Vertigo is one of the leading reasons for doctor visits. It even causes trips to the emergency room for some people. Vertigo is the abnormal sensation of spinning. If you have it, you may feel as if you or the things around you are spinning when there is actually no movement happening. About 10% of people under the age of 40 have vertigo, and the number jumps to 40% for people over the age of 40. Continue reading to learn more facts about the condition and how a doctor for vertigo based in Sacramento can help you get relief.
Causes of Vertigo Attacks
Vertigo attacks happen for various reasons. The list below provides some examples:
- An inner ear problem
- Turning around too fast
- Standing up too quickly
- Meniere’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- A blow to the head or neck, often due to accidents
All of these may come about due to a disruption in the vestibular system, which is a critical part of the central nervous system. This system is responsible for coordinating balance within the body. So, what can be done to treat vertigo?
Common Remedies for Vertigo
The exact cause of vertigo remains unknown, making it a challenging condition to cure for doctors. There is no singular solution for all vertigo cases. Instead, doctors may suggest combinations of the following:
- Dietary changes
- Over-the-counter and prescription medications
- Exercises to rehabilitate the brain to cope with the spinning
These treatments work, but vertigo may continue until the root cause of the problem has been resolved.
Correct Spinal Alignment Relieves Vertigo
As mentioned above, if you have had a blow to the neck or head, you may suffer from vertigo. In many cases, the origin of vertigo comes from a misaligned vertebra in the top of the neck. The C1 and C2 vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are prone to misaligning due to their location and flexibility. Their misalignment puts the brainstem under stress, causing it to malfunction. If this happens, improper signals will be sent to the brain about the location of the body in its environment, leading to the sensation of vertigo.
Here at Body Balance Spinal Care in Sacramento, California, we understand the delicate relationship between the bones of the upper neck and the body’s balance system. We are trained to guide them back into their original positions using a gentle yet extremely accurate technique. Oftentimes, this is enough to make your vertigo improve or go away entirely.