Have you ever felt the room spinning around you after a sudden movement of your head? Maybe when you rolled over in bed, looked up to fetch something from a top shelf, or bent down to tie your shoes? Did you know these dizzy spells might be more than just temporary bouts of unsteadiness?
These symptoms could point to Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV, a type of vertigo that's more common in women than men. Yes, you read it right! BPPV seems to have a 'gender preference'; sadly, it leans more toward women. But why? What's causing this trend? Is vertigo a serious thing? How can women cope during episodes? Read on as we investigate these matters.
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Studies show that BPPV cases among women are generally higher than among men, but the reasons behind this discrepancy are not entirely understood. One explanation might lie in hormonal differences. Notably, estrogen, which is higher in women, directly impacts the fluid balance in the inner ear. When the estrogen levels drop significantly during pre-menopause and post-menopause, the inner ears might suffer the impact, increasing a woman's risk for problems like BPPV.
Moreover, osteoporosis and vitamin D deficiency, both of which are more prevalent in women, are also suspected to play a role. Research suggests a link between low bone mineral density (a key feature of osteoporosis) and BPPV, indicating that osteoporosis might increase the risk of this condition. In addition, several studies have found that vitamin D deficiency is common in people with BPPV.
While these facts might seem a bit daunting, they're not intended to scare you but to make you more informed. Understanding the factors that might increase your risk of BPPV can help you take preventive steps.
Ensure you're maintaining a healthy diet with sufficient calcium and vitamin D. Regular exercise can also help to maintain bone density and overall balance. And, of course, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider should never be overlooked.
Remember, you are not alone in this. Millions of women worldwide experience BPPV, and various treatments and techniques are available to help manage the symptoms. If you're feeling dizzy or experiencing vertigo, it's essential to talk to a healthcare professional who can help you navigate these health hurdles.
The answer isn't a simple yes or no because it depends on the underlying cause. Vertigo itself is a symptom rather than a disease, and it can range from a minor inconvenience to a sign of something more serious.
Most often, like with BPPV, vertigo results from an inner ear issue and, while uncomfortable, isn't typically a severe or life-threatening condition. However, it still pays to seek medical attention or consult with a healthcare professional like an Upper Cervical Chiropractor to manage the situation better before it wreaks havoc on your life.
Now, let's discuss an intriguing part of the puzzle: How can neck adjustments from a chiropractic doctor help with vertigo? Chiropractic care, specifically upper cervical adjustments, can be particularly helpful in managing BPPV. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (the neck region) can disrupt the normal flow of nerve signals and blood to and from the brain, including those responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Notably, the atlas and axis bones can get misaligned when you have a history of neck or head trauma. That's because the force from such events affects the joints supporting proper cervical spine alignment. This results in an imbalance, triggering a series of problems that compromise your posture and the normal function of various body systems.Remember, ladies, when it comes to our health, knowledge is power. So, stay informed, and seek professional help when needed! Call the nearest Upper Cervical Chiropractic practice to jumpstart your BPPV recovery journey today!
TV show host Montel Williams describes how specific chiropractic care has helped his body.
The content and materials provided in this web site are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to supplement or comprise a medical diagnosis or other professional opinion, or to be used in lieu of a consultation with a physician or competent health care professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment. All content and materials including research papers, case studies and testimonials summarizing patients' responses to care are intended for educational purposes only and do not imply a guarantee of benefit. Individual results may vary, depending upon several factors including age of the patient, severity of the condition, severity of the spinal injury, and duration of time the condition has been present.
