People sometimes interchange vertigo and acrophobia. However, these two are not the same. To help explain the differences better, here’s what an upper cervical chiropractic care practitioner has to say:
Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning even when you are standing completely still. While vertigo does not have one exact cause, it can root from other causes. Most of the time, vertigo is brought about by a problem in the inner ear. In some cases, vertigo can be so severe that it affects the everyday life of the person experiencing it.
Acrophobia refers to the fear of heights. Perhaps, people confuse acrophobia and vertigo because it’s possible to experience vertigo while in a high place. Phobias involve fear, and fear can increase stress and anxiety levels in an individual. In turn, this spike in anxiety can possibly trigger a vertigo episode. On the other hand, Vertigo can occur even when the individual is not in a high place.
Now that we know the difference between vertigo and acrophobia, let’s learn more about this debilitating symptom.
Most of the times, vertigo episodes are nothing to be worried about. In most cases, vertigo episodes are caused by problems in the inner ear, mainly Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). If a person has BPPV, even a slight movement of their heads can potentially trigger a vertigo episode. This happens because of the movement of calcium crystals in the inner ear.
Vertigo spells can also indicate an existing yet unnoticed health condition. For example, some people displaying heart attack symptoms may also experience an onset of vertigo. Therefore, these people should seek medical care as soon as possible. People who experience intense and frequent vertigo should also seek professional help, for example, from a doctor or upper cervical chiropractic.
As people age, they become more susceptible to experiencing vertigo. According to a study, one out of three senior citizens fall each year because of vertigo. Therefore, they should be extra careful with their daily activities. Avoiding activities that may trigger a vertigo episode is important for those who are 40 years and older.
Certain medications can help temporarily alleviate the dizziness that comes from vertigo. However, most vertigo sufferers would want a more permanent procedure. While invasive surgeries can help correct the issues that cause vertigo, not everyone has the means to undergo such treatments. Fortunately, other methods can provide long-lasting relief from vertigo. Here are some tips that can help you manage your vertigo attacks:
If you have BPPV or positional vertigo, you should be aware of how fast you move. IF suddenly standing up or lying down can trigger your vertigo spells, you should be mindful of the pace you move. Try to move slowly so that your brain and body can better adjust to the movements.
As mentioned before, vertigo can be triggered by inner ear problems. For one, too much fluid in the ear can contribute to your vertigo episodes' intensity and frequency. Your salt intake may have something to do with this as it affects fluid retention in the body. Decreasing your salt intake can help reduce your ear's fluid, therefore reducing your vertigo spells.
Corrective exercises can help reposition the calcium crystals that have traveled into the wrong area of the inner ear. The movement of these crystals is also a probable cause of vertigo. The Epley maneuver is the most known exercise you can do at home. Other exercises include Brandt-Daroff Exercise, Semont Maneuver, and Foster Maneuver. Consulting or getting the help of a professional like an upper cervical chiropractic care practitioner is most advisable.
Head or neck trauma may also result in the onset of vertigo spells. For example, a hard blow to the head or neck can potentially cause a misalignment in the atlas. The atlas is the top-most part of the spine. Its main purpose is to protect the brainstem, and due to its location (base of the head and top of the neck), it is the most vulnerable part of the spine. When the C1 vertebra (atlas) misaligns, it can impact the vestibular system. The vestibular system plays a vital role in balance and eye control. Now, vertigo can also arise from issues in this system.
Any misalignment in your upper cervical spine can cause other problematic symptoms as well. Hence, this must be corrected quickly and effectively.
Chiropractic care offers many benefits to any individual. Not only is it helpful in alleviating body pains, but it is also a natural way to relieve vertigo. Upper cervical chiropractic care is dedicated to the neck area of the spine. Upper cervical chiropractors perform a gentle, accurate, and safe procedure that guides the atlas back to its original place in the spine. Significant improvements can be expected from this natural procedure.
Find an upper cervical chiropractor near your area to learn more about how upper cervical chiropractic care may benefit you.
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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.
