Ivana Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump, died in a freak accident after falling down a flight of stairs in her home in July 2022. While it's still unclear exactly how the fall happened, her death is a tragic reminder of how dangerous falls and spinning sensations can be. Sadly, the fall resulted in blunt force injuries to her torso, leading to her demise. But would she still be alive today if she did not fall down the stairs? Maybe.

Falls can be incredibly dangerous, especially for older adults. It is the leading cause of fatal injury and nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and older. They are also a leading cause of hip fractures. One out of four older adults suffer from falls each year in the United States, which makes this particularly alarming, especially for the aging population.

Finding vertigo relief that works may also reduce your chance of falls and balance accidents. As you might already know, vertigo is common in the elderly too. While vertigo is not a threatening symptom, it brings balance issues, dizziness, lightheadedness, and problems focusing on the eyes. Ignoring your vertigo and its accompanying symptoms can lead to serious health conditions.

How To Prevent Falls 

Accidents from falls can be prevented. Below are some tips to help reduce your risks of falling and unwanted injuries:

• Improve your muscle strength and balance. This can be done by doing exercises such as Tai Chi or Pilates, focusing on slow, controlled movements and helping improve your balance. 
• Wear shoes that fit properly and provide good support. If possible, avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops, which can cause you to trip and fall. 
• Remove throw rugs or anything in the decoration of your home that might cause you to trip.
• Make sure your home is well-lit so you can see potential hazards. 
• Use a cane or walker if you need help with balance when walking. 
• Take your time when getting up from a chair or bed – don't rush! 
• Have your vision checked regularly, and wear glasses or contact lenses if needed. Poor vision can make it more difficult to spot or recognize potential environmental hazards. 
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications (including over-the-counter drugs) to identify those that might increase your fall risk (such as those that cause dizziness or drowsiness).
• Install grab bars in the bathroom and beside your bed to steady yourself if needed.
• Always keep your floor clear and dry to prevent unwanted accidents.
• Find effective vertigo relief to free you from dizziness and balance issues. 
• Vertigo is a symptom; hence addressing the underlying condition causing vertigo symptoms might be the next best thing you can do.

What to Do If You Suffer from Vertigo

People who suffer from vertigo are at an increased risk for falls because they may feel unsteady on their feet when they stand up too quickly or turn their heads too fast. Vertigo is a symptom characterized by a sense of spinning even when you are not engaging in any movement. Most of the time, it stems from an inner ear problem.If you suffer from vertigo, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to help you cope and manage your vertigo symptoms better. However, there are some things you can do that can help make it easier for you to cope and find vertigo relief:

• Avoid stressful situations
• Get enough amount of rest
• Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake
• Reduce smoking or, better yet, quit smoking
• Maintain a balanced and healthy diet
• If you experience nausea and vomiting, eat small meals throughout the day instead of large meals
• Avoid quick movements
• Maintain good posture
• Keep yourself hydrated
• Use peppermint or ginger-infused oils for nausea
• Keep saltine crackers handy to help settle your stomach when needed
• Try vestibular rehabilitation exercises
• Seek upper cervical care

The Connection Between Your Upper Neck and Vertigo

Sometimes, it will feel that the dizziness you feel from vertigo is beyond your control. However, apart from the simple methods to help you cope with vertigo that we shared above, upper cervical care brings long-term relief for vertigo and its accompanying symptoms.Vertigo and other symptoms can also stem from a dysfunction in your upper neck where the brainstem and upper cervical spine lie. The topmost part of your spine consists of your atlas (C1) and axis (C2), which support your skull and its extended range of movement and protect your brainstem, an essential part of your nervous system.Your atlas and axis are susceptible to misalignments due to their location and function. In addition, undue pressure and stress on your brainstem can interfere with the overall function of your brainstem. This part of your nervous system is vital for brain and body communication. It helps transmit messages and signals from the body to the brain, including pain. If the brainstem endures a great deal of stress and irritation from the misalignment, it can malfunction and affect your body's response to keeping the balance, hence the vertigo episodes. Usually, a misalignment in your upper cervical spine is an overlooked cause of vertigo. When your C1 and C2 bones are not properly aligned, even a slight misalignment can cause irritation and inflammation in the nerves surrounding your spine. The inflammation can prevent fluid from flowing into the inner ear, disrupting the balance and hearing signals between your vestibular nerves and the brain. Because of this, vertigo and other balance problems may arise.

Upper Cervical Care for Vertigo Relief

Correcting said misalignments through gentle chiropractic adjustments is the most recommended way to free your nerves and the surrounding areas of your neck from undue pressure and stress.Through the help of an upper cervical chiropractic doctor near you, you can reduce your vertigo episodes and their possible recurrence while supporting your body's natural healing capacity.If you want to get started with this long-term vertigo care option, you can scan this upper cervical chiropractic doctors’ directory to find a reputable one in your area. They can often relieve vertigo symptoms that can help prevent falls by realigning the top bones in your spine. You may also prevent other health issues from happening when your spine is well-balanced and properly aligned.

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