Have you ever felt like you were on a merry-go-round that wouldn’t stop spinning? If so, you may have experienced vertigo. This is the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving when no actual movement occurs. It can be highly disorienting and even downright scary. Fortunately, chiropractic care can be a safe and effective treatment for some types of vertigo.
Why Won’t The Room Stop Spinning?
The symptoms of vertigo can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms are associated with the condition. Besides feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning, you may also experience any or all of the following:
- Dizziness
- Feeling Unsteady On Your Feet
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Increased Heart Rate
- Difficulty Concentrating Or Focusing
- Headaches
- Blurry Vision
- Tinnitus/Ringing Ears
What Causes Dizziness?
There are two types of vertigo: peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo is caused by problems with your inner ear or vestibular nerve—the nerve that transmits information about balance from your inner ear to your brain. Central vertigo, on the other hand, is caused by problems in the brain or spinal cord.
Causes Of Peripheral Vertigo
- Meniere’s Disease
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Common Causes Of Central Vertigo
- Migraines
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Tumors
- Certain Medications
- Blood Vessel Disease
What Is BPPV And What Causes It?
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals build up in the inner ear. These crystals usually stay in place, but they can become dislodged and float into one of the three fluid-filled chambers of the ear. When this happens, it causes a false sense of movement and a sudden, intense bout of dizziness that lasts for a few seconds to a few minutes. BPPV is usually not harmful but can be very disruptive to daily life. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available, including chiropractic adjustments.
There Are Drug-Free Options To Get Rid Of Vertigo
While various treatments exist, one option often overlooked is chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments can effectively treat both central and peripheral vertigo by helping to align the spine and improve communication between the brain and the nervous system. This type of care may be right for you if you’re looking for a safe, drug-free way to treat your dizzy spells.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Reduce Dizziness?
Chiropractors use various techniques to relieve pressure on the inner ear and improve communication between the body and brain. These techniques include manual manipulation of the neck and spine and exercises that help retrain your balance system.
CRM Is Effective In Treating Vertigo
One particularly effective chiropractic technique for treating vertigo is canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRM). CRM involves manually moving the head into specific positions to move the calcium crystals out of the semicircular canal and back into their proper location within the inner ear. Studies have shown that CRM effectively reduces symptoms within one week in up to 80% of patients.
Get Chiropractic Care And Vertigo Relief In Seattle & Ballard
Glacier Chiropractic has helped many Ballard area patients find relief from both central and peripheral vertigo, including BPPV. If you want to say goodbye to those dreadful dizzy spells and return to enjoying your life again, call today to schedule your initial appointment.