Vertigo is known for the sensation that you or the things in your environment seem to be spinning when there is no movement. Only half of all vertigo cases are found to have a cause that can be identified. This is often due to a problem that lies in the bones of the upper cervical spine. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo and will be what we are referring to in this article.

The Cause of Vertigo

A recent study revealed some interesting facts about the underlying cause of vertigo. This study was conducted in 2006 and involved 60 patients who were suffering from spinning. Out of these, 56 of them remembered enduring some sort of trauma in the past before the onset of vertigo. It was not always a major incident and included such things as:

• Bicycle accidents
• Vehicle accidents
• Tripping and falling
• Skiing accidents
• Horseback riding injuries
• Similar trauma that involved the head or neck

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

This proves that there is a definite link between an injury to the neck and vertigo. Why does this happen? We will talk about that a little later on and see the results of the study. First, let’s talk some more about vertigo and what it is.

Defining Vertigo

Vertigo brings about short episodes of mild to intense dizziness. It is often triggered by specific changes in the position of your head. You may notice it when you tip your head forward or backward, when you roll over in bed, when you sit up from a lying position, or when you lie down. It is rarely life-threatening unless you are in a dangerous location when it happens – such as on a high ladder or driving a car.

Symptoms of Vertigo

• A loss of balance or feeling unsteady: People with vertigo may feel as if their legs are on backward or they can no longer walk straight. Imagine walking on a balance beam and trying to walk foot over foot. Those with vertigo could not even take one step without falling off. They may feel as if they want to hold themselves up against a wall for balance.
• Dizziness: When you are a kid and you spin around until you feel dizzy, it is a fun experience. However, being an adult who is driving to work and having the same experience is not so much fun.
• Nausea: This is one of the worst symptoms of vertigo. You may feel as if you need to vomit, but cannot. The thought of food is pure torture. Riding in a car or looking at a moving computer screen is often impossible. A home remedy to try is drinking peppermint tea.
• Vomiting: A definite symptom of vertigo, it should not last for more than a few hours.
• Tinnitus: Meaning ringing, roaring, or hissing noise in the ears, this can make life difficult.
• Eye twitching: When the inner ear has a build-up of fluid, other functions inside the head may go astray. Things such as eye muscle spasms, twitching, itching, or the need to constantly rub the eyes may occur. Putting a cold cloth on your eyes for a few minutes may help.
• A migraine or a headache: Often when you feel nauseated or dizzy, a headache is soon to follow. Be sure to drink plenty of water and get some rest in a cool dark room. A cold washcloth on the back of your neck or forehead may help ease the pain.
• Sweating: This is a mildly annoying symptom of vertigo. Counteract this by being sure to drink enough water.
• Loss of coordination: Patients become clumsy, fall easily, drop things, trip, slip, or find it hard to complete a basic task they do every day. Do not drive or lift heavy things until it passes.

These symptoms may come and go, most often lasting for less than one minute. They may go into remission for some time and then reoccur. You may feel out of balance when you are walking or standing still. Occasionally, nystagmus may occur. This is abnormal rhythmic movements or jerking of the eye.

When to Seek Emergency Care

As mentioned, vertigo is usually harmless. However, it is important for you to seek the care of your primary care doctor if your vertigo is accompanied by any of the following:

• Loss of vision or seeing double
• Numbness or tingling
• Trouble talking
• An abnormal or a severe headache
• Fever
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Losing consciousness
• Problems walking or falling down
• Loss of hearing

Vertigo Relief Through Proper Spinal Alignment

If one of the bones of the upper cervical spine is out of alignment, this may be the underlying cause of vertigo. The C1 and C2 vertebrae are located in the same area of the neck as the brainstem. In fact, they have the important job of protecting the brainstem from damage.

However, if you have been involved in an accident that has injured your head or neck, one of these bones may become misaligned. This puts the brainstem under pressure and can cause it to send improper signals to the brain about where the body is located. This can lead to the symptoms of vertigo.

Here at Premier Family Wellness and Spinal Care, we use a method that is gentle and precise to help the bones of the neck to realign back into place. It is based on science and specific measurements. It does not require us to pop or crack the spine to realign the bones. The participants in the above-mentioned study all saw an improvement in their vertigo. One of them had vertigo for 37 years and was free of it after only one month of care.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call 248-780-8864 or just click the button below area

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.