Recently, a patient, Tina, came to see me for her low back pain. On her initial visit, as we talked, she said that she also frequently had intermittent bouts of lightheadedness and dizziness upon waking up from lying in her bed or on a sofa. He explained how he had been diagnosed with vertigo and no treatment had helped and was told that he 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 they are close. The second is a sensory organ in our ear called the vestibular system. People who get an ear infection often have poor balance and feel dizzy. The third sensory mechanism is found in the joints of the body. Sensory receptors in our body’s joints send messages of balance to our brain. Our feet, hips, and upper neck joints 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 highlighting 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. The authors’ 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 the joints of the upper cervical spine are misaligned and / or not moving properly. This could happen from trauma or prolonged poor posture, such as one that could have been desk work, or from repetitive movements like repeatedly turning your head.
Chiropractic physicians are trained to evaluate patients for neck pain and dizziness. Chiropractors are trained professionals who can palpate 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 to provide conservative treatment to help with dizziness, lightheadedness, and vertigo.
In my practice we have successfully helped many patients, like Tina, who have been experiencing balance problems for over 34 years. Chiropractic care should be a non-surgical, drug-free healthcare option for vertigo sufferers.
