Vertigo. It’s the name of an Alfred Hitchcock movie in which the film’s central character suffers from vertigo, which is a type of dizziness which falsely creates a sense of movement.
Those who’ve sustained trauma to the head or neck are likely to suffer from dizziness or vertigo. Sudden attacks of dizziness can be accompanied by disorientation and the need to hold onto a stationary object to avoid falling. But dizziness can also provoke nausea and vomiting, when severe.
At this point, I should say that dizziness can also be caused by a viral ear infection, so if you’re experiencing frequent dizzy spells, it’s always best to see a doctor.
But can chiropractic help dizziness? The answer is “yes”! I frequently see patients suffering from dizziness. I’ve been able to offer them relief, with the following chiropractic responses.
Manipulation
When your neck is out of alignment, your brain reads that dysfunction in a way which may cause dizziness. Speaking in plain terms, your brain is misreading routine information.
Chiropractic manipulation of the neck is an effective response to this cause of dizziness which is called cervicogenic vertigo.
Positioning
The inner ear is crucial to your sense of balance. When it’s interfered with, especially by debris in the ear, a loss of balance and vertigo may result.
The Epley Maneuver is used by chiropractors to reposition the debris, so that it stops interfering with your balance. It’s moved to an innocuous location and balance is restored.
Movement therapy
Because chiropractors have a keen understanding of biomechanics, we may prescribe therapeutic exercises to patients with vertigo.
One of the most effective is the Brandt-Daroff technique. This involves the patient using the bed as a tool. Flopping on their side on the bed, then sitting upright at one minute intervals, can recalibrate the nervous system.
Tai Chi is also useful for treating vertigo, as the movements are slow, deliberate and grounding.
Other causes
As a chiropractor, I treat the whole person. When a patient comes to me complaining of dizziness, I’ll ask them some specific questions, some of which concern lifestyle and habits.
Substances like alcohol and tobacco can trigger dizziness in some people, so if you’re having dizzy spells, you may need to lose these habits. Sleeping pills and other pharmaceuticals can also be the culprit. As a chiropractor, I need to know what your habits and lifestyle are, so I can really help you.
I may even suggest meditation as a means of breaking a habit or breathing exercises to help patients center themselves if breaking the habit involved is difficult.
Back & Body Medical
People are often amazed at the myriad applications of chiropractic care, so I love to share them in blog posts like this.
As a chiropractor, I’m proud to work in an award-winning, multi-disciplinarian clinic where patients have access to my services, as well as those of acupunturists, physical therapists and sports medicine practitioners.
If you’re suffering from dizziness you believe may have been provoked by trauma, please contact me to schedule a consultation.
