cases may take longer to achieve relief.
Integrative Care and Lifestyle Tips
In addition to regular spinal adjustments, certain steps can help better manage vertigo and prevent recurrence, including:
- Maintaining proper hydration and monitoring sodium intake: Dehydration can lead to dizziness and vertigo, while excessive sodium can worsen symptoms by disrupting fluid balance.
- Managing stress: Feelings of anxiety can intensify dizziness and vertigo. Try calming techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
- Exercising regularly, but gently: Low-impact exercises, such as walking and gentle stretching, can improve balance and manage vertigo. Avoid exercises with rapid head movements.
Who Should Consider Chiropractic Care for Vertigo?
If you experience frequent or severe tension headaches, dizziness, or vertigo, consider consulting an experienced chiropractic practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and personalized care. Chiropractic care offers a safe, non-invasive approach to managing certain types of vertigo and balance disorders.
At Village Chiropractic, we will assess your physical symptoms and develop a comprehensive plan to help improve your balance and overall well-being.
If you would like to manage your symptoms and regain your stability, request an appointment with our team located in The Woodlands and Cypress.
