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WHAT IS VERTIGO?
Treating vertigo and dizziness can be challenging. Vertigo is a symptom where sufferers experience a spinning sensation, dizziness and disorientation. Vertigo is not a medical condition itself, but rather a symptom of another problem (in the same way a sneeze is a symptom of a problem, such as the flu).
Despite common belief, it is not caused by heights, but rather problems with the nerve system, brain or inner ear balance organ.
Chiropractic has great results helping patients with vertigo and inner ear problems, especially those who have already seen medical doctors with minimal improvements
DIZZINESS & VERTIGO CAUSES?
Various disease conditions cause vertigo and dizziness. These conditions are usually associated with other symptoms, such as tinnitus, headaches, lightheadedness or giddiness, a feeling of fullness in the ear and even hearing loss.
LABYRINTHITIS
This is an acute viral infection of the inner ear. Sufferers experience severe vertigo, vomiting and are rendered immobile. This needs medical attention to prevent hearing loss.
Chiropractic care is useful in non-symptomatic periods to help prevent labyrinthitis attacks.
MENIERE’S DISEASE
Meniere’s disease is an imbalance of the liquid in the inner ear, resulting in dizziness, a feeling of spinning, nausea, a feeling of fullness in the ear and hearing loss. It usually is more chronic (long term) than labyrinthitis and can be predominantly on one side. The hearing loss can be more gradual over time.
Chiropractic has a great history of helping Meniere’s disease with lots of research showing the effectiveness of Upper Cervical Chiropractic.
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. This is when small calcium crystals dislodge, moving into the inner ear. These particles disrupt the normal functions of the inner ear, which regulated balance.
Epley’s manoeuvre is the first choice of treatment and can be performed by a medical doctor. If it persists it is best to seek a Chiropractor trained in Upper Cervical Specific care.
Other
Learn more about What Causes Vertigo, here.
Vertigo can also be linked to:
- Neck injuries
- Migraines
- Prescription medications
HOME REMEDIES FOR VERTIGO
A common treatment for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the home Epley Manoeuvre. The Epley Maneuver Manoeuvre is a series of movements designed by Dr John Epley to dislodge the crystals from the semicircular canals.
Though it was originally designed to be performed by a healthcare professional, the home Epley Maneuver is easily performed at your own comfort to treat your symptoms.
If you’re experiencing problems with your right ear, you can begin by sitting up on a bed. Angle your head 45 degrees to the right and quickly lie back. With your shoulders on your pillow, wait 30 seconds. Subsequently, turn your head 45 degrees towards the left from your neutral position, wait for 3o seconds before sitting up on the left side.
If you experience discomfort in your left year, repeat the previous steps in the reverse direction, beginning with your head angled 45 degrees to the left.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy is a treatment for those diagnosed with vertigo, Meniere’s syndrome, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) dizziness, imbalance and migraines.
This form of therapy is often engaged to target both primary and secondary problems caused by vestibular issues. Using exercise and movements in order to target symptoms of vertigo and dizziness, such as imbalance and increased risk of falls.
over 90% success rate!
TRIGGERS FOR VERTIGO AND DIZZINESS
For many cases of vertigo there is a physical trigger. This could be a fall, whiplash, injury, car accident or other insults to the neck or head. This damages the nerves in the upper neck making them more susceptible to producing symptoms, including vertigo.
Once there has been this injury, there can be triggers, such as:
Stress
Vertigo attacks can follow times of higher stress. In these instances the brain works hard on stressful events and vertigo can result.
Specific head movements
Moving the head in certain ways can pinch the nerve in the neck which controls balance, triggering a vertigo attack. This can also happen after injuries to the neck or head.
Medications
While these may not cause vertigo, they may trigger the pre-existing problem. This includes blood pressure medications and anti-depressants.
Alcohol consumption
This can worsen or affect the fluid composition in the inner ear.
Personal traits
Women generally suffer vertigo more than men and there may be genetic tendencies.
GETTING A DIAGNOSIS WITH A VERTIGO SPECIALIST SINGAPORE
For most Vertigo patients the first visit is to the GP and referral to an ENT (ear nose throat) Doctor. Tests may include CT scans, MRI’s and balance tests. The ENT will first exclude serious problems, such as a tumour. If nothing is found the treatment options are fairly limited, with the only option being medications.
This may offer some temporary relief but won’t correct the cause. Even for conditions such as Meniere’s disease the medication such as Betaserc or Stugeron does not offer significant improvement for many cases, while the patients hearing continues to deteriorate.
Once serious diseases have been ruled out, there should be a thorough assessment of the upper neck, where the brain-stem and balance centres are located. Learn more about Dizziness here.
The focus must be on the brain stem and nerve system to fix the problem and give a long term solution.
CURRENT DIZZINESS AND VERTIGO TREATMENT
Commonly this is treated by medicines, such as anti-histamines or anti-emetics, which can be helpful in some cases, such as if it is due to a bacterial infection. However, if the cause is rooted in the nerve system this will only help to temporarily relieve the symptoms.
Where the vertigo and dizziness is chronic (long term) the treatment must assess and treat any underlying problems in the nerve system.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN VERTIGO IS LEFT WITHOUT TREATMENT?
Episodes of vertigo usually last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. These episodes might lead to double vision, feeling like your head is spinning and may feel like motion sickness.
While vertigo isn’t normally dangerous on its own, sometimes it can cause a loss of balance in an individual and lead them to become a fall hazard. Suffering from symptoms may also be caused by a myriad of dangerous health problems such as stroke, Meniere’s disease and ear infection, which can severely deteriorate your health and wellness long-term.
While vertigo isn’t normally dangerous on its own, sometimes it can cause a loss of balance in an individual and lead them to become a fall hazard. Suffering from symptoms may also be caused by a myriad of dangerous health problems such as stroke, Meniere’s disease and ear infection, which can severely deteriorate your health and wellness long-term.
TREATMENT WITH A CHIROPRACTOR VERTIGO SPECIALIST SINGAPORE
Research shows that a misalignment, known as a Subluxation, in the upper neck will put pressure on the brainstem. This leads to interference in the balance centres. The brain isn’t able to receive adequate information from the body, as the messages are blocked, resulting in a loss of coordination.
If the dizziness is worsened by the position of the head this is particularly indicative of an Upper Cervical Subluxation. Upper Cervical Chiropractic care is particularly effective at helping dizziness as it specialises in the upper neck where the balance centres are located.
At Vitality Chiropractic as part of our unique NeuroPro method we perform nerve tests and are the first in Singapore to use this treatment technique for the upper neck, especially good as treatment for both vertigo and dizziness. This removes interference at the brain stem and restores normal balance. Chiropractic patients experience less dizziness and are able to return to normal activities, such as work and playing with their children.
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