Spring has arrived and the weather is getting warmer. For last week’s article we discussed chiropractic and ear infections. For this week’s article topic we’ll discuss vertigo and address the question “Can a chiropractor help with vertigo?”.

Experiencing Vertigo

People with vertigo know that the law of gravity prevails, but their brains get confused. They experience an illusion of movement, feeling like they are tilting in space, or that the world is spinning or moving around them. Nausea, sweating, headaches, vomiting and fatigue may add to their discomfort.

Vertigo can be caused by many problems, most of which originate in the peripheral or central nervous system.The causes of vertigo that stem from the peripheral nervous system include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), acute vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis and Ménière’s disease.

Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo can also be caused by a wide variety of medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, diuretics, barbiturates, salicylates (e.g., aspirin), sedatives or hypnotics, some prescription and over-the-counter cold medicines, and some antibiotics and antineoplastics.

Diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, high blood triglycerides, hypoglycemia, and food allergies or gluten sensitivity can also cause or worsen vertigo. Motor vehicle accidents, falls or other types of traumas or illnesses can also be associated with vertigo To diagnose the cause of vertigo, your health care provider will perform an examination, including a variety of positioning tests, to check if they will reproduce the sensation of motion. Other tests may also be necessary.

Now that we have talked about these three cases, one of the nerves that can be associated with these problems is the vestibulocochlear nerve (Cranial nerve #8).The vestibulocochlear nerve (auditory vestibular nerve), known as the eighth cranial nerve, transmits sound and equilibrium (balance) information from the inner ear to the brain.

When the spine becomes subluxation (misaligned), pressure can be placed on this nerve which in turn will not allow the nerve to function at its maximum potential thus causing warning signs like ear infections, tinnitus, vertigo to occur. It is your bodies way of saying that something needs to be addressed.

Chiropractic has been very beneficial in the treatment of these conditions, by putting pressure off the spine and the nervous system you allow the body to heal by itself without the use of drugs or surgery. So if you know of anyone experiencing these conditions make sure they get their spines checked by their local chiropractor.

Get Involved

Have you, or anyone you know, ever experienced vertigo? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience so please let comments below.