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.

What Patient History Reveals About Vertigo

When a vertigo sufferer sees a doctor, most questions will relate to the symptoms themselves. For example,

• How severe are the episodes?
• What triggers an attack?
• How long do they last?
• Is the condition disabling?
• How often does vertigo occur?
• What associated symptoms occur (tinnitus, hearing loss, etc.)?

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.

Seeking Effective Help for Vertigo and Dizziness

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.

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