Have you ever felt dizzy or disoriented after scuba diving or snorkeling? Was there ever a time you lost your footing right after getting off the boat or walking back on the beach's sandy shores? Dealing with vertigo can be frustrating, making it challenging to enjoy the beauty of the underwater world, especially during the diving season. 

Thankfully, you don't have to give up on scuba diving just yet! We might have some things to help you exercise proper precautions and manage your vertigo-causing condition. Learn everything there is to know from a Cervical Chiropractor for vertigo, so you can go back to enjoying scuba diving and seeing the surreal view under the sea.

Explaining Vertigo After Diving: Common Causes

So, before we look into the facts and coping mechanisms you can use, let’s tackle why vertigo is common after diving or taking a plunge in the deep ocean. Diving professionals and trainers note several potential reasons. These include:

Caloric Vertigo

This happens when cold water only enters one ear canal or if you have a perforated eardrum. Studies note caloric vertigo commonly occurs among divers with poor-fitting hoods, lumpy ear wax, or a condition called Swimmer's Ears.

Alternobaric vertigo (ABV)

A large fraction of dive vertigo stems from ABV. Ironically, this form of vertigo is more common among pro divers and mainly occurs when ascending or returning to the surface. This form of vertigo occurs when one ear fails to equalize at the same time as the other.

Motion Sickness

Some divers faint or feel dizzy while in the boat or during the trip back to land. This happens because of motion sickness. This form of vertigo occurs when there’s a mismatch in the information transmitted by your eyes and ears. It usually stems from previous neck or head injuries due to their impact on the nervous and vestibular systems.

How to Cope When You Have Vertigo after Scuba Diving

The first step to cope with diving-related vertigo is to talk to a diving instructor or a medical professional. They can evaluate your situation and make recommendations based on your medical history and current condition. It's important to disclose any medical conditions or medications you are taking that could affect your diving ability. This will help you get a personalized plan for safe diving.

Another essential aspect of safe diving with vertigo is selecting the right gear. Invest in a dive mask that fits properly and does not put pressure on the sinuses or ears. Also, we suggest avoiding equipment that restricts head movements, such as full-face masks or helmets.

Proper training and technique can also help prevent vertigo symptoms. As a diver, you must learn how to control your buoyancy and avoid sudden movements that could cause disorientation. As much as possible, aim to descend slowly and equalize frequently to avoid overwhelming your ears and balance organs. Additionally, you must have a dive buddy who knows your condition and can assist you if needed.

Now, let's talk about the tricky part - diving into conditions that can trigger vertigo, such as strong currents or low visibility. Before the dive, assess the conditions and decide whether it's safe to descend. If you experience vertigo symptoms while underwater, signal your buddy and ascend to the surface immediately.

Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Visit with a Cervical Chiropractor for vertigo

Don't let vertigo hold you back from exploring the wonders of the underwater world. With the right mindset and preparation, you can enjoy the thrill and beauty of scuba diving without any worries! Also, be sure to keep up with your Upper Cervical Chiropractic appointments. 

Sometimes, diving can result in head or neck trauma. So, suppose you frequently schedule diving trips or experience things like neck pain, uneven gait, or unexplainable balance problems. In that case, you should keep coming in for your regular appointments with your Upper Cervical doctor to ensure that your atlas and axis stay in proper alignment. 

It would never hurt to have your neck bones regularly assessed to prevent atlas subluxation and ensure that you’re always in tip-top shape each time you schedule an underwater adventure. Speak with a local Upper Cervical doctor to schedule your next check-up.