Vertigo Can Be Treated

Vertigo is a condition in which you feel dizzy or off-balance, as if you or your surroundings are swaying, spinning or moving. This can be a temporary or long term condition that affects men and women of all ages but is most common among the elderly.

Causes of Vertigo

The vestibular system (a tiny grid of fluid-filled sacs and tubes) is an organ in our ears. There are two identical vestibular systems located in each ear. As we move around the liquid in the tubes also moves and our nerve cells read the levels. This information is transmitted to the brain which calculates which way is down and what should be horizontal.

Balance problems originate in the vestibular system so those who are afflicted with frequent vertigo are said to have vestibular disorder.  Balance problems may be associated with the loss of hearing or ringing in the ears. Changes in our brain may trigger vertigo as well.

Major causes of vertigo include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: This can be triggered by moving your head into a certain position or a simple movement of the head. BPPV is the most common form of vertigo.
• Calcium deposits in the ear canal can become dislodged causing vertigo.
• Head trauma: Those who have experienced a massive hit to the head can experience damage to the inner ear which can trigger vertigo.
• Labyrinthitis: Bacterial infections in the middle ear that are left untreated can also cause vertigo and possibly even hearing loss.

Some antibiotics have been known to damage the vestibular system due to high doses or with prolonged use. Acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine, alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers can cause temporary dizziness but generally do not cause permanent damage.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo is the main symptom of a balance disorder. If you close your eyes and feel as though you are falling or you are spinning then this is vertigo. Severe vertigo can impede your ability to walk and make you feel nauseous.

The vestibular system is linked to the brain's movement centre and to the eyes, and when there are problems with this system then vision can be affected. In addition, there may be aching muscles in the neck and back.

Other symptoms people experience during episodes of vertigo include memory problems or struggling to read. Often people find vertigo tiring, so much so they have to rest. Symptoms can last from a few moments to hours.

The symptoms of bacterial labyrinthitis are typically an ear infection followed by a significant loss of hearing and extreme vertigo which can last for weeks.

Dealing with or Avoiding Vertigo Triggers

There is plenty a person can do to help themselves if they are prone to experiencing vertigo. Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, fried foods and excessive salt can trigger vertigo.

Vitamin B6 and ginkgo biloba may help in reducing vertigo. If an individual has a blood sugar imbalance then chromium may help ease the effects of vertigo. Also, getting lots of exercise, meditation, and sufficient sleep all go a long way to treating vertigo.

Also, a chiropractor can develop an appropriate program specifically tailored for you to help treat vertigo.

Vertigo and Chiropractic Care

If you suffer with vertigo and are searching for help then consider chiropractic care. Even if you’ve not experienced any neck or head trauma then the symptoms you’re experiencing may be the result of an upper cervical joint dysfunction.

This form of treatment is not for everyone who has vertigo; some individuals may not respond well to this but a chiropractor is the best person to determine this.  There are some exercises that just may work but again, a chiropractor can determine this.

Treating BPPV

Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo dizziness is simple, but must be done in a precise manner, determined by which canal is filled with debris. Careful testing is done first to determine how much debris and where it lays. Once treatment is completed there may be some level of discomfort and it is generally recommended that patients do not drive themselves home.

If you are experiencing persistent vertigo it’s best not to take chances. Call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your head, spine and extremities. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.