Vertigo is a common ailment, while at the same time it is not very well understood. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at 7 common misconceptions about vertigo in order to help you gain a better understanding of what this symptom actually is. At the end we will tell you how many vertigo sufferers are finding natural relief through our Ames, IA upper cervical chiropractic care.
Myth #1 – Vertigo Is Simply a Severe Case of Dizziness
Vertigo is often considered a form of dizziness, but it is not just dizziness. Vertigo is directly connected to false sensations of movement, and not limited to a spinning feeling, even though that is the most common way it is described. False experiences of movement, either of things appearing to be moving around you or feeling as though you are moving when you are not, are vertigo.
Myth #2 – Vertigo Disease Is a Medical Condition
The phrase “vertigo disease” is how people search for the condition when they are trying to avoid getting results about the comic book company or the famous Hitchcock film. But vertigo is not a disease. It is a symptom of a number of different conditions and diseases. Everything from Meniere’s disease to multiple sclerosis can result in vertigo, so identifying what is the cause of the problem is the best way to find the right form of natural care.
Myth #3 – The Cause of Vertigo is Unknown
Getting an official diagnosis of what is causing vertigo happens in only half of cases. However, this does not mean that the cause is unknown, just difficult to identify. The primary diagnosis is BPPV, but often doctors conclude this when the cause is idiopathic (they don’t know what is wrong). BPPV, in the simplest definition, means that your vertigo is triggered by moving your head a certain way. This is why it is usually linked to crystals in the inner ear canals that have moved out of position, leading to the sending of inaccurate messages to the brain about where you are in relation to your surroundings. But BPPV is not always behind vertigo. If it were, canalith repositioning techniques would get results at a much higher rate and provide longer-lasting results.
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Myth #4 – Vertigo Is Part of the Aging Process
While it is true that older people tend to get dizzy and fall down from time to time, it does not mean that this is a normal part of getting older. One thing that researchers have found is that some people are simply more prone to getting vertigo than others. Also, there is evidence that the development of vertigo will often start after a head or neck trauma. This is not a coincidence. Considering that the older a person is, the more likely it is that they have sustained a number of injuries, it is likely that head or neck trauma is a much more common cause.
Myth #5 – Vertigo Is Always Connected to an Issue with the Ear
Many cases of vertigo are classified as peripheral (related to the ear) rather than central (related to the central nervous system). But the ear is not the only part of the body that has a role in vertigo onset. The brain has to interpret the signals from the ear, which is why improper blood flow to the head, improper brainstem function, and other nervous system elements could be the underlying cause of vertigo.
Myth #6 – Vertigo Is Never Life-Threatening
The reason that this statement is not completely valid is because of two important factors to consider. Firstly, vertigo could be a sign of a cardiac event or stroke. If this is the case, prompt medical attention is needed. Secondly, while vertigo itself is harmless, a sudden attack at the wrong time could cause a hazardous fall, depending upon the circumstances when it takes place. The elderly (who seem to face vertigo more often than everyone else) are particularly more vulnerable to a potentially dangerous outcome. While vertigo itself may not be a cause death, it can be the indirect cause of a fall or other health condition that does. This is why it is important not to ignore vertigo.
Myth #7 – There Is No Natural Option for Helping Cope with Vertigo
The good news is that this is not true at all. Natural relief may not be available for all vertigo-causing conditions, but for many who are able to find the underlying cause, there is a way for the root to be addressed.
For many vertigo patients, their issues are the result of a slight misalignment of the top bones of the neck. The C1 and C2 vertebrae can have far-reaching impacts on everything from brainstem function to ear function. This is why it makes sense to make an appointment with an upper cervical chiropractor if you have chronic vertigo, particularly if you have had any type of head or neck injuries that may have caused the misalignment.
Read Health Center – The Beginning of Your Natural Vertigo Relief
At Read Health Center, we believe in providing relief through a holistic approach to health by relieving the many symptoms that can result from an upper cervical misalignment. Our adjustments are precise and gentle, making this a form of care that is safe for the entire family.
If you would like to learn more or you want to schedule a consultation with our Ames vertigo chiropractor, give us a call today. We would love to hear from you. Obtaining natural relief from vertigo could be more accessible than you thought. Examining your upper cervical spine for a misalignment is the first step.
To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Read call our Ames office at 515-233-8880 or simply click the button below.
if you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.