Have you ever felt like you were on a never-ending merry-go-round, even when standing still? Have you had moments when the room suddenly spun around you, leaving you disoriented and nauseous? Do you ever struggle to focus on anything, thanks to the constant feeling of dizziness?

Vertigo can be incredibly distressing, causing disruptions in daily life and making simple tasks like walking or driving a challenge. But when it comes to identifying vertigo, you may be asking if an MRI scan is really necessary. Will a chiropractor for vertigo require this type of imaging scan as well?

Understanding Vertigo

Vertigo can be triggered by a variety of factors, including inner ear disorders, head injuries, migraines, and even certain medications. The accompanying symptoms of vertigo can vary from person to person. Despite being a symptom on its own, it typically involves a sensation of spinning or dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience ringing in the ears (tinnitus), blurred vision, or difficulty focusing.

Vertigo episodes can occur suddenly and without warning, making it particularly distressing for many sufferers. In some cases, the cause of vertigo can be determined through a physical examination or medical history, while in others, further testing may be necessary to identify the underlying cause. For example, some doctors require MRI scans to examine areas they suspect are involved in vertigo episodes closely. But it will all depend on your vertigo's main cause or triggers.

The Role of MRI Scans for Vertigo

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. While an MRI is not always required to identify if you're experiencing vertigo, it can help identify certain underlying conditions contributing to the symptoms. 

For example, an MRI may be recommended if your doctor suspects your vertigo is due to a tumor or inflammation of the inner ear. A chiropractor for vertigo may also require MRI when they want to take a closer look at disc herniations, misalignment of your bones, or soft tissue injuries.

MRI Scans and Inner Ear Evaluation

Some doctors recommend an MRI scan for people with vertigo, particularly those with hearing loss. This is because an MRI can provide a detailed look at the inner ear and surrounding structures, which can help identify underlying conditions contributing to symptoms and plan a better course of action to make you feel better.

Your inner ear plays a crucial role in balance and hearing. It contains small organs responsible for detecting changes in head position and movement. The inner ear also contains the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing. In people with vertigo, abnormalities in the inner ear can often be a contributing factor.

For example, an MRI may be recommended if a doctor suspects that an acoustic neuroma causes a person's vertigo. This non-cancerous tumor develops on the nerve responsible for balance and hearing. But not all cases of vertigo require an MRI, and other diagnostic tests may be more appropriate depending on the suspected cause of symptoms.

Seeking Help from a Chiropractor for Vertigo

For some people with vertigo, seeking help from a chiropractor, particularly those focusing on Upper Cervical Care, can provide lasting relief. Patients who seek vertigo relief are often surprised that their symptoms are triggered by an Upper Cervical misalignment, which refers to a misalignment of the uppermost vertebrae in the neck where the atlas and axis bones are located. This misalignment can disrupt the flow of information between the brain and the inner ear, leading to vertigo symptoms.

Upper Cervical Chiropractors are trained to identify and correct misalignments in the topmost section spine (consisting of the atlas and axis bones). Then, by performing precise adjustments to the neck, they help restore proper alignment and improve the flow of information between the brain and the inner ear.

Accidents or injuries, even minor ones, can cause Upper Cervical misalignments that can lead to vertigo, and it's imperative to address these misalignments promptly as they don't heal on their own and may worsen over time.

So if you've been spending so much time, money, and effort trying to figure out what's causing your vertigo, even getting different tests here and there, but still left with vague answers, the answer may be in your Upper Cervical spine. Get your spine alignment checked today!