As a veteran chiropractor in San Diego, I’ve dealt with numerous cases of vertigo. Most people deem it as a simple episode of dizziness and spinning. The reality, however, can be far deeper than just that.

Vertigo attacks are a form of dysfunction in the vestibular system. The vestibular system consists of the inner ear and brain that process signals about balance and eye movement. Once an interruption occurs within this system, vertigo and other vestibular issues can arise.

Vertigo is just one of the symptoms of other vestibular disorders, which include Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), acoustic neuroma, and vestibular neuritis. Other conditions are autoimmune disorders, secondary endolymphatic hydrops, and superior canal dehiscence.

Accurately diagnosing vestibular disorders can be quite challenging. As a result, inaccurate information gets passed along as facts. It also makes it difficult to determine how many people actually suffer from one of these conditions.

This article aims to educate readers about vertigo, especially if they or a loved one suffers from it. I will provide ample information about its likely causes, symptoms, and a form of natural relief.

After reading this, you should be able to deal with this condition a lot better.

More Facts About Vertigo
According to a recent study, as many as 35 percent of adults over the age of 40 in the United States experienced at least one vestibular dysfunction in their lifetime. And according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), eight million Americans suffer from a chronic balance problem.

That same study also revealed that another 2.4 million people have a chronic problem with dizziness by itself.

More statistics show that 33.4% of adults with chronic imbalance and 11.5% of adults with chronic dizziness are vertigo sufferers. These individuals are unable to carry out regular tasks like getting around. Other times they struggle with routine tasks such as bathing and getting dressed.

Vertigo can either be short-term or long-term, depending on the individual. Some experts connect it to possible mental health issues, but that remains unclear. Some of these issues include anxiety and depression because of how disruptive the spinning can get.

Apart from balance issues, vertigo also comes with lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, and motion sickness. There is also a feeling of congestion in the ear, headaches, and tinnitus.

Types of Vertigo
Vertigo is different from dizziness because vertigo has the false sensation of movement, especially spinning. It is broken down into two types: central and peripheral.

Peripheral Vertigo
Peripheral vertigo is more about inner ear issues. The labyrinth is a part of the inner ear that is responsible for sending proper signals to the brain in response to the pull of gravity on the body. The brain received signals that let it know, for example, that the body is no longer in a horizontal position lying down. The labyrinth also helps you stay upright upon standing.

When this entire system gets disrupted, vertigo occurs. Disruptions can happen to viral infections or other causes of inflammation in the inner ear.

Central Vertigo
Central vertigo, on the other hand, is more about problems within the central nervous system. In this case, either the brainstem or cerebellum has the issue. It also has to do with the interaction between vision and balance.

Caring for Vertigo
One of the most common forms of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Maneuvers called canalith-repositioning procedures are sometimes successful in relieving BPPV.

The said procedure does not require special equipment and holds a high effectiveness rate. It also helps eliminate unnecessary brain scans or hospital admissions, which can cut costs for the patient.

Vertigo Relief via Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Apart from vestibular dysfunction, there is also a connection between the misalignment of the upper two bones in the neck and vertigo. These two bones, known as the C1 and C2 vertebrae, protect the brainstem from damage. They are also responsible for head movement.

But because of this mobility, both the C1 and C2 become more susceptible to misalignment. They can quickly move out of position through a trip or fall, or whiplash from a car accident.

Once a misalignment occurs, the brainstem endures unnecessary pressure. As a result, the shifted vertebrae can hinder the flow of blood and cerebrospinal fluid going and coming from the brain.

The brainstem can send incorrect signals to the brain about where the body is located in relation to its surroundings. Once the brain gets incorrect signals from the ears, eyes, and sensory nerves, the confusion can result in vertigo.

Here in my clinic, Precision Chiropractic in Oklahoma City, I use a gentle yet precise method to bring the C1 and C2 bones back into alignment. I stay away from the popping and cracking methods you may know from traditional chiropractic practices.

Once the C1 and C2 vertebrae are encouraged back to their proper alignment, the body begins its natural healing process. The result is a gradual but increasing improvement and the eventual relief from vertigo. My patients have great testimonies to share about their recoveries.

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