Is The Cause of Your Vertigo in Your Neck?

Vertigo is a very specific type of dizziness.  It is the sensation of spinning that comes on suddenly.  It can come and go quickly, or it can last for hours.  Along with the feeling of dizziness, people undergoing a vertigo attack can also experience headaches, nausea or vomiting, and vision changes.  These attacks can range from mild to debilitating.

Origins of Vertigo

There are typically thought to be two origins of vertigo:

1. The inner ear – the inner ear is made up of labyrinths, or tiny canals, that have organs in them responsible for relaying messages to the brain about our body’s movement and position.  A disturbance to this system can bring on an episode of vertigo.
2. Parts of the brain and nervous system – The parts of the brain that process the interaction between our senses and balance are the brainstem and the cerebellum.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Vertigo-Causing Conditions

Knowing how important the brainstem is in processing and relaying critical messages between the brain and the body, it would make sense that a disturbance in brainstem function could be the root cause of vertigo and its related symptoms.  Upper cervical chiropractor and vertigo expert Dr. Breuwet focuses his clinical practice on the vertebrae that protect the brainstem.  When one of those two vertebrae are misaligned, they can easily put pressure on the brainstem and the many nerves in that area.

Dr. Breuwet does a very specific analysis to uncover a misalignment in the upper cervical spine that can be compromising brainstem function, thus contributing to a patient’s vertigo.  Adjustments are given only when found to be necessary, allowing optimal healing and restoration of function.