Posts Tagged "Dizziness"

Vertigo

Posted by Dr. Heuser on Jul 12, 2011 in Blog | 0 comments

Vertigo brings a lot of people into chiropractic offices for treatment. It can be described as dizziness accompanied by the feeling of motion. It can vary in intensity and duration, often becoming severe enough to cause balance problems and nausea. Vertigo can be caused by head or neck trauma, and if this is the case with you, chiropractic can be a very effective mode of treatment.

Vertigo can be caused by a misalignment in the cervical vertebrae that puts pressure on some of the proprioceptive nerves in the neck that are responsible for balance. In this case, a chiropractic adjustment to realign the cervical vertebrae can often improve or cure the condition.

Another common cause of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is estimated to be the cause of about 20% of vertigo cases (50% in older patients). BPPV is caused by lose calcium crystals in the vestibular system. The vestibular system consists of 5 tiny canals in each inner ear, along the edges of which are small sensory hairs with crystals balanced on their ends. Fluid flows through these canals as your body changes position (kind of like a level) and the hairs read this fluid-motion to determine body position and balance. When one of the crystals breaks lose, it can impede the motion of the fluid through the canals. This causes a signal that contrasts with what the rest of your vestibular system or eyes are telling you and causes vertigo. A chiropractor can help to eliminate this problem by moving the head in such a way that the loose crystals move to a part of the canal where they will not be able to impede the flow of fluid. Chiropractors can also suggest a series of exercises that can be done at home to hasten recovery. This treatment option can be very effective, and it is estimated that about 80% of patients are symptom-free after 3-4 visits.

Vertigo can have many causes, so a chiropractor will first perform a thorough examination to determine what the cause is in your case. If chiropractic can help, an individual treatment plan will be developed. If it can’t, an appropriate referral can be made.

Motor Vehicle Accident, Neck Pain and Loss of the Curve of the Neck

Posted by fseblog on Jul 11, 2011 in Auto Accident, Drug Free Treatment, Personal Injury | 3 comments

Following a car accident one of the most common complaints is that of neck pain and headaches. The average accident occurs in fractions of a second. Our bodies are not capable of reacting fast enough to protect ourselves and injuries occur. This is a result of injuries to the muscles and ligaments that support the head and neck, as well as, changes in the shape of the spinal curves. Along with changes in the curves many times we will see that the body no longer carries its weight properly. Shifts in weight forward and back or to the side can change the way the joints move and the way the muscles move the vertebrae.” Individuals with a loss of or reversal of the normal curve of the cervical spine are 18 times more likely to present with cervicogenic symptoms”. (1)

Symptoms of Spinal Injury Following an Auto Accident

Posted by fseblog on Jul 4, 2011 in Auto Accident, Blog, Drug Free Treatment, Free Exam, Free Treatment, Insurance, Personal Injury | 0 comments

Were you recently in a car accident? Are you unsure if you should seek further treatment?  Are you wondering what the long term effects of your accident may have on your spine and body?  Are you wondering what a chiropractor may be able to do to help?    If so here are a few things that may help you answer these questions and speed your recovery from any injuries you may have suffered.