Vertigo is the feeling that everything around you is just spinning rapidly out of control. It is quite discomforting. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most likely factor that causes vertigo.

BPPV's dizzying spells can be moderate to severe, and people of all ages can suffer from this. For this reason, many seek ways to get vertigo relief for their BPPV.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be quite a mouthful. Knowing what every word means will help you better understand this condition.

• Benign implies that this is not deadly.
• Paroxysmal refers to how and when this occurs. It can strike suddenly and is fleeting. It can also recur.
• Positional points to the fact that vertigo occurs when you move your head. It does not matter how slight or abrupt the change might be.
• Vertigo is the main symptom it brings.

What Sets BPPV on Its Course?

The vestibular system takes care of maintaining the body's equilibrium. Its structures include the otolith organs, which are the body's receptors to gravitational pull. You will find hair-like sensory cells that track a head's position in this intricate and delicate system.

This is also where you will find crystallized particles that assist in detecting movement. The resulting information is then relayed to the brain and processed correctly to achieve and ensure balance. There are instances when these ear crystals are dislodged and fall off. They can find their way to the vestibular system's canals that are filled with fluids. When this happens, the otherwise smooth flow is disrupted, resulting in loss of balance. 

How Do You Identify BPPV?

There are a few tell-tale signs that should clue you in if it is BPPV.

• The dizzying feeling can be intense, unexpected, and short-lived. If you always feel dizzy, then it is not likely BPPV.
• The world seems to be spinning even though you are lying down. The accompanying head movement, when you are lying down, can spark vertigo.
• Unforced movements of your eyes called nystagmus is a good indication of BPPV. This problem with one's vision is characterized by continuous, abnormal eye activity.

What Care Options Are Available?

For some people who are dealing with this condition, vertigo relief is possible through canalith repositioning. This is a care approach that may alleviate the effects of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This procedure works by directing the crystals to an area where they will not trigger vertigo. 

The Epley maneuver is another term used to refer to the canalith repositioning process. The Epley maneuver involves moving the head and the body to different sides and at varying angles. Some people consider it easy enough to do it at home. 

However, it is encouraged to work with a trained professional when implementing the maneuvers. Although videos and guides are helpful, it is essential to consider the possibility of aggravating the condition due to an incorrect move.

What Does the Neck Have to Do with BPPV?

Your head is linked to your neck. How their positions relate to each other affects the head's movements. Despite its slender structure, the neck is exceptionally strong to take on the weight of your head while allowing mobility.  

Since benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be triggered when the head moves, there is a direct connection between BPPV and the neck. Therefore, taking care of the neck can be the key to vertigo relief. Consider these points:

1. Shifting the head and changing its position may trigger or intensify vertigo. Simple movements like waking up, looking up to view a skyscraper, or even looking straight down for the penny you dropped. These seemingly mundane activities can spark a vertigo episode. 
2. A spine's upper section secures the brainstem. The vital communication with the vestibular system happens at this juncture. If this area is not operating as expected, signals get mixed up, affecting how the body acts upon the messages it receives. Loss of equilibrium is highly likely. 
3. Blows to the head or even the upper part of our body may dislodge those tiny crystallized particles. It does not take a heavy-handed blow to make this happen. Have you ever caught yourself shaking your head when you experienced a similar incident? There's even a saying that goes, "shake it off." This is our body's instinctive reaction to regain balance. Sometimes it works. At times, it does not. When it fails to return to its normal state, vertigo takes hold. Head or neck injury can also cause damage to the vertebrae, which will trigger a series of discomfort, including BPPV. 

Vertigo Relief Through Upper Cervical Chiropractic

Upper cervical chiropractic care is a niche in the chiropractic profession. Certified professionals concentrate on the upper section of the neck, composed of two bones – the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). When everything is aligned, the body's systems function as expected. When it is not, the body experiences discomfort, which includes BPPV. 

Doctors who practice upper cervical chiropractic use the latest equipment and techniques to uncover the source of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. They treat every person's experience as unique. As such, they make sure that their approach is customized to the individual. 

If you would like to learn more about how an upper cervical doctor can help you possibly achieve lasting relief to BPPV, please consult with one today. Wherever you reside, there is surely one that can help you. Feel free to browse through our directory of upper cervical chiropractors and take your pick. You will walk away from the session better-informed.

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