If you are suffering from vertigo, the problem either finds its root in the central nervous system or (more likely) the vestibular system. The vestibular system is the balance system of the body. We’re going to take a look at 10 things most people don’t know about the vestibular system. We will conclude by discussing a natural way to combat vertigo.

#1 What Does the Body Rely on for Balance?

The brain uses information that it receives from many different parts of the body. For example, sensory information comes from the eyes, ears, and various locations throughout the musculoskeletal system. When we talk about the vestibular system, we are speaking about the balance system located in the inner ear.

#2 Vestibular Dysfunction Is One of the Most Common Ailments

Just how common is vertigo? As much as 69 million Americans have suffered from vertigo. Once a person hits age 40, he or she has about a 1 in 3 chance of ending up experiencing this problem. That makes it one of the most common symptoms out there.

#3 A Lot of Issues Can Affect the Vestibular System

Not all cases of vertigo that are related to the vestibular system are the same. The problem can be the result of trauma, medication issues, autoimmune problems, and more. When vertigo stems from the vestibular system, it is called peripheral vertigo.

#4 CNS Problems Can Cause Vertigo Too

Since your brain has to process all of the data, it makes sense that vertigo can also stem from the central nervous system (called central vertigo). Again, there is no single cause for central vertigo. It could be due to a neurological condition such as migraines or multiple sclerosis, but it may also be due to injuries that commonly occur with head or neck trauma.

#5 Vestibular Problems and Cognitive Issues Go Hand in Hand

If you suffer from vertigo, you may also experience what many call brain fog. These cognitive symptoms can take the form of anything from difficulty concentrating to short-term memory issues. So don’t write off balance problems and cognitive decline as being due to aging. You may be experiencing an underlying and correctable issue.

#6 Vertigo Is Usually Accompanied by Other Symptoms

The room spinning around you may seem like the biggest issue at the moment, but don’t forget to share your other symptoms with the doctor as these are important to a diagnosis. Many vertigo suffers also experience things like fatigue, vision problems, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, nausea and vomiting, and other symptoms.

#7 People May Think You Are Faking

There are no outward signs of vertigo. You basically look fine, so people may wonder if you are really just laying in bed to be lazy or if your fall was due to clumsiness. This attaches an unfortunate stigma to vertigo which leads some to avoid seeking appropriate care. You can’t just “fake it till you make it” with vertigo. One bad fall is all it takes to cause serious injuries or even death. If you experience recurring vertigo, get it checked out.

#8 NASA Got the Ball Rolling on Vertigo Research

Some of the earliest vertigo research goes back to NASA’s studies performed on astronauts returning to earth. So while SpaceX may seem to be taking the lead in the future of space travel, don’t forget the significant contribution NASA has made not just to space exploration but even for the medical community.

#9 There Are Vertigo Support Groups

Because of the stigma of vertigo, support groups have sprung up online where people can commiserate on their health concerns with others who are going through similar issues. Just remember that the people in your support group are there for emotional support, not to provide medical advice.

#10 Upper Cervical Chiropractic May Help

Many people in case studies have seen dramatic improvements following upper cervical chiropractic care. Why is this the case?

To begin with, the upper cervical spine is designed to make it easier to move the head. The C1 and C2 are uniquely shaped to provide this range of movement. But it also means the bones misalign easily.

Second, because of the location of these bones, even the slightest misalignment can have far-reaching effects. They protect the brainstem but could just as easily put pressure on it if misaligned. These bones facilitate blood flow to the brain but may reduce that blood flow if a subluxation exists. They are also close enough to affect how the ears drain if a misalignment causes a lesion to form on the Eustachian tubes gradually.

For these and many other reasons, it makes sense to see an upper cervical chiropractor before subjecting yourself to invasive surgeries or even some of the injections that people receive in the ear for vertigo. Here are a few more things you should know about how upper cervical differs from general chiropractic:

• Safe – There is no forcing or “cracking” of the spine. Adjustments are low force making this a safe option for all members of the family from the very young to the very old.
• Long-Lasting – Gentle adjustments last longer. This also makes upper cervical a cost-effective form of care. You may need weekly visits at first, but once your adjustments begin to hold on their own, you can space out how often you get examined.
• As-Needed – You don’t get “maintenance adjustments” if you don’t have a misalignment. If the vertebrae are holding, your upper cervical practitioner will let you leave without an adjustment.

If you suffer from vertigo, it just makes sense to schedule an appointment with an upper cervical practitioner. Use the search feature on this site to find one near you today.  

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