Recently, a patient, Tina, came to me for back pain that she was experiencing. At her initial visit, as we talked, she said that she often had intermittent episodes of lightheadedness and dizziness when lying in bed or on a couch. She explained how she had been diagnosed with vertigo and no treatment had helped and was told that she would have to live with it. She asked me, “Can chiropractic care help with dizziness and vertigo?” I said we could check and see what could be done. Fortunately, we were able to help her substantially.

This article will describe how chiropractic care can help with lightheadedness, dizziness, and vertigo. It will describe what can cause vertigo and how chiropractic treatment can help. It will also provide details on a recent new research study validating conservative chiropractic care for dizziness.

Humans experience balance through all three sensory mechanisms. The first is visual. We all know that if we have our eyes open we have better balance than if we have them close. The second is a sensory organ in our ear called the vestibular system. People who get an ear infection often have balance problems and feel dizzy. The third sensory mechanism is found in the joints of the body. Sensory receptors in the joints of our body send balance messages to our brain. Our feet, hips, and upper joints in our neck are particularly loaded with these important types of joint receptors.

A recent research study in the Journal of Disability and Rehabilitation, February 2019, published important documentation pointing to the relationship between upper neck problems and dizziness. They said that among a group of 236 patients with dizziness, the researchers found that 59% also suffered from neck pain. Those with neck pain reported a lower quality of life and worse symptoms of dizziness. Our findings suggest that dizziness may be a symptom associated with what is known as ‘cervical dysfunction’.

Cervical dysfunction simply means that the bones, called vertebrae, and joints in the upper cervical spine are out of alignment and/or don’t move properly. This could occur from trauma or prolonged poor posture, such as a desk job, or from repetitive movements such as repeatedly turning your head.

Chiropractic doctors are trained to evaluate patients with neck pain and dizziness. Chiropractors are trained professionals who can feel the areas of the upper cervical spine for misalignment or improper movement, muscle spasm, and inflammation. Chiropractors can also use x-rays to examine this area of ​​the spine.

If there is a mechanical problem in this area, chiropractors have safe, gentle, and effective methods of providing conservative treatment to help with dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo.

In my office we have successfully helped many patients, like Tina, who has been experiencing balance problems for over 34 years. Chiropractic care should be a non-surgical, drug-free option in the field of medical care for those who suffer from vertigo.

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