For many, the word vertigo conjures up images of a person feeling dizzy and spinning. However, there is so much more to vertigo than just that. Vertigo is a symptom or a telling sign of an underlying condition. Despite being a symptom, patients looking for a Belle Harbor Queens chiropractor also report other accompanying symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting, sweating, increased heart rate, and difficulty swallowing.
Vertigo is non-life threatening but can cause accidents such as falls due to balance issues. If you're driving and think vertigo is about to attack, please don't continue for your safety. Move your car to the side and wait for your episode to pass before you proceed. In some cases, vertigo can also cause tinnitus, hearing loss, or ear congestion. These symptoms may last for minutes to hours. Be aware of the following symptoms to help you discern vertigo better.
While feeling dizzy or lightheaded is certainly one sign of vertigo, it is far from the only one. Other common symptoms include:
Many of these symptoms may be similar to other conditions. However, if you experience any combination of these symptoms regularly—especially if a sense of spinning accompanies them—it's essential to see a doctor, ENT specialist, or a Belle Harbor Queens chiropractor as soon as possible.
Be extra mindful of the accompanying symptoms, too, should there be any signs of weakness, chest pain, headache, and slurred speech, these are not typical vertigo symptoms, and it points to a more severe condition. For example, it can signify a heart problem or stroke. If this happens, emergency care is necessary.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
Some people experience vertigo as they get older. You will likely experience vertigo as you age, as inner ear problems and balance issues occur due to age. Getting older also puts you at a higher risk of developing conditions that brings dizziness and vertigo. Below are some of the most common health disorders experienced by older adults:
No one-size-fits-all solution can help you cope and effectively manage your vertigo symptoms. However, there are a things that you can do to help ease your symptoms and feel more like yourself again. These include:
Your dizzy spells and other vertigo symptoms may be linked to a dysfunction that stems from your upper neck, particularly your upper cervical spine. This topmost part of your spine consists of your atlas (C1) and axis (C2). These bones help support your skull and its extended range of movement and protect your brainstem, an integral part of your nervous system.
Unnecessary pressure and stress to your brainstem can happen from a misalignment in your upper cervical spine. Keeping your brainstem's proper function is vital for brain and body communication. Your brainstem is essential in transmitting messages from the body to the brain, including pain signals. If it gets stressed and irritated, it can malfunction and eventually affect your body's response to keeping the balance.
A misalignment in your upper cervical spine is often an overlooked cause of vertigo. When your C1 and C2 vertebrae shift out of their proper alignment, the nerves surrounding your spine become irritated and inflamed. The inflammation will then prevent the fluid from flowing into the inner ear, which can disrupt the balance and hearing signals between the vestibular nerves and the brain. This can trigger vertigo and other balance problems.
Correcting said misalignment with gentle adjustments can reduce your vertigo episodes and even their possible recurrence and support your body's natural healing capacity.
You will need a series of upper cervical chiropractic adjustments to deal with the misalignment in your spine. This natural and non-invasive method can be very helpful in managing vertigo to prevent its recurrent or even from occurring in the first place.
Misalignment in your atlas and axis puts pressure on the delicate nerves that go to the inner ear. This part is vital in keeping your balance. Therefore when irritated, it can cause dizziness and other vestibular disorders. Restoring the alignment in the upper cervical spine relieves the pressure from your nerves and brainstem and lets your blood and inner ear fluid flow without interference.
Our Belle Harbor Queens chiropractor, Dr. Robert Gucciardo, helps patients find significant vertigo relief. He has over 26 years of experience providing gentle and precise upper cervical adjustments to help patients manage their pain and discomfort from vertigo and other conditions.
If you want to experience the benefits of upper cervical adjustment to manage your vertigo symptoms, set an appointment at Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center by calling (718) 550-5790 or booking your consultation online.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Gucciardo, call our Howard Beach office at 718-550-5790. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
