Vertigo is one of the more disorienting and disruptive conditions a patient can experience, and one that is frequently undertreated because the connection between the spine and the vestibular system is not well understood outside of chiropractic and specialized medical circles. If you have been dealing with episodes of dizziness, spinning sensations, or a feeling that the room is moving when you are not, and standard medical workups have not produced a clear answer or lasting solution, there may be a mechanical component worth evaluating.
Vertigo has several possible causes and not all of them respond to chiropractic care. The most common type, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, occurs when calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced and send incorrect signals to the brain about the body's position. It is triggered by head movement and often resolves with specific repositioning maneuvers.
Cervicogenic dizziness is a separate presentation involving dysfunction in the joints and muscles of the upper cervical spine, which play a direct role in the body's sense of balance and spatial orientation. When those joints are restricted or the surrounding muscles are in spasm, the signals they send to the brain can conflict with what the eyes and inner ear are reporting, producing dizziness, unsteadiness, and vertigo-like symptoms.
Dr. Jay performs a thorough evaluation to determine whether a patient's vertigo has a cervical component and whether chiropractic care is appropriate. Not every vertigo case is a chiropractic case, and if evaluation suggests another cause, Dr. Jay will refer to the appropriate provider.
For cases with a clear mechanical component, treatment may include gentle adjustments to the upper cervical spine, Arthrostim instrument adjusting, soft tissue work to the surrounding musculature, and specific exercises targeting balance and vestibular function. The cervical spine component of vertigo is frequently missed and often responds well once it is properly identified and addressed.
If you have been dealing with dizziness or vertigo and are looking for a provider who will take a thorough look at the mechanical picture, call us at (765) 778-4095 or fill out the form on our New Patient page.
Serving Pendleton, Anderson, Fortville, Lapel, and the surrounding area. Most major insurance accepted.