One of the most common medical experiences that an adult over the age of 40 will face is vertigo. This extremely common medical symptom is defined by a false sensation of movement. Many patients describe it as a feeling that the room is spinning.

While this is a very common issue, that doesn’t mean it is well understood, even in the medical community. Today, we’re going to share with you 8 facts about vertigo and dizziness that you may find shocking. Then we will reveal a natural way that some patients have been finding relief.

#1 The Underlying Cause May Be Your Prescription Medication

There are several types of prescription medications that have dizziness or vertigo as a common side effect. These types of drugs include:

• Sedatives
• Hypertension Medications – If the dose is too high, blood pressure can become low and lead to vertigo
• Anti-seizure medications
• Tranquilizers
• Antidepressants

If you are experiencing dizziness or vertigo, check the facts on any medications you are on to see if it may be a side effect. Then discuss the matter with your doctor to see if your dosage can be adjusted.

#2 Poor Blood Flow Can Cause Vertigo

Most cases of vertigo begin in the ear since this part of the body plays a vital role in balance and spatial orientation. If the inner ear is not receiving the proper supply of blood, this can be an underlying factor. Factors that can inhibit blood flow to the head in general can include an upper cervical misalignment. If such a misalignment affects blood flow to the ears, this can certainly lead to dizziness or vertigo.

#3 Dizziness Is a Symptom of Anxiety

If you suffer from an anxiety disorder, dizziness may be a regular symptom you experience. As a result, anything that triggers the anxiety can also cause a bout of dizziness. For example, someone who gets anxious in large crowds or when experiencing heights may become dizziness when exposed to these conditions.

#4 Anemia Can Result in Dizziness

Anemia refers to an iron deficiency in the body. The primary symptoms include tiredness, fatigue, and unusual paleness. Additionally, dizziness can occur when a person is anemic. Some researchers have also suggested that craving ice chips indicates a person may be low on iron. A simple blood test can determine if this is the problem, and supplements are available to correct the issue.

#5 Vertigo Is an Early Sign of Dehydration

Whether you have been physically active, exposed to the heat, or just haven’t had enough to drink, dehydration could be behind your vertigo. There’s an easy way to tell. Increase your water intake. In fact, you may want to keep track of your water intake for several days. You may be shocked at how far below the minimum of 8 glasses of water per day you should be drinking are actually being imbibed. You may also want to have some fruit juice (real juice, not the sugary cocktail stuff) to get some natural sugars. But remember that you should have at least 2 quarts of plain water each day. If that doesn’t appeal to your palate, try simple flavor additives like a slice of lemon, lime, cucumber, or even half a strawberry.

#6 Vertigo Can Also Be Blood Pressure Related

Both high and low blood pressures can cause the room to spin suddenly. Also, the body may be having difficulty regulating blood pressure. For example, if you experience bouts of vertigo when you stand up too quickly, this may be because the body is not increasing blood pressure fast enough to go from a sitting to a standing position. Since the ear detects position in order to let the body know when to alter the blood pressure, the problem may once again go back to the inner ear.

#7 Neurological Conditions Can Cause Vertigo

Migraines are actually one of the most common vertigo causes. According to some estimates, up to 40% of migraines feature vestibular symptoms such as vertigo. Vertigo can also be occasionally associated with other neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

#8 Vertigo Can, in Rare Cases, Be an Emergency

Vertigo can be a symptom of emergency conditions like a heart attack or stroke. If you are experiencing other cardiac symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance. Fortunately, most cases of vertigo are not emergencies.

Natural Relief from Vertigo and Dizziness

If you suffer from vertigo, then you may be wondering if there is a natural way to find relief. You will be happy to learn that the underlying cause of vertigo is often something that can be fixed with upper cervical chiropractic care.

When the C1 and C2, the top two bones in the neck, become misaligned, they can affect everything from brainstem function to how much blood is flowing to the head (including the ears). As a result, this misalignment can be responsible for many of the underlying causes of vertigo.

One of the first things an upper cervical chiropractor will do is take a detailed patient history. Accidents or injuries, even ones that happened well into the past, are of particular note. This is because upper cervical misalignments can take years to cause symptoms such as vertigo.

So if you are dealing with vertigo, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, contact an upper cervical practitioner in your area. A no-obligation consultation may be your first step on the path to becoming vertigo-free.

to schedule a consultation today.