Dizziness
While dizziness is a common complaint, not all patients who complain of being dizzy are reporting the same sensation. The various types of dizziness may have a number of different causes and some are more likely to be responsive to chiropractic treatment than others. Dizziness may have its origin in dysfunction of the inner ear, traumatic injury, Meniere's disease, multiple sclerosis, tumor, hypotension, allergies, extreme anxiety, various medications or illegal drugs, heart abnormalities or internal bleeding.
Types of Dizziness
There are several types of dizziness distinguished by the particular sensations experienced by the patient. Sometimes dizziness may be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. The types of dizziness include:
- Lightheadedness (presyncope), feeling faint
- Disequilibrium, feeling off balance
- Vertigo, feeling a spinning sensation
The types of dizziness most likely to respond to chiropractic care are disequilibrium and vertigo.
Chiropractic Care for Dizziness
Chiropractors, with their hands-on, holistic approach, can frequently provide patients with rapid relief from the discomfort and disability associated with dizziness. Chiropractic treatments may differ depending on the cause of the condition.
Chiropractic Adjustments for Vertigo
The majority of vertigo patients, approximately 65 percent, are diagnosed with benign paroxysmal positional (BPPV), a condition that results from calcium debris in the inner ear. This disorder can be effectively treated by a chiropractic adjustment known as the Epley maneuver, in which the patient lies on one side and is rapidly moved to the other side, shifting the calcium deposit to another, less sensitive, area of the ear. The Epley maneuver is highly successful in treating vertigo. Up to 80 percent of afflicted patients recover after only one treatment and almost all respond after two or three.
While the Epley maneuver can be a godsend to patients suffering with vertigo, it is contraindicated in patients with certain medical conditions. Even without treatment, BPPV usually resolves on its own within weeks of months, though it does have an unfortunate tendency to recur.
Other disorders of the inner ear, particularly of the labyrinth, may result from inflammation due to allergies or to infections when fluid or pus accumulate in the region. In such cases, chiropractic adjustments often help to promote drainage so that the infection can resolve on its own. Ninety percent of cases of Meniere's disease, the primary symptom of which is vertigo, are effectively treated by chiropractic adjustments of the cervical spine.
Chiropractic Adjustments for Disequilibrium
In most cases, disequilibrium has its origin in subluxation (misalignment) the cervical spine. This upper region of the spine plays an important part in regulating the body's sense of balance. There are several chiropractic adjustments for this condition.
Other Chiropractic Treatments for Dizziness
In addition to offering vertebral adjustments, chiropractors offer other assessments and advice to their patients to help resolve dizziness issues. These may include:
- Dietary changes
- Exercise regimens
- Stress reduction techniques
- Vestibular exercises
The lifestyle changes most chiropractors recommend typically include elimination of nicotine and alcohol, and dietary changes to reduce or eliminate caffeine, aspartame, fried foods and chocolate. They may also include suggestions that the patient take certain dietary supplements, such as chromium. Chiropractors are also well-prepared to provide postural advice and suggestions on how to create an ergonomic environment at home and in the workplace which may be helpful in reducing dizziness.
Advantages of Chiropractic Care for Dizziness
The holistic approach of chiropractic care is very helpful in treating dizziness because it provides rapid relief of symptoms without medication or invasive procedures. Many patients not only experience symptom relief but find that they experience increased health and vitality under the care of a professional chiropractor.