Vertigo, dizziness and Chiropractic

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is the most common cause of vertigo, a false sensation of spinning. What does it mean? 

-Benign – it is not life-threatening

-Paroxysmal – it comes in sudden, brief spells

-Positional – it gets triggered by certain head positions or movements

-Vertigo – a false sense of rotational movement 

According to the most accepted literature out there, BPPV" is a mechanical problem in the inner ear. It occurs when some of the calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) that are normally embedded in gel in the utricle become dislodged and migrate into one or more of the 3 fluid-filled semicircular canals, where they are not supposed to be. When enough of these particles accumulate in one of the canals they interfere with the normal fluid movement that these canals use to sense head motion, causing the inner ear to send false signals to the brain."

Common Treatment:  Epley maneuver. See video below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4S4CbuN6QA

Potential other causes? Cervicogenic meaning "cervical generated". In Chiropractic we often find that people suffering from vertigo have cervical subluxations meaning restricted vertebral segments in the neck that affect proprioception, you sense of awareness in time and space. According to the Vestibular Disorder Association "It is often difficult to distinguish  between cervicogenic dizziness and other medical problems", such as BPPV.  

In my experience treating hundreds of patients with dizziness and vertigo I always find restrictions in the cervical spine, and by adjusting those restrictions and restoring proper motion the dizziness and vertigo subside.  

We see  multiple cases of dizziness and vertigo in our practice, and personally I haven't yet seen a case which does not  present without cervical restrictions and which does not respond well to traditional chiropractic care.  If you are suffering from dizziness or vertigo, I strongly suggest you get yourself checked by a chiropractor.  

Dr. Eric Nepomnaschy - Your Santa Monica Chiropractor