Vertigo is the sensation of movement where none exists. Many people experience this sensation as the feeling that the room is spinning. Dizziness is a blanket term that is often used to describe everything from vertigo to a feeling of lightheadedness. As a result, doctors struggle to make a proper diagnosis when patients refer to a variety of symptoms as dizziness.
When a vertigo sufferer sees a doctor, most questions will relate to the symptoms themselves. For example,
However, there are other important factors to consider. Knowing what medications a patient takes is vital since many have vertigo or dizziness as side effects. Also, if the patient is prone to migraines, vertigo may be a symptom of that condition.
Perhaps most importantly, vertigo often sets in after an injury or accident that results in whiplash, a concussion, or another form of head or neck trauma. While some doctors may dismiss an injury that hasn’t just happened in the last few days or weeks, such an injury can cause the onset of vertigo even months or years later.
Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on the alignment of the C1 (atlas) vertebra. This is vital to spatial orientation and balance because a misaligned atlas can affect everything from the function of the vestibular nerve to the proper flow of blood to the brain.
If you are experiencing vertigo, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, an upper cervical chiropractor should examine your atlas to ensure proper alignment. If misalignment exists, a gentle adjustment may be just what is needed to put one back on the path to better overall health.
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.