Have you ever found yourself losing your balance while tending to your lovely garden? Picture this: you're surrounded by the serene beauty of your favorite flower blossoms, feeling the rich earth in your hands as you lovingly tend to your plants. Suddenly, you feel dizzy, and your world starts to spin. It's a scary and alarming feeling and one that many gardeners experience all too often.

Dizziness when bending over is a common occurrence during gardening, but it can also be a sign of an underlying condition like an atlas subluxation. In this article, we'll explore the causes of dizziness in the garden and provide valuable information to stay steady on your feet, so you can keep enjoying your favorite hobby with peace of mind. 

#1. You have an underlying problem. 

Gardening is a wonderful hobby and a great way to keep active, get fresh air, and connect with nature. However, some note that they experience dizziness when gardening. While it’s easy to assume that your dizzying spells might be coincidental, you must consult your physician or an Upper Cervical doctor to check for underlying health concerns. Otherwise, your symptoms will keep recurring, preventing you from gardening or, worse, affecting your everyday routine.

#2. It can be due to low blood sugar levels.

Low blood sugar, a.k.a. hypoglycemia, can occur when you haven't eaten enough food or haven't eaten in a while. When gardening, it's easy to get caught up in your work and forget to eat, leading to low blood sugar and, eventually, dizziness.

To prevent low blood sugar when gardening, eat a nutritious meal or snack before you start. You may also want to bring a snack with you to eat while you work, such as fruit, nuts, or granola bars. If you're prone to low blood sugar, keeping a glucose monitor and some glucose tablets or gel on hand is also a good idea. 

#3. You may be experiencing side effects from medications. 

Certain medications can cause dizziness as a side effect. If you're taking drugs and experiencing dizziness while gardening, it's worth talking to your doctor to see if there are alternative options or adjusting your dosage. If you're unable to switch to a different medication, try to avoid gardening during peak times when the medication is most active in your system. 

#4. You may be dehydrated.

Dehydration occurs when the body doesn't get enough fluids to function properly. When gardening, you may be sweating more than usual, and if you're not replenishing those fluids, it can lead to dehydration, which can cause dizziness.

To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after gardening. Water is always a good option, but you may also want to drink an electrolyte-rich beverage like coconut water or a sports drink to replenish lost minerals. If you're gardening on a hot day, try to take frequent breaks in the shade to cool down and hydrate.

#5. The dizzying spells might have something to do with an inner ear infection.

An inner ear infection, or labyrinthitis, can cause dizziness and vertigo. This is because the inner ear is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. If you suspect you have an inner ear infection, seeing a doctor for treatment is essential. While recovering, avoid gardening until your symptoms subside to prevent falls or accidents. 

#6. You might have atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, restricting blood flow. This can lead to dizziness, especially when bending over or standing up quickly. To prevent atherosclerosis-related dizziness, you must maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to promote healthy blood flow. If you have a history of heart disease or atherosclerosis, talk to your doctor about any precautions you should take before gardening, such as wearing compression stockings or avoiding sudden movements.

#7. You have a long history of neck and head injuries. 

The atlas is the first vertebra in the spine, and if it's out of alignment, it can affect the nerves and blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness. If you suspect an atlas subluxation, we recommend seeing an Upper Cervical Chiropractor for diagnosis and care. To prevent future subluxations, maintain good posture and avoid sudden movements that may strain the neck while working in the garden.

Reduce Gardening Dizziness By Seeking an Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Vertigo or dizziness that results from inner ear problems, dehydration, underlying condition, or an atlas subluxation can get worse if you manage the situation poorly. Make sure to seek help and adjust your lifestyle and routine to accommodate the needs of your body.

Also, if you have a long history of whiplash or concussions, you might want to schedule a quick consultation with an Upper Cervical doctor. Chances are, you have an atlas bone misalignment. The sooner you can fix this postural misalignment, the quicker you can ease your body into healing and restoring balance.  

Upper Cervical Chiropractic focuses on the top two vertebrae in the spine, which support the head's weight and facilitate proper communication between the brain and body. Correcting misalignments in the topmost bones of the spine can improve blood flow, reduce nerve interference, and promote overall health.

If you are experiencing dizziness while gardening or other activities, try Upper Cervical Chiropractic. The Upper Cervical Awareness Find-a-Doctor tool is an excellent resource for finding a credible Upper Cervical practice near you, so you can book your appointment today.