What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a particularly uncomfortable and disorientating feeling of dizziness. Unlike regular bouts of dizziness, vertigo is more severe and often occurs during everyday activities, from standing up to walking between rooms. Experiencing regular bouts of vertigo can be a symptom of a deeper, underlying health issue. To get to the root of the issue, get in touch to schedule an exam with our team at Upper Spine Knoxville.
Vertigo Signs and Symptoms
Although usually a symptom of an overarching medical condition, individuals can also experience vertigo as an isolated balance and/or orientation disorder. Some of the most common symptoms of vertigo include dizziness, headaches, nausea/vomiting, tinnitus/ringing ears, and a feeling of spinning when stationary.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Vertigo
Vertigo is typically caused by problems in the inner ear, the region of the body responsible for helping us keep balance. If there is a build-up of fluid within the inner ear, it can throw off our sense of vertical direction, making us feel off-balance and dizzy.
While it’s often overlooked, there is a strong relationship between the upper cervical spine and the proper function of the inner ear. A vertebral misalignment in the upper cervical spine can cause increased fluid build-up due to irritation and swelling in the lining of the eustachian tubes. Left untreated, inflammation and fluid build-up may even impede the signals between the vestibular nerve and the central nervous system (CNS). If your CNS isn’t receiving orientation signals correctly, you may experience vertigo symptoms.
How Our Vertigo Treatment Works
Upper cervical chiropractic treatment is a specific and effective method of easing the unsettling symptoms of vertigo. Correcting a misalignment in the upper cervical spine is the ultimate priority for an upper cervical chiropractor.
Before performing any corrections, our expert upper cervical chiropractor, Dr. Shamloo, will use advanced 3D imaging in order to get a snapshot of the health of your upper cervical spine. From this scan, Dr. Shamloo will be able to identify the location, angle, and severity of any misalignments. Armed with this information, your chiropractor will begin the process of realigning your upper cervical spine, using specific correction techniques that doesn’t require any pulling or twisting.
Afterwards, you may notice an immediate reduction in vertigo symptoms. However, depending on the severity of your misalignment and/or the frequency of your vertigo bouts, it will likely take multiple treatments to achieve long-term relief.
If vertigo is impacting your day-to-day life, contact Upper Spine Knoxville for an appointment with Dr. Shamloo. We see patients in Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Lenoir City, Karns, Hardin Valley, Powell, Halls and Fountain City in Tennessee, as well as the surrounding areas.