Feeling light-headed and losing your balance are frustrating and potentially dangerous symptoms. Vertigo—when everything feels like it’s spinning—is a similar symptom, often experienced with nausea, sweating, and vomiting.
Dizziness can result from:
- Low blood sugar
- Low blood pressure
- Anaemia
- Dehydration
- Medication
- Anxiety
There are also times when dizziness is caused by pressure or tension in the musculoskeletal system or the inner ear. So, let’s look at three common causes of dizziness and how chiropractic care supports healing and provides relief—naturally.
1. Head or Neck Trauma
Besides discomfort, head or neck trauma—like whiplash—often causes dizziness. Trauma to your head or upper spine can cause slight misalignments in your vertebrae and inflammation in the soft tissues around them. Misalignments can cause pressure and restrict circulation around the nerves in the affected area and result in unusual sensations—like burning or tingling.
Your chiropractor will carefully examine your spine and use spinal manipulation to restore the natural alignment of your vertebrae. They will also use manual therapy (specific massage) and stretches to encourage circulation and range of motion. These treatments reduce the pressure on your nervous system and naturally relieve symptoms of pain, stiffness, and dizziness.
2. Inner Ear Problems
You likely already know that your balance results from an intricate fluid system in your inner ear canals (vestibular system). Did you know that half of all dizziness cases are caused by inner ear problems? The good news is that chiropractic care can help when this delicate system is affected, such as with Meniere’s Disease or BPPV.
Meniere’s Disease
Sometimes spinal fluid can build up and affect the pressure on your inner ear. When this becomes a chronic condition, it is called Meniere’s disease. The main symptoms are vertigo and a loss of balance which severely impact your daily life.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Another common cause of dizziness and feeling like the world is spinning is BPPV. Interestingly, tiny crystals float together in the fluid in your inner ear. When a crystal separates, your brain receives mixed signals about your body’s position, which causes vertigo. So, how can chiropractic care help?
Your chiropractor will diagnose this condition using a simple test and then use the Epley Maneuver to relocate the displaced crystal. This restores your body’s sense of balance and naturally alleviates your vertigo symptoms—without strong prescription medication.
3. Forward Head Posture
Cervicogenic dizziness is dizziness and neck pain that often results from poor alignment and weakness in the neck. In many cases, the root of the problem lies in years of poor posture—specifically rounded shoulders and forward head posture (when your head leans forward instead of being in line with your shoulders).
Your chiropractor will carefully assess your posture and the alignment of your vertebrae and use adjustments and manual therapy to restore and relieve tension around your neck. You’ll learn specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles that support a healthy posture and protect your spine.
Chiropractic care is a smart choice when it comes to dizziness and vertigo. Contact us at Bradford House Chiropractic & Wellness Centre to book your appointment. You’ll receive a personalised treatment plan that diagnoses your dizziness and safeguards your spine—and quality of life.
