What is Vertigo ? Who gets it? What is the best way to care for it? Because this is such a common condition, everyone seems to have an opinion, and while the Internet is a great research tool, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Here are a few ideas about this condition that are commonly repeated but are not accurate.

• Vertigo Is the Fear of Heights – Nope. A fear of heights is called acrophobia. This misconception probably goes back to the Hitchcock film entitled Vertigo that is about a man with a fear of heights. Vertigo is a false sensation of movement. The patient either feels like he is spinning or that the room around him is moving.
• The Words Dizziness and Vertigo Are Interchangeable – This too is technically incorrect although many do use the terms this way. Dizziness refers to a general feeling of lightheadedness. Vertigo, again, is the false sensation of movement. Knowing the difference can help you describe your symptoms to a healthcare practitioner more accurately.
• It Comes from a Problem in the Ear – Okay, so this one has some truth to it. Central vertigo refers to the rare cases of vertigo that are caused directly by central nervous system issues. However, it is also important to consider what is causing the ear problems that lead to a spinning sensation. Sometimes it can be something as simple as an infection, and vertigo clears up when the condition resolves.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Helps with Vertigo

The Eustachian tubes are responsible for keeping an excess of fluid from building up in the ears. It is this fluid that can result in a spinning sensation. Unfortunately, if anything throws off the function of these tubes, the ears have no proper way to drain. An upper cervical misalignment can be the underlying factor.

It makes sense then that when those who suffer head or neck trauma before the onset of vertigo are cared for with upper cervical adjustments, the results are often astounding. For example, in one study involving 60 vertigo patients, 80% saw the end of vertigo symptoms within 6 months, and the other 20% all saw a significant reduction in severity.  

If you suffer from a false sense of spinning, especially if you have a head or neck injury in your history, seek a consultation with an upper cervical chiropractor.

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