Vertigo is a common condition by any standards with nearly 10% experiencing it. However, after age 40, the odds of having a vertigo attack increase exponentially. Why? The reason has to do with the overall function of the vestibular system which controls balance and spatial orientation for the body.
Vestibular malfunctions can lead to conditions like vertigo, a false sense of movement often described by patients as a spinning feeling. As a result, falls become more common as we age. For example, in the US, about 1 in 3 seniors over the age of 65 will fall during a calendar year. Those falls can lead to injuries or even death. Some estimates put vestibular-related deaths at about 152,000 per year.
The bones of the upper cervical spine can influence the vestibular system when out of proper alignment. This is because a subluxation of the C1 (atlas) can interfere with proper Eustachian tube function. This tube drains excess fluid from the ear. If it is not functioning properly, the inner ear may have too much fluid and vertigo is just one possible result.
This research was performed in connection with 300 patients suffering from Meniere’s disease of which vertigo is a primary symptom. In this study, 100% of the patients also had suffered a whiplash injury in the past. 97% of patients saw significant improvement in vertigo severity in under 6 weeks. Symptoms continued to improve and stayed that way over the course of the 6-year study.
If a person is suffering from vertigo and has suffered a whiplash injury or any other type of head or neck trauma in the past, this study provides good reason for seeking upper cervical chiropractic care. This is a gentle and drug-free way to find relief from a condition that can become dangerous later in life and is compounded as a person ages. Use the search to find an upper cervical specialist near you, and schedule a consultation to see if your vertigo may be related to a neck misalignment.
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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.
