Vertigo, Commonly Referred to as Dizziness
Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when in fact they aren’t. Dizziness is a big problem because it makes normal activities difficult if not impossible. Dizziness is a common symptom suffered by people who have suffered a neck injury such as those that occur in a car accident. There are a number of causes of dizziness but if your symptoms began following a car accident or some other neck injury there is a good chance that you have developed a condition known as “carcinogenic vertigo”. Cervicogenic vertigo occurs when the nerve fibers that originate in the neck and give the brain information regarding joint position have been damaged, irritated or inflamed and cannot function properly. In this scenario, the joints on one side of the neck are relaying information to the brain that is not consistent with the information being sent by other nerves which cause dizziness and many times nausea.
Vertigo and Chiropractic Treatment
Since there are many causes of dizziness, it is important that we establish the origin of the dizziness before beginning care. Vestibular causes of dizziness are related to the middle ear and likely won’t respond to chiropractic care. Cervicogenic dizziness is known for being more noticeable with moving the neck to turn the head versus when the patient turns their whole body to rotate the head. Cervicogenic vertigo is also often accompanied by neck pain and stiffness – in fact, it rarely occurs without pain and stiffness. Studies have shown that because the source of the dizziness is biomechanical (joints and muscles affecting the nerves) that chiropractic care is often among the most effective treatments. Chiropractic manipulations have a direct effect on the joint capsule which helps to “reset” the nervous system and help your brain re-establish its balance. Cervicogenic vertigo is a serious symptom that takes the time to heal. Be patient with your chiropractic care and chances are good that you will find your balance again.
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