While many use the term dizziness to describe a wide range of symptoms that include vertigo, you can help your healthcare practitioner provide better care by knowing the difference.
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What are dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness generally describes a feeling of lightheadedness. One may feel like he or she will pass out. Nausea is also common.
Vertigo refers to the feeling that most people would describe as the room spinning. It refers specifically to the sensation of motion when none is present. Don’t let the Hitchcock film Vertigo fool you—vertigo is not a fear of heights (that’s acrophobia).
Now that we’ve discussed the difference between the two, let’s look at a common way to gain natural relief from dizziness and vertigo.
The Underlying Cause of Dizziness
Most people will feel dizzy at some point in life. However, when this becomes a regular occurrence, it is important to find out if there is an underlying cause. Surprising to some, one of the most common underlying problems is a misalignment of the upper cervical spine. Unfortunately, because this underlying cause is not commonly known, most do not know that there is a simple way to have the problem corrected.
An upper cervical chiropractor can gently put the C1 and C2 back in proper alignment (there’s no twisting or cracking like general chiropractic). When the misalignment is corrected, the body can fix the damage that had been caused to nerves and soft tissue. Any pressure placed on the brainstem by the misalignment can be relieved. Proper blood flow to the brain may be restored. Once these problems are corrected, many find that dizziness or vertigo is lessened or even eliminated.
If you are suffering from dizziness, especially if you have ever experienced a head or neck injury (the common causes of an upper cervical misalignment), be sure to come and see us at Balanced Living Chiropractic.
References:
Ferri, Fred MD. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor, 2012 ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; 2012.
Blahd H. Dizziness: Lightheadedness and Vertigo – Topic Overview. http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/dizziness-lightheadedness-and-vertigo-topic-overview (accessed 14 August 2015).
Burcon M. Upper cervical protocol to reduce vertebral subluxation in ten subjects with Menieres: a case series. J Vert Sublux Res 2008; 2008(2): 1-8.
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