Why Does Vertigo Improve With Upper Cervical Care

THE specific BLOG

Dr. Chris Collins

Did you know that upper cervical chiropractic can help those who suffer from vertigo? 

This week is Balance Awareness Week and we want to recognize and support those we love that struggle with balance and especially those who have been diagnosed with or experience vertigo.

Vertigo is a condition which causes you to feel a sense of imbalance and loss of equilibrium. It can often be accompanied by migraine and headache-like symptoms with symptoms of nausea, auras, and head and neck discomfort.

Vertigo can be attributed to a few different causes:

  1. Vestibular imbalance with the condition of the inner ear
  2. Proprioceptive dysfunction which includes information coming from and going to the cerebellum
  3. Visual related disorders including those affecting the oculomotor muscles of the eye

The common link between all these causes is the root area of the brain stem which houses important nuclei for the nervous system, which sends nerves out for proprioception, eye movement, and vestibular function.

Upper cervical care often addresses root issues with brainstem health by restoring the proper function of the spine nearest the region of the brain stem, at the upper cervical vertebrae. This allows for proper function of this area and can reduce stress to the tissues surrounding, which often balances three main functions which are affected during some vertigo episodes:

  1. The Righting Reflex: affects posture and levels the head to maintain a sense of balance with the horizon
  2. Proprioception: our body’s “sixth sense” of where we are in orientation to the spaces around us. It’s why you can close your eyes and touch your finger to your nose (hopefully)
  3. Mechanoreception: our body’s receptors responsible for movement and coordination of movement.

The upper cervical spine acts as the foundation for the above neurological information being coordinated and balanced for the entire body. That is why when we find problems with the upper cervical spine’s function as upper cervical doctors, and correct those problems – we often see some really cool improvements in balance and vertigo!

If you know someone who suffers from vertigo or balance issues, reach out this week and let them know you’re here for them. 

If you want another great blog on vertigo – check out one here, cowritten by one of our clients!

Thanks for reading the specific blog.

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