Can Chiropractors Help with BPPV or Positional Vertigo?

October 2, 2022

BPPV, natural remedies for vertigo

How do neck adjustments that chiropractors administer provide significant relief to patients diagnosed with BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)? Let's help you understand why one of the best natural remedies for vertigo—Upper Cervical Chiropractic—is gaining more fans for its potential to restore the body's equilibrium.

 

Understanding BPPV and Disrupted Equilibrium

BPPV is a vestibular condition familiar to thousands of people looking for natural remedies for vertigo. Studies explain that it stems from displaced fragments of the otolith organs, a calcium carbonate structure found in the inner ear. Primarily, the otolith organs detect linear and gravitational acceleration. 

When the head moves, the otolith organs pull on the sensory receptor cells that translate motion into electrical signals. This motion sends signals to the brain on the head's respective orientation. However, small otolith fragments can sometimes malfunction or get dislodged into places they shouldn't be. Unfortunately, these fragments confuse the signals sent to and from the brain, causing affected individuals to detect intense spinning or tilting motions after making small head movements. 

Several patients diagnosed with BPPV note that they experience severe bouts of vertigo when shifting their heads from one position to the next. Some examples of these movements include the following:

  • Rolling off the bed in the morning
  • Going from a lying to a sitting and standing position
  • Picking an object off the ground
  • Running or walking at a fast pace
  • Lifting or tilting the chin
  • Moving the head from left to right

 

What Can Cause or Trigger BPPV? 

Some studies noted that BPPV happens after a severe head or neck injury. The blunt force from such an event can cause small pieces of the otolith to migrate into the fluid-filled compartment of the inner ears. Additionally, it can cause the C1 and C2 bones to shift out of their usual positions, forcing the head to get misaligned with the rest of the spinal column. 

As a result, many patients find hope in seeking the help of chiropractors that use the Upper Cervical technique. The technique is fairly simple and hinges on the idea that structural changes in the cervical spine, no matter how small, can disrupt the body's normal functions. It can also cause problems in maintaining equilibrium and the optimal condition of the brainstem and the vestibular organs, the main body structures involved in sending and transmitting signals on the body's position and movements to the brain.

 

What to Do When You Suspect Having BPPV?

If you experience debilitating spinning sensations every time you tilt your head from one position to the next, you likely need to consult your physician. This is because you might have BPPV or another vestibular disorder. It’s also a good idea to look into other telling signs of BPPV such as: 

  • Chronic headaches 
  • Abnormal eye movements
  • Weakened or loss of balance and coordination
  • Nausea and vomiting 

On the one hand, you must call emergency care or 911 if you spot any of the following symptoms along with vertigo or dizziness: 

  • Leg or arm numbness 
  • Falling
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Hearing loss
  • Blurry vision
  • Trouble speaking or enunciating words
  • Having intense and sudden bursts of headaches
  • An unexplainable fever

BPPV, natural remedies for vertigo

 

 

 

 

 

What are the Best Natural Remedies for Vertigo?

Although much remains unknown or unclear about BPPV, several natural remedies for vertigo show potential in providing long-term relief. Some of them include the following: 

The Epley Maneuver 

This popular canalith repositioning maneuver involves making gentle head and neck movements to help the dislodged crystal move away from areas they shouldn’t be in. It also helps the vestibular organs cope with sudden vertigo attacks. 

Upper Cervical Chiropractic 

Studies have proven that neck bone adjustments using the chiropractic technique can help alleviate the discomfort caused by vertigo attacks and BPPV. It aims to restore the normal function of the brainstem and vestibular system. It also addresses several cervical subluxation-related risks such as:

  • Poor blood flow to the brain
  • Uneven gait
  • Unlevelled head, shoulders, and hips
  • Impaired cerebrospinal fluid drainage

Lifestyle Adjustments 

Living with BPPV can be extra challenging if you make poor lifestyle choices. That’s why doctors, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals highly recommend doing the following to reduce the intensity and severity of their episodes: 

  • Saying no to sodium-rich food (deli meats, processed food, aged cheese, etc.)
  • Adjusting your activities to avoid excessive head movements
  • Avoiding substances that can set off or aggravate vertigo, such as alcohol and caffeine
  • Addressing vitamin deficiencies that might affect or worsen your condition (Vitamin D, magnesium, calcium)
  • Resolving secondary risks for BPPV such as vestibular neuritis, cervical arthritis, and neck trauma

 

Yes, Chiropractors Can Help with BPPV or Positional Vertigo

Having constant spinning sensations along with other equally disruptive BPPV symptoms can negatively impact your life and the lives of people around you. But thankfully, modern healthcare and wellness innovations like Upper Cervical Chiropractic techniques have provided patients with many opportunities to experience lasting relief. 

We strongly suggest seeking an Upper Cervical chiropractor near you. Who knows, you might have misaligned neck bones, and they might be causing your vestibular system to act up and send false signals to the brain. 

Exploring natural and holistic ways to manage balance-related problems is never too late. Clearing the neural pathways and addressing the posture-related risks for vertigo can redefine your approach to BPPV episodes. Talk to the nearest Upper Cervical doctor today to schedule your neck bone assessment and start planning your approach to taking back control of your life.

 

Find An Upper Cervical Doctor in Your Areato schedule a consultation today.

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The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.

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