Treating Nausea & Dizziness with Chiropractic Care
Getting dizzy can occur for various reasons, from standing up too fast to getting car sick. For most, it is a temporary inconvenience that goes away within a few minutes. However, nausea and dizziness are constant problems for an estimated 40% of people.
Chiropractic care may be a beneficial way to treat dizziness and nausea. Chiropractors use their hands to manipulate the spine to relieve pain or dysfunction. Chiropractors may also recommend dietary changes or supplements to help reduce nausea and dizziness.
What Will a Chiropractor Do for Vertigo?
If you feel like the world around you is spinning, it may be vertigo. Vertigo is a condition characterized by the sensation of dizziness, spinning, and loss of balance. It can be caused by various factors, including head injuries, Ménière's Disease (a disorder that affects the inner ear), vestibularromyalgia (a type of chronic fatigue syndrome often associated with vertigo), cervical spine or vestibular issues, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Most cases of Vertigo can be treated effectively with chiropractic care.
Cervical/Vestibular Problems
One of the main techniques when treating vertigo is the chiropractic adjustment focusing on the spine to help relieve any pressure on the nerves responsible for transmitting signals to the vestibular system. These spinal adjustments also correct any misalignments in the neck and upper back that may be contributing to the vertigo symptoms.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
In some cases, vertigo may be caused by an inner ear problem called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals called otoconia become dislodged from their usual position within the inner ear and migrate into one of the semicircular canals. Chiropractors may be able to help reduce symptoms by using specific repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, also known as the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), to alleviate your vertigo symptoms and reposition the displaced calcium crystals.
Neurological Chiropractic: What to Know
Also known as functional neurology, neurological chiropractic is a type of chiropractic that focuses on treating diseases and conditions related to the nervous system. These conditions can include headaches, neck pain, and back pain.
Chiropractors specializing in neurology often use manipulation, adjustments, hot packs, acupuncture, and massage to relieve symptoms.
There is some evidence that neurological chiropractic may be effective for treating certain types of chronic pain. However, there is currently little research evaluating its effectiveness for other conditions or treatments. It's important to discuss your situation with a licensed and certified chiropractor like Dr. Andrews before starting treatment if you have any concerns about potential benefits or risks.
Chiropractic Treatments for Nausea and Dizziness
Many types of chiropractic treatments can be used for these conditions. Some common ones include spinal manipulation, manual adjustments of the joints of the spine, traction using massage devices on the back or neck, Valsalva maneuvering exercises, and acupuncture.
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is a therapy that uses gentle physical pressure to correct the alignment and movement of the spine. It has been used for centuries to help treat dizziness, nausea, headaches, neck pain, and other conditions.
The benefits of spinal manipulation are wide-ranging. It can help improve balance and coordination, alleviate pain from arthritis or lumbar disc disease (a herniated disc), reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, and restore normal function to the nervous system. In many cases, spinal manipulation also effectively treats depression and anxiety disorders.
Because nausea and dizziness can be our body's way of saying something isn't right, any number of the above conditions could be a key factor. By correcting the underlying cause of your constant dizzy spells, a chiropractor may be able to reduce or eliminate these issues too.
There are several types of spinal manipulation therapies available today:
Manual chiropractic care (also known as spinal manipulation)
McKenzie adjustments (named after Dr. James McKenzie, who developed this approach in the 1940s)
Alexander technique treatments performed by a certified teacher/therapist using light touch on specific areas of the back or abdomen, myofascial release treatment (MFRT)
Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) techniques performed by licensed doctors specializing in OMM diagnosis and treatment specifically targeting soft tissue dysfunction around joints
Traction-based methods utilize weights attached directly to bones through straps to apply gentle but consistent pulling forces across restricted tissues
Chiropractic Care for Vertigo
Chiropractors use adjustments to correct biomechanical issues in the spine and surrounding muscles. This typically helps to restore balance and relieve symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, lightheadedness, tingling sensations on one side or both sides of the body, difficulty moving around easily, and more. Chiropractic treatment for vertigo is an effective solution for many patients. Studies have found that it is as effective as drugs like aminophylline (used to treat hypertension) and beta-blockers (used to reduce heart attack risk).
Discover How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help Vertigo
If you're experiencing vertigo symptoms, like the world is spinning or ringing in the ears, that don't seem to improve, consider seeking chiropractic care. Dr. Andrews at ChiroHer may be able to provide you with information about possible causes for your vertigo and solutions for your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is vertigo?
A: Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that is often accompanied by nausea and a loss of balance.
Q: What are the common causes of vertigo?
A: Vertigo can be caused by various factors, including inner ear problems, migraines, head injuries, certain medications, and even anxiety or stress.
Q: How does chiropractic care treat vertigo?
A: Chiropractors use gentle adjustments and manipulations to correct misalignments in the spine, particularly in the upper cervical region. These alignments help restore proper communication between the brain and body, which can decrease vertigo episodes.
Q: Can chiropractors help with the symptoms of vertigo?
A: Yes, chiropractors can help manage the symptoms of vertigo. By reducing spinal misalignments and improving nerve function, chiropractic care can alleviate feelings of dizziness and imbalance associated with vertigo.
Q: What other treatment options are available for vertigo?
A: Aside from chiropractic care, other treatment options for vertigo include vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medication, and in severe cases, surgery. It is best to consult with your healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
Q: Can chiropractic treatment help with vertigo caused by Meniere's disease?
A: While chiropractic care cannot cure Meniere's disease, it can help manage the symptoms of vertigo associated with it. By reducing spinal misalignments and improving overall nerve function, chiropractic treatment can provide relief and improve quality of life for individuals with the disease.
Q: How do I know if chiropractic care can help my vertigo?
A: If you suffer from vertigo it's worth considering chiropractic care. Consult with a chiropractor who specializes in vertigo and dizziness to determine if chiropractic treatment can help your specific condition.
Q: How long does it take for chiropractic care to help with vertigo?
A: The duration of chiropractic care for vertigo can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. Some patients may experience improvements after a few sessions, while others may require more long-term care.
Q: Is chiropractic care safe for vertigo patients?
A: Chiropractic care is generally safe for vertigo patients. However, it is essential to consult with a qualified chiropractor like Dr. Andrews who has experience and expertise in treating vertigo to ensure the most appropriate care and prevent any potential complications.