Vertigo can be the result of past injuries to the neck that have not been properly cared for. Since many ignore neck injuries and expect them to go away on their own, the initial damage caused to the neck eventually begins to affect the ears and the vestibular system which is responsible for maintaining balance.
The top vertebrae in the neck are also called the upper cervical spine. When a misalignment occurs here, it affects how the weight of the head (10-14 pounds) is distributed across the body.
The righting reflex is in charge of keeping the eyes level to the horizon. Because of this, when a misalignment occurs in the neck, other parts of the body have to shift to compensate. Especially when the C1 and C2 are misaligned, this can create pressure on the brainstem or in the spinal cord.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
The brainstem plays a vital role in helping to maintain balance. It is the communication center between the ears and the brain. When a misalignment in the neck is affecting brainstem function, signals from the vestibular nerve and other parts of the body can become distorted. Vertigo is just one possible outcome of such an occurrence.
If you suffer from vertigo, I want to encourage you to set up an appointment for a consultation. Upper cervical chiropractors have had great success in relieving vertigo since the condition often springs from an upper cervical misalignment.
We start with a thorough examination of the upper spine to determine if a misalignment exists. Once the exact location and degree of the misalignment can be identified, necessary corrections can take place. As a result, patients may experience a lessening of the frequency or severity of vertigo, and some may enjoy complete resolution.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Crowder, call our McKinney office at 972-449-5845. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or the sudden feeling that either you are spinning or the world around you is spinning, is one of the most common causes of vertigo. These episodes can range anywhere from brief, mild episodes, to extreme dizziness.
A person suffering with BPPV may experience the following signs and symptoms1:
The triggers of an episode of BPPV can, of course, vary from person to person. However, they are almost always connected to a change of position of the head. The vestibular system, which aids in balance and spatial orientation, is comprised of parts of the inner ear and fluid-filled canals. When dysfunction is present in the vestibular system, incorrect information is sent along to the brain regarding movement and body position. The end result of this miscommunication is the sensation of vertigo.2
There seems to be a 50/50 chance that most medical doctors are able find a specific cause of BPPV. When a cause is able to be determined, it is typically associated with a head injury – either minor or severe.3 Unlike most medical doctors, upper cervical chiropractors have long been working to correct the underlying cause of BPPV and other conditions that present with dizziness and vertigo.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
In McKinney, Texas, vertigo expert Dr. Terry Crowder uses a highly specialized method of analysis to reveal misalignments in the upper cervical spine. The uppermost two bones in the neck have the important job of protecting the brainstem itself, which plays a significant role in the body’s ability to sense its position in space.
In many cases, a misalignment, or what chiropractors refer to as a subluxation, in the upper cervical area is found to be the underlying cause of BPPV. In a 2006 study of 60 patients who suffered from vertigo, 100% of them either reported being either improved or completely symptom-free following upper cervical chiropractic care. In this study, after only one month of care, 37-year vertigo sufferer was completely symptom free!4 The only way to know if an upper cervical subluxation is the cause of your BPPV or other vertigo condition is to have an analysis done by an upper cervical chiropractor. That way, the cause can be corrected and you can get back to living a vertigo-free life.
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To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Crowder, call our McKinney office at 972-449-5845. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.