What to Expect When Visiting a Chiropractor for Vertigo Treatment
Up to ten percent of people experience dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance at some point in their lives. That number rises to 40% for those over 40 years old. But regardless of your age, these symptoms can be frustrating and debilitating.
They can disrupt your daily activities, work, and even quality of life. The good news is that experiencing is not the end of things. Chiropractic treatment can go a long way toward helping alleviate symptoms.
Keep reading for more on what to expect when visiting a chiropractor for vertigo treatment.
What Is Vertigo and What Causes It?
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning dizziness that can result in loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, and trouble walking or standing. It occurs when there is a disruption in the vestibular system of the inner ear, which controls balance and spatial orientation. It may appear suddenly and disappear quickly or linger for longer periods.
Some people with vertigo feel like they’re spinning, while others feel like they’re being pulled in one direction. They might also have a headache, feel sick to their stomach, or see things differently. These attacks can last anywhere from a few seconds to several days.
There are many causes of dizziness, including infections, head injuries, or problems with how the body circulates blood. Sometimes, vertigo occurs as a side effect of medications, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune disorders. However, the most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
It occurs when tiny particles build up in the inner ear. Viral or bacterial infections of the inner ear can lead to inflammation and nerve damage resulting in vertigo. Migraine headaches irritate inner ear structures and alter blood flow, bringing on vertigo before or during headaches.
Last but not least, head trauma or injuries like concussions can damage the inner ear apparatus. This often results in long-lasting headaches, dizziness, and balance problems.
Examination and Diagnosis
The first thing a chiropractor will do is ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also do a physical examination to check your balance, coordination, and spinal alignment. They might order tests like videonystagmography (VNG) or MRI scans to look at your inner ear and nerve pathways.
Specific balance tests will be conducted to determine if you have vertigo and what might be causing it. The chiropractor may request to watch you walk, stand on one foot, and track objects with your eyes. They will also analyze your test results to decide the best treatment plan.
After the examination and testing, your chiropractor can tell you what kind of vertigo you have and what’s causing it. Then, they can create a personalized treatment plan to help you feel better.
Chiropractic Treatment Plan for Vertigo
Once your chiropractor has examined and diagnosed your condition, they get to work developing a tailored treatment plan. The plan often combines several chiropractic treatment options to get the best results possible. These include:
Chiropractic Adjustments
Most dizziness treatment plans incorporate chiropractic adjustments, which aim to fix your posture and balance. They work by improving communication between your brain and inner ears.
The chiropractor uses gentle, hands-on movements to fix nerve problems caused by spine issues. They may also use specific techniques for your head and neck to address inner ear problems causing dizziness.
Balance and Vestibular Training
Exercises like using a balance board, walking in a certain way, and doing head exercises will also likely be part of your treatment plan. These activities help retrain your inner ear system.
The exercises will get more challenging as you progress to continue improvements. Your chiropractor may also recommend daily at-home exercises to perform based on your response.
Additional Therapies
Depending on the findings during the examination, the chiropractor may incorporate instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. This helps relax muscles and decrease inflammation around your neck and skull. Gentle massages can also help your nerves and inner ear signals work better together.
Lifestyle Changes
Your chiropractor might suggest changes to your diet, how you sleep, your work setup, and stress levels. These changes can help your nervous system work better. Custom-made shoe inserts might also help with balance.
Your chiropractor will keep an eye on your progress and adjust your plan as needed.
Ongoing Chiropractic Care for Vertigo
Ongoing chiropractic care is key to sustaining progress and preventing vertigo from occurring again. The chiropractor will work with you to determine how often you should come in for visits and what exercises you can do at home. Monitoring your response to care allows your doctor to continually adjust your plan.
Frequency of Visits
Some patients need multiple visits per week in the initial phase, tapering to once per month for maximal results. Others require only biweekly or monthly appointments for sufficient relief.
Your chiropractor customizes visit frequency around your improvements and lifestyle needs. Consistency is vital, especially in early care, to cement positive changes.
Assessment and Adjustment
At each visit, your chiropractor will check your balance, flexibility, and symptoms. They’ll use this information to adjust your care plan, making sure you’re getting the right treatment. Feedback drives modifications ensuring you get the care precision needed.
Prevention Strategies
Healthy habits like sleeping correctly, managing stress, moving regularly, and taking care of your body can help prevent vertigo. Your chiropractor will give you tips on how to do these things and make them a part of your daily routine. By taking care of yourself, you can keep your body aligned and healthy, which can help prevent vertigo.
Visit a Chiropractor for Vertigo Treatment in South Las Vegas Valley
As you can see, there are many ways a chiropractor can help with vertigo treatment. From understanding your problem to providing ongoing care, they can help keep the dizziness at bay. If this sounds like something you want, Blue Diamon Clinic is here to help.
Our team of experienced and compassionate chiropractors is ready to help you achieve optimal health and wellness. Whether you’re suffering from vertigo, back pain, neck pain, or other conditions, we’re here to serve you.
So what are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment with a chiropractor for vertigo treatment today!