Vertigo has been defined as a spinning sensation of either the person experiencing it or the things surrounding him. It is the feeling of movement when there is no movement. Between 5 and 10% of the population suffers from vertigo. It is often linked to problems within the inner ear.

Vertigo is known for:

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness
• Nausea

In extreme cases, vomiting and visual disturbances can be added to this list. Finding a way to cope with spinning is under debate. Some feel that medications are the best way to handle the problem. However, most of these medicines are actually made for other health conditions, and they come along with unwanted side effects. Others feel that surgery is the best answer if vertigo has become severe. Neither of these options is entirely effective.

It is important to educate patients on what may trigger an episode of vertigo so that these can be avoided. Some new information may hold the key to triggers in some individuals. Smartphones and tablets are known for putting off a certain amount of vibrations. These ultrasonic vibrations can actually begin to affect the ears of those suffering from spinning and may induce an attack. This is something patients must be aware of if they find themselves among a crowd of people with these electronic devices.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

How Vertigo May Be Helped

Upper cervical chiropractors take a unique approach when helping patients cope with their condition. Rather than trying to alleviate symptoms, we look for the root cause. Often this is connected to a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. The top bone of the neck, called the atlas bone, is responsible for balancing the head and plays a vital role with regards to the ears. If the atlas has become misaligned, vertigo can be the end result. It has been shown in case studies that correcting an atlas misalignment is sometimes all that is needed to alleviate the symptoms. Many see their vertigo improve greatly, while others see it go away completely.

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.

Neck pain is such a common condition that you'd be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't experienced it at some point.  Neck pain can arise for many reasons, but the one thing they all have in common is an increase in stress and strain on the spine.  

1. Overuse of mobile technology – This is quickly becoming one of the biggest factors in neck pain.  Flexing the neck down to look at your phone or tablet for extended periods of time puts an abnormal strain on the structures of the neck.
2. Repetitive motion injuries – Moving the neck repeatedly in the same way over and over can cause chronic pain.
3. Stress – Coping with stress can cause the shoulders to tense and elevate, which can lead to neck tension and even headaches.
4. Sleep position – People who sleep on their stomach are particularly vulnerable to developing neck pain since the head is rotated maximally to one side through the night.

Paying attention to these factors might help to prevent an episode of neck pain, but if your neck is already stiff and sore, then there may be other factors at play.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and chronic neck pain, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Correcting the Cause of Neck Pain

If adjusting your habits hasn't led to a complete resolution of your neck pain, then the odds are good that it caused a misalignment of the topmost vertebra in your neck.  That vertebra, your atlas (C1), is the most freely movable one of the entire spine and is responsible for carrying the weight of your head.  In addition, the atlas forms a protective ring around the brainstem, a crucial part of the body's nervous system that is responsible for regulating many of the body's life-sustaining functions.

At Crowder Specific Chiropractic, we don't just look to provide our patients with temporary neck pain relief.  Our goal is to find and correct atlas misalignments so that the entire neck can move and function the way it was designed to.  Modifying any bad habits along with addressing any spinal issues with upper cervical specific chiropractic care can lead to neck pain relief that is both natural and long lasting.

References:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/neck-pain/basics/definition/con-20028772

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.