Have you ever felt like you were spinning or that the world around you is spinning? These are common explanations by people who are experiencing vertigo. Other sensations that may come with vertigo include a feeling of being off balance, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), pressure or a feeling of fullness in the ears and/or head, or even vomiting/nausea.
So what causes vertigo? The precise cause is unknown, most vertigo is experienced after a precipitating event – typically a trauma to the neck or head, such as a whiplash or concussion. As research in this area expands, medical doctors and researchers are finding that vertigo may have a primary causation of trauma to the head and neck, even if the injury was months to years before. The area of concern is being pinpointed to the upper cervical region, which includes the brainstem. When this area is affected, some specialized imaging is showing less movement in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
If the potential trauma occurred months to years prior to the symptoms, where might you look in your medical history to see if this might be how their vertigo started? Any/ALL of the following may induce or cause ligaments supporting the head and neck to be sprained (torn), which can lead to abnormal movement in the upper cervical complex. Common causes of trauma include blows to the head (boxing, MMA, rugby, football, falls of stunt pyramids…etc), whiplash (car, atv, motorcycle or snowmobile accidents), concussions (military accidents, slip and falls on ice, soccer, dancing, cheerleading, and other intense sports injuries).
One of the most qualified health care practitioners to access this vital area of the body is an Upper Cervical Chiropractor. This type of chiropractic specializes in discovering altered motion, decreased neurological function, and postural alteration in the upper neck through scientific, objective criteria. Then if this is found to be the likely cause of a vertigo episode (Acute or chronic), the upper cervical chiropractor will utilize gentle, safe and effect adjustments to help restore the motion and improve the posture of the person.
