When it comes to vertigo and disequilibrium, no great risk factor exists than age. This can clearly be seen by the fact that fall risk increases as a person gets older. In fact, in the US, about 1 in 3 seniors will fall this year. Disequilibrium and vertigo are often to blame. How do head injuries play a role in these conditions developing?
Chronic disequilibrium is generally due to a problem in the inner ear. The upper cervical spine is the main link between problems in the ear and balance issues. This is because a misalignment of the atlas (C1 or top vertebra) can affect the function of the Eustachian tubes. This can prevent proper fluid drainage from the ears. The result is vertigo and disequilibrium.
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Because the inner ear is responsible for balance, most medical focus goes toward correcting the fluid level in the ear. This may involve medications such as diuretics that reduce the amount of liquid retained by the body. However, these medications have many side effects such as frequent bathroom use, fatigue, muscle cramps, and dehydration.
Instead of focusing on the inner ear, correcting the underlying misalignment of the atlas can lead to proper Eustachian tube function. This allows the body to drain the fluid in the ear naturally. As a result, dizziness can be helped without all of the side effects of prescription medications.
All of this, however, may go back to injuries of the head since an mTBI can easily cause a misalignment of the atlas. Therefore, if one suffers from a concussion or another type of head injury, getting the upper cervical spine checked out by a professional is important. Correcting the misalignment early on can prevent future complications such as Eustachian tube dysfunction and various forms of dizziness. To learn more, contact an upper cervical chiropractor near 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.
