Can A Chiropractor Help With Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel like the world around you is spinning or like you’re on a rocking boat ride that you can’t escape. It can be incredibly uncomfortable and frustrating. The resulting feeling of nausea only adds to the disruptive nature of this sensation. When you feel chronic imbalance or dizziness, it can affect every part of your daily life, preventing you from working, driving, and restricting you to bed rest.
Recurring vertigo can lead to anxiety as it’s hard to predict when the next episode will occur. Since vertigo is a symptom not a condition in and of itself, it can sometimes be hard to diagnose the cause and some people find treatment options limiting due to this fact. If you’re experiencing vertigo, you might be wondering if a chiropractor can help.
Here at Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth, we understand how frustrating vertigo can be, particularly if you’ve already attempted to find relief without success. Medications that are often prescribed to address often don’t treat the actual cause and can carry significant risks and side effects. However, there is another option. Chiropractic care, using the QSM3 method, provides a natural, non-invasive, drug-free approach to successfully manage vertigo symptoms.
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What is Vertigo?
Simply put, vertigo is a feeling of spinning or swaying. It’s the feeling of dizziness, creating the sensation that the world is spinning around you. Spin around a few times and you’ll quickly be able to experience what vertigo feels like. Some people misconstrue vertigo with feeling lightheaded, but that’s just an outcome of this spinning sensation. Vertigo can cause nausea, headaches, and sweating due to this feeling.
Vertigo isn’t a disease, it’s a symptom with an underlying cause.. An underlying cause is the root of vertigo and this typically stems from issues with the inner ear or brain, the center of balance and coordination for the body. Inner ear problems are a common cause of vertigo, however that’s not the only cause. A condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is another reason, along with Meniere’s disease or previous neck or head injuries.
Vertigo can sometimes be traced back to misalignments in the upper cervical spine that disrupt the neurological connections between the upper neck and the brain. This is the area where the head meets the neck and serves as protection for the brainstem. This area plays a critical role in balance and coordination. Misalignments or subluxations of the upper cervical spine can potentially disrupt the communication between the brain, eyes and the inner ear, leading to vertigo symptoms.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Vertigo?
QSM3 (Quantum Spinal Mechanics 3) is a specialized chiropractic technique focused on the correction of the entire spinal column through the cervical spine. Upper cervical chiropractic care can be beneficial to those experiencing vertigo in several key therapeutic ways:
- Improved Nervous System Function: The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, a major pathway for communication between your brain and body. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine may disrupt these signals. Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on gentle adjustments in this area, promoting proper nervous system function and communication with the inner ear and brain, leading to improved balance and reduced vertigo.
- Reduced Inflammation: Misalignments can irritate surrounding tissues and nerves and this leads to inflammation. Upper cervical adjustments may help reduce inflammation in this area of the spine, potentially improving overall balance and decreasing episodes of vertigo.
- Enhanced Blood and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow: Proper blood and CSF flow is crucial for optimal brain function. QSM3 adjustments may improve fluid dynamics to the brain and balance pathways, leading to enhanced neurological function.
Understanding QSM3: A Gentle Approach to Chiropractic Care
Unlike traditional chiropractic techniques that might involve “popping or cracking” sounds, QSM3 utilizes a very light and precise touch. So if you’ve chosen to avoid chiropractors because you were concerned about “popping or cracking” sounds, rest assured that upper cervical chiropractic does not rely on those types of movements and takes a gentle approach to your body. Restoring proper alignment in the upper cervical spine influences the entire spine since the body’s postural control centers are located in the cervical spine. This adds an additional benefit to those suffering from vertigo who have other spinal conditions or pain. Upper Cervical Care is a safe and comfortable option for most individuals, including those who may be apprehensive about traditional chiropractic care.
The number of adjustments needed varies depending on the severity and chronicity of your condition. During your initial consultation, you and your chiropractor will have a thorough discussion of your vertigo symptoms, medical history, and any current medications. Your doctor will also ask about past traumas,other spinal conditions, stress and your lifestyle. Your chiropractor will then perform a physical examination and diagnostics to assess your spine and nervous system function. X-rays may be performed if needed. If chiropractic care is determined to be a suitable approach for you, a personalized plan of care consisting of gentle upper cervical adjustments will be tailored to your specific needs.
You may be wondering if chiropractic care can completely cure your vertigo. Every patient’s response to chiropractic care in individual and upper cervical care can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes for many people. Many patients experience long-lasting to permanent relief through consistent upper cervical chiropractic care with the QSM3 method.
Experience More Vertigo-Free Days
Vertigo can be a significant detriment to quality of life, getting in the way of work, family life, and enjoying time doing the things you love. If you struggle with dizziness and imbalance, upper cervical chiropractic care using the QSM3 method may be the answer you’ve been searching for. In addition to chiropractic care, there are some lifestyle modifications that can help manage vertigo symptoms:
- Reduce stress: Stress can be a trigger for vertigo episodes so consider relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen vertigo symptoms. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid salt which further dehydrates the body.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: These substances can exacerbate symptoms.
Suffering from Vertigo in Monmouth County, NJ?
Our goal at Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth is to help you find lasting relief and get back to feeling your best. Don’t let vertigo continue to get in your way of fully enjoying life. We take a holistic approach to your care and develop a specialized plan that’s right for you. If you live in Monmouth County, New Jersey, or live near Morganville, NJ, reach out today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a vertigo-free future!
Dr. Arbeitman
Dr. Arbeitman, a trailblazing figure in Upper Cervical Chiropractic, established Upper Cervical Chiropractic of Monmouth, LLC in 2005. Dedicated to promoting holistic wellness, he has empowered countless individuals to embrace Upper Cervical Chiropractic care as an integral part of their health journey. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Logan College of Chiropractic and holding a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiological Sciences from the University of Maryland at College Park, Dr. Arbeitman is a licensed practitioner in New Jersey who has met the rigorous standards set by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Beyond his extensive educational achievements, he has earned multiple scholarships and accolades for his academic prowess and exemplary clinical performance. Dr. Arbeitman's holistic approach encompasses spinal and nervous system care, lifestyle guidance, fitness evaluation, and nutritional expertise, all founded on the belief that the doctor-patient relationship is paramount to the healing process.
