Positional vertigo is short for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This is the most common cause of false sense of spinning. So how come we don't hear about it more often? When most people say vertigo, they're actually talking about positional vertigo. They leave off the word positional because this is the most common form.

What we're going to do today is consider some of the things that help to identify positional vertigo, and that can lead us to find natural help for this very common symptom. At the conclusion of our article, we'll discuss a natural remedy for it that many people are finding beneficial in case studies.

If You Wake Up with a Spinning Sensation, It’s Probably Positional Vertigo

If you find that everything is spinning around you from the moment you open your eyes, positional vertigo is the likely culprit. Hopefully, you just slept wrong, and the spinning sensation should pass quickly. Be careful not to get up too fast.

It Becomes Exponentially More Common After Age 40

About 1 in 3 people over the age of 40 will get vertigo. However, this does not mean that it is a natural part of aging. And don’t think you have to be resigned to getting vertigo just because you are over 40.

You Could Be Suffering from Vestibular Migraines

Positional vertigo refers to vertigo that results from changes in head position. But don’t rule out the fact that it may be a different type of vertigo altogether. If you also suffer from headaches, nausea, and neck pain, you may be dealing with vestibular migraines. This is a neurological condition that is characterized by including at least one vestibular symptom such as vertigo.

The Condition Can Be Bilateral

While most people just have on ear causing vertigo, positional vertigo has been known to stem from an issue in both ears. When this is the case, you can expect bouts to be more severe and frequent. While most cases of positional vertigo only last a few seconds to a few minutes, bilateral positional vertigo attacks may last a little longer.

Laying Down or Bending Over Can Trigger an Episode

You don’t have to turn your head to the side for positional vertigo to begin. It can also be related to other movements. For example, laying down may trigger an attack. The good news is that at least you are unlikely to fall once you are already laying down. Bending over is a far more dangerous trigger. You may think you are about to pick something up from the ground and suddenly end up down there next to whatever you were reaching for.

It's Easy to Get a Diagnosis

Even if you have only experienced vertigo twice, you may get a diagnosis of positional vertigo. On the other hand, it is still important to see your doctor to ensure that the underlying cause of the vertigo is not cardiovascular in nature. In some cases, spinning sensation can be the sign of a serious health condition, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

You May Be Able to Care for Positional Vertigo at Home

Once you have ruled out any serious underlying cause, you may not need any further assistance. Here are a few things you can do to try and conquer positional vertigo on your own.

• Hydrate properly – A little-known cause of vertigo is dehydration. This is one of the first ways your body will let you know that you need more water. So before you worry about invasive treatments, try to increase your water intake.
• Canalith repositioning – From the Epley maneuver to a half somersault that is supposed to reset the crystals in the ear, there are plenty of canalith repositioning techniques that have been helpful for some patients. If you are in good enough health to perform the maneuvers yourself at home, you may be able to get the benefits without needing to head back to the doctor.
• Diet – Sometimes spinning sensation is related to a fluid buildup in the ears. While dietary changes don’t address the underlying reason for the buildup, reducing your salt intake may help you to experience fewer bouts of vertigo.
• Trigger avoidance – While triggers and causes are not the same thing, most people can immediately experience fewer episodes of vertigo by learning what sets an attack in motion and then working to avoid those triggers.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and Positional Vertigo

The top bone in the spine, the atlas, is often at the root of recurring vertigo issues. Why is this the case? The atlas is located directly between the ears, so a misalignment can have a profound effect on vestibular function. Also, the atlas can affect brainstem function and blood flow to the head. As a result, an atlas misalignment can contribute to both peripheral and central vertigo.

Upper cervical chiropractic is a niche in the chiropractic field that involves administering precise and gentle corrections to get the atlas back into place. These low force corrections are long-lasting and safe. For many patients in case studies, correcting this underlying issue has provided significant benefits in regard to the frequency and severity of vertigo. Some patients even find complete relief.

If you are suffering from this symptom, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, getting an examination from an upper cervical chiropractor just makes sense. To learn more, schedule a consultation at a practice near you. You may be on the way to finding safe and gentle relief from your vertigo woes.

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