Can A Chiropractor Help With Vertigo?
Vertigo is a spinning sensation that can turn a simple walk into a disorienting experience, becoming very disruptive to daily life. As local Brisbane chiropractors, we have seen patients seeking relief from this condition in the past, and while medication can be helpful for those suffering from the condition, chiropractic care may offer a natural, non-invasive approach to managing vertigo symptoms. If you’re asking “can a chiropractor help with vertigo?”, here’s how we may be able to assist in helping you live better with this condition.
What Is Vertigo, And What Causes It?
Vertigo originates from a malfunction in the inner ear, the body’s balance centre. This is where tiny hair cells within your ear canal detect head movement and send signals to the brain about our body’s position. When there’s a mismatch between what the inner ear senses and the visuals from our eyes, dizziness and a spinning sensation occur.
Several factors can trigger vertigo, including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This common type of vertigo involves tiny calcium particles dislodging within the inner ear canals, disrupting the balance signals
- Cervicogenic Vertigo. This less common type arises from issues in the upper cervical spine, where misalignments can affect nerve signals to the brain impacting balance
- Inner ear infections. Infections can inflame the inner ear, affecting balance signals
- Migraines. Vertigo can be a symptom of migraines, along with headache and nausea.
Can A Chiropractor Help With Vertigo?
While chiropractors cannot directly treat the underlying cause of vertigo, chiropractic care can be a valuable tool in managing symptoms, particularly those associated with BPPV and cervicogenic vertigo.
Restoring Balance In the Inner Ear (BPPV)
Specific repositioning techniques can be performed in the chiropractic setting, with the aim of moving the dislodged particles back into their proper position within the inner ear canals, restoring normal balance signals.
Improving Nerve Function (Cervicogenic Vertigo)
Gentle chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine may help improve nerve function and communication between the brain and the inner ear. By addressing misalignments that might be interfering with nerve signals, chiropractic care can potentially reduce vertigo episodes.
Enhancing Overall Wellbeing
Chiropractic care emphasises a holistic approach. A chiropractor will also offer advice on stress management techniques, proper sleep, and dietary changes, all of which can contribute to a reduction in vertigo symptoms.
Is Chiropractic Care Right For Your Vertigo?
It’s important to understand that chiropractic care isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for vertigo. Some cases require medical evaluation to rule out other causes, such as migraines. However, if you experience BPPV or cervicogenic vertigo, chiropractic care can offer a safe and effective approach to managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
We always recommend a collaborative approach to healthcare. If you are experiencing vertigo, consult with your medical doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. They might advise medication or other treatments alongside chiropractic care to create a comprehensive management plan. And, when you’re ready, making an appointment with a chiropractor can help in your first steps towards living more comfortably with this condition.
