Imagine sitting up and feeling the whole world spin around you. Or lying in bed and turning on your side, only to have your bed seemingly spinning out of control. Or worse – Stopping at a stop sign and turning your head to see if any carsare coming, and suddenly feeling like you’re on a fast-spinning carnival ride. That is what it feels like to suffer from vertigo. Although these feelings usually only last for a few minutes, they can still cause nausea, vomiting, headaches, a loss of balance, head injuries, and falls.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sense of rotation or spinning even if you are perfectly still. There are several causes of vertigo –inflammation in the inner ear, Meniere’s disease, Vestibular migraine, acoustic neuroma, neurological issues, and most commonly – BBPV.
About 65 percent of vertigo is diagnosed as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BBPV occurs when small crystals or stones found normally within the inner ear become displaced and cause irritation to the small hair cells within the semicircular canals. BPPV causes intense, brief episodes of vertigo immediately following a change in the position of your head – like sitting up or turning your head. Between 2-3 percent of the population is at risk of developing BPPV, especially older women.
What is the Treatment for Vertigo?
Medications, such as Meclizine and diazepam (Valium), can be used to decrease nausea or vomiting, but can also cause drowsiness and other side effects. Plus, they only treat the symptoms; they are not considered a cure for vertigo. The most effective treatments for BPPV include particle repositioning movements, such as the Epley maneuver or canalith repositioning procedure. 80 to 90% of patients suffering from BPPV who were given the Epley maneuver found relief from the effects of vertigo after a single treatment. If your vertigo persists or lasts for more than a few days, you should seek an evaluation for any underlying structural problems of the brain, spinal canal, or inner ear.
Chiropractic and Vertigo
The treatment of vertigo is simple, but involves very specific movements based on which canal is filled with debris. Since these movements can initially cause your vertigo to worsen, it’s best to have it done by an experienced health care professional, such as an Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractor. If you or anyone you know suffers from vertigo give our office a call and schedule a complementary consultation, call 610-741-6700 today.