Vertigo: Common Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options.
Vertigo and Dizziness Treatment at Vitality Chiropractic Australia
Understanding Vertigo and Dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness are complex conditions that vary from person to person. For some, dizziness feels like mild unsteadiness, while for others, it’s as if the entire world is spinning uncontrollably. These symptoms can stem from various causes, and prompt assessment is essential to rule out serious underlying conditions.
- Dizziness: Often described as a sensation of imbalance or the external environment moving abnormally, leading to disorientation or unsteadiness.
- Vertigo: A specific type of dizziness where you experience a spinning sensation, even when stationary. It’s often more intense and can significantly impact daily activities.
Vertigo tends to become more prevalent with age and is more commonly reported in women than men. It is classified into two main types: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo, depending on the underlying cause.
Peripheral Vertigo
Peripheral vertigo originates from issues in the inner ear or vestibular system, which are critical for balance and spatial orientation. Common causes include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most frequent form of peripheral vertigo, caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) becoming dislodged in the inner ear, leading to brief episodes of spinning triggered by head movements.
- Meniere’s Disease: A condition involving fluid buildup in the inner ear, often accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and vertigo.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, typically caused by a viral infection, leading to sudden and severe vertigo.
Symptoms of peripheral vertigo often include imbalance, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and ear pain.
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Central Vertigo
Central vertigo arises from dysfunction in the central nervous system, particularly the brainstem or cerebellum. Common causes include:
- Cervical spine misalignment: Misalignments in the upper neck can disrupt the body’s balance system.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A neurological condition that can affect balance and coordination.
- Migraines: Vestibular migraines can cause vertigo alongside headaches.
Symptoms of central vertigo may include headaches, migraines, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements), blurred vision, neck pain, and gait changes.
Common Symptoms Associated with Vertigo
Vertigo and dizziness can lead to a range of related symptoms, including:
- Headaches and migraines
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements)
- Blurred vision
- Neck pain or stiffness
- Gait changes or difficulty walking
- Ear pain or pressure
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional care to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Can Chiropractic Care Help with Vertigo?
Why Choose Vitality Chiropractic Australia?
We are committed to helping you overcome vertigo and dizziness through personalized, holistic care. Here’s why we stand out:
- Expertise in Vertigo Management: Our chiropractors are trained in advanced techniques, including the Atlas Orthogonal and Epley Maneuver, to address both peripheral and central vertigo.
- Comprehensive Assessments: We take the time to understand your symptoms and identify the root cause of your vertigo, ensuring a tailored treatment plan.
- Gentle and Non-Invasive Treatments: Our techniques prioritize your comfort and safety, offering natural vertigo relief without the need for medications or invasive procedures.
- Holistic Approach: We focus on restoring balance to your body as a whole, addressing cervical spine vertigo treatment, posture, and overall wellness.
Chiropractic Techniques for Vertigo Relief
Our chiropractors use a variety of gentle, evidence-based techniques tailored to your specific needs. These include:
- Spinal Manipulation
Known for the characteristic “popping” sound, spinal manipulation involves precise adjustments to realign joints, improve mobility, and reduce nervous system interference. This technique is highly effective for addressing cervical spine misalignment and improving overall balance. - Atlas Orthogonal Technique
A gentle and highly specialized method, the Atlas Orthogonal technique focuses on the top bone in the neck (the atlas). Using a precise instrument, our chiropractors gently correct misalignments to restore proper nerve function and alleviate vertigo symptoms. This technique is particularly effective for natural vertigo relief and is gaining popularity in Australia due to its non-invasive approach. - Joint Mobilisation
For those seeking a gentler approach, joint mobilisation involves stretching and mobilizing joints to enhance movement and reduce stiffness. This technique is ideal for patients with arthritis or disc degeneration contributing to vertigo. - Activator Methods
The Activator is a handheld instrument that delivers precise, low-force adjustments to improve joint alignment and function. This gentle technique is suitable for patients who prefer a less manual approach to chiropractic vertigo treatment. - Epley Maneuver for BPPV
For patients with BPPV chiropractic care, the Epley Maneuver is a specialized technique designed to reposition dislodged crystals in the inner ear. This highly effective method can provide rapid relief from vertigo episodes triggered by head movements.
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Chiropractor Vertigo Research
- It appears that manipulative and vestibular physical therapies are best suited to individuals suffering cervicogenic vertigo. Yacovino, D.A. (2012). Cervical vertigo: Myths, facts and scientific evidence. Neurologia.
- Improvements were noted in dizziness, ataxis and visual disturbance in a paediatric patient following specific upper cervical Chiropractic care highlighting its potential benefits as a vertigo treatment option. Willemin, A. (2010). Improvement in ataxia, dizziness and visual disturbance in a child with vertebral subluxations undergoing Chiropractic care: A case study. Journal of Paediatric, Maternal & Family Health, 2; 89 – 94
- Specific upper cervical Chiropractic management is effective for improving symptoms of vertigo following trauma. Elster, E. (2006). Sixty patients with chronic vertigo undergoing upper cervical Chiropractic care to correct vertebral subluxation: A retrospective analysis. Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1 – 9