While vertigo is one of the most common symptoms that people suffer from, there is still a lot of misinformation out there about this ailment. Vertigo refers to a false sensation of movement. It can be a spinning feeling, or things may seem to tilt or sway. If you had previously been told that vertigo had to have a rotational element to it, then we just debunked the first myth for you. What else do you need to know? Read on to learn more about this symptom and how you may be able to find natural relief.

Myth 1 – Vertigo Is a Fear of Heights

Perhaps this myth springs from the classic movie Vertigo where the main character had a fear of heights. Maybe it is related to the fact that vertigo can occur during an anxiety attack and people with a fear of heights can experience this symptom when their fear is confronted. Regardless of the reason, a fear of heights is acrophobia. Vertigo is a false sensation of movement.

Myth 2 – It Is a Disease

Vertigo is a symptom of a number of conditions. That is why it is such a common problem. However, it is not a condition on its own. Perhaps the reason for the confusion in this regard is that most people who get vertigo are diagnosed with BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). However, the majority of people with BPPV never find out the underlying cause, so the vertigo seems to be unrelated to any other health condition or problem. Unfortunately, this also makes it difficult to find treatment.

Myth 3 – It Is Always Caused by Ear Problems

There are actually two categories of vertigo, peripheral and central. Peripheral is considered the more common type and is related to problems in the ear. Central vertigo refers to cases that find their genesis in the central nervous system. Since the brain has to interpret the signals coming from the ear, it makes sense that a problem in the CNS could also lead to false sensations of motion. Remember too that in many cases of BPPV (a form of peripheral vertigo), the underlying cause is never discovered. Therefore, it cannot be said with absolute certainty that the issue is always in the ear and not the nervous system.

Myth 4 – You Can’t Find Out the Underlying Cause of Vertigo

Since only about half of people who get vertigo ever find out what is causing it, this is an understandable impression. However, it is possible to find out what is causing vertigo in many cases. For those who don’t know what is initiating the symptom, there is an often-overlooked underlying cause to check into. It is a misalignment in the upper cervical spine that can affect both the central nervous system and the ears. We’ll discuss this more in a moment.

Myth 5 – It Is a Part of the Aging Process

Especially when he or she can’t find the underlying cause, many doctors will try to convince a patient that vertigo is simply part of the aging process. That’s why so many seniors fall each year. But there is no reason that a person would get vertigo simply because they are older than they were before. Yes, age is a risk factor for vertigo because the older a person is, the more common the symptom is. However, this is related to the greater chance of having a condition that causes vertigo, not because vertigo is part of the aging process.

Myth 6 – Just Lay Down and Close Your Eyes and Vertigo Will Go Away

If you are dealing with a severe bout of vertigo, this won’t work. Everything will still feel like it is moving even though you can’t see it. For some, not being able to see the room spinning or other false movement leads to nausea and vomiting. So laying down and closing your eyes can actually make vertigo worse sometimes. However, it is important to sit or lay down in order to prevent a fall if you can safely do so.

Myth 7 – There Is No Way to Get Natural Help for Vertigo

Consider some of the things we have learned so far. Vertigo is a symptom, not a disease. It can be related to the ears or the CNS. Most people never learn the underlying cause of their vertigo, but doctors also rarely consider the upper cervical spine as the possible root of the issue.

When it comes to natural care, there is a subspecialty of chiropractic that may be able to provide the solution. Upper cervical chiropractors focus on the top two bones in the neck. The atlas and axis can have a profound effect on the central nervous system as well as the ears if they are out of proper alignment. Therefore, it makes sense to have these bones checked by a specialist.

To learn more, contact an upper cervical practitioner in your area. Modern diagnostic imaging can be used to pinpoint an upper cervical misalignment, Gentle adjustments that do not involve any popping or cracking of the spine can be used to correct the underlying problem. In case studies, this has helped hundreds of vertigo patients. We hope you receive the same benefits.

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