Symptoms of vertigo can range in frequency and severity, but often include dizziness, trouble balancing or feeling unbalanced, hearing loss, problems focusing the eyes, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and nausea or vomiting.
Thankfully, Dr. Thomas Keogh at Bare Chiropractic can help! Chiropractic has a long history of helping people with balance issues and dizziness, and Dr. Thomas can help you too!
What Causes Vertigo?
While the root cause of vertigo can vary, the most common types generally originate in the inner ear. The two different types of vertigo include peripheral (stemming from an issue in the ear) and central (stemming from an issue within the brain). Peripheral vertigo can be caused by BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), which deals with a buildup of calcium particles in the ear, but it can also be caused by swelling of the inner ear, inflammation of the vestibular nerve, or Meniere’s disease of the inner ear. Central vertigo is often caused by blood vessel disease, multiple sclerosis, strokes, tumors, or certain medications.
How Does Chiropractic Improve Vertigo Symptoms?
Chiropractic care impacts the function of the central nervous system, which then impacts the function of every single bodily system and process. When the spine is misaligned, the vertebrae that are out of place put pressure on the spinal cord and other nearby nerves. This impedes proper communication between the brain and body and can lead to dysfunction across the body. When a chiropractor adjusts your spine, the pressure is taken off the nerves, allowing messages to flow freely and optimizing overall function. Vertigo is linked to problems with the inner ear and/or the brain. Since both of those are directly connected to both the spine and spinal cord, it makes sense that their function can be improved with chiropractic adjustments.
Case Studies on Chiropractic and Vertigo
Countless studies have been conducted to explore the efficacy of chiropractic on vertigo. One study explored dizziness, balance, and neck pain in older adults. While the study was small, the results were quite promising in that most patients showed improved balance and reduced neck pain and dizziness after just 8 weeks of care.
Another study looked at 8 adults with vertigo caused by BPPV, all of which experienced a reduction of symptoms due to chiropractic care. The individuals followed up at 6 days, 30 days, and 6 months, and their results held true through all those time periods, offering true relief without medical intervention.
To learn more about how chiropractic care can help you or schedule a consultation to help your vertigo, contact Dr. Thomas Keogh at Bare Chiropractic today.
Sources
Sajko, S.S., Stuber, K., Welsh, T.N. “Chiropractic Management of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Using the Epley Maneuver: A Case Series.” Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2013 Feb; 36(2): 119-126. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23499147.
Strunk, R.G., Hawk, C. “Effects of Chiropractic Care on Dizziness, Neck Pain, and Balance: A Single-Group, Preexperimental, Feasibility Study.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2009 Dec; 8(4): 156-164. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2786230/.
