Do you often find yourself caught in a dizzying whirlwind where the world around you spins faster than you’d like? And does it sometimes feel like you’re walking on a tightrope, constantly teetering on the edge of uncertainty with every step you take? Oh, and let’s not forget your eternal hope— that vertigo won’t strike at the most inconvenient times. You’re not alone!
Dealing with vertigo can throw you off balance, literally and figuratively. It’s like being strapped onto a rollercoaster ride you never signed up for, right? But don’t worry, because there’s light at the end of this dizzying tunnel! If you’re seeking natural relief for vertigo in Asheville, there’s an option you should explore: setting up an appointment with an Atlas Orthogonal doctor. Of course, the frequency of your visit will depend on your condition and how well you can hold your adjustments. So the best way to get your answer is to visit them as soon as possible.
This symptom is usually linked to an inner ear problem. But experts have also discovered a link between vertigo and upper cervical misalignment. The upper cervical spine, which includes the atlas vertebra (C1) and axis vertebra (C2), plays a crucial role in maintaining proper balance and alignment of the head and neck. These bones also protect the brainstem, an integral part of the nervous system which transmits signals to and from the brain.
Upper Cervical misalignment can affect the balance system within the inner ear and disrupt the normal flow of fluids and signals responsible for maintaining balance. This can result in various symptoms, including vertigo, sensation, dizziness, lightheadedness, and loss of balance.
Upper Cervical misalignment can result from trauma or injury, such as a slip, fall, or car accident. Poor posture, repetitive strain, or even the natural aging process can also contribute to misalignments in this area. Each person’s situation is unique, and the exact cause of upper cervical misalignment may vary from case to case.
When these bones misalign, they can exert pressure on nearby nerves, leading to disturbances in the body’s communication systems. This can disrupt the intricate balance mechanisms, resulting in vertigo symptoms. Correcting this misalignment is crucial for restoring proper function and alleviating vertigo episodes. Unfortunately, they do not heal on their own and only worsen over time. So consulting with an Atlas Orthogonal Doctor is necessary.
The Atlas Orthogonal technique can deliver promising results if you’re seeking natural relief for vertigo in Asheville. This approach focuses on correcting Upper Cervical misalignments, which can be the root cause of your vertigo symptoms. Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractors are trained in gentle and precise adjustments that target the misaligned atlas and axis, promoting your body’s natural healing process and restoration of balance.
By addressing the underlying misalignment, individuals can experience relief from vertigo episodes and other symptoms. On your first visit at our practice, Dr. Nygaard will conduct an initial consultation and assessment, carefully evaluating your medical history, symptoms, and if you’ve ever been involved in an accident. He may also utilize advanced diagnostic imaging techniques to pinpoint the specific misalignment, ensuring accurate and targeted adjustments.
After the assessment, Dr. Nygaard will present you with a personalized care plan outlining the recommended frequency and duration of visits based on your progress and individual needs. This targeted correction can relieve the pressure on nerves and facilitate your body’s natural healing process. Book an appointment with an Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractor today!
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nygaard, call our Asheville office at 828-253-0700. You can also 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.
Are you familiar with central vertigo attacks? Chances are you haven’t heard much about it because not many references talk about this type of vertigo episode. So, as your trusted Asheville chiropractic practice, Atlas Brain and Body decided to look into the top six central vertigo causes. Hopefully, by helping you understand these conditions, you can get better help and determine the best ways to move forward.
Many people who come to an Asheville chiropractic practice for vertigo relief have a history of head trauma. That’s because the sheer force from an accident like a car collision or a head butt during a football game can impact the vestibular system.
According to the American Migraine Foundation, approximately three percent of the adult population have vestibular migraines. Notably, a significant fraction of this group of people reports recurring vertigo episodes and dizzying spells.
Whether malignant or benign, tumor growths can press on structures that help you detect movements and maintain balance. They can also impact other physiological functions like circadian rhythm and heart rate regulation. Hence, if you suspect having a tumor on the brainstem or cervical spine, it would be wise to seek medical assistance to determine your next steps.
MS is a central nervous system disorder that occurs because of damaged or destroyed nerve tissue coverings. It is a chronic condition that triggers various symptoms ranging from fatigue, dizziness, vertigo, and mobility problems.
Stroke, whether hemorrhagic (abnormal brain tissue bleeding) or ischemic (lack of oxygen), can impact the vestibular system. Besides speech and mobility issues, strokes can cause balance problems and dizziness. They can also pose significant life-threatening risks, so you must seek emergency care if you notice common stroke indicators like slurred speech and facial paralysis.
Cardiovascular issues like aneurysms (weakened artery wall lining), embolisms (having a blood clot or air bubble lodged in blood vessels), and atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) can affect blood flow to the brain. They can also increase your risks for complications and symptoms like vertigo attacks, instability, and paralysis.
Central vertigo-causing diseases and disorders often require immediate medical attention. Hence, if you suspect having any of the abovementioned issues, we strongly recommend working closely with your primary physician. This way, you can manage your risks and understand the specific steps you must undertake to take control of the situation.
Additionally, you should tap into helpful techniques to improve your overall health and wellness. A few examples include:
It can be quite daunting to experience recurring vertigo episodes because of CNS-related problems. Thankfully, with a few lifestyle modifications and regular consultations with an Asheville chiropractic doctor, you can potentially manage your symptoms and lessen risks for complications. Let us help you improve your vertigo symptoms so you can enjoy physical activities or do your work or household chores without worrying about losing your balance, tripping, or slipping.
We are trained in the Atlas Orthogonal Technique, a chiropractic protocol designed to remove stress in the cervical spine and brainstem. It’s precise and gentle, and it’s proven to work well in reducing the recurrence of spinning sensations and dizzying spells.
Book your appointment at Atlas Brain and Spine by filling out our form. Our team would be happy to check your neck bones and provide tailored-fit chiropractic adjustments so you can enjoy natural and holistic healing.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nygaard, call our Asheville office at 828-253-0700. You can also 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.
In the 1958 Hitchcock film of the same name, vertigo is defined as, “A feeling of dizziness…a swimming in the head…figuratively a state in which all things seem to be engulfed by a whirlpool of terror.”
While the film definition is a bit dramatic, vertigo is generally described as a sensation that the world is spinning, tilting, or swaying. It can be accompanied by many related symptoms, such as lightheadedness, motion sickness, and problems with balance.
If you’ve ever taken a boat ride and then felt rubbery “sea legs” upon stepping onto solid ground, you know the feeling when the world around you isn’t where your body expects it to be. It can be disorienting and even terrifying–like your mind is playing tricks on you.
If any of this sounds like what you’re experiencing, let’s look at possible causes and treatments.
The false sense of rotational movement experienced by Scottie Ferguson in Vertigo is an extremely common symptom caused by many different possible conditions. (In his case, it was brought on by a traumatic event and accompanied by a related but separate malady: acrophobia, a fear of heights.)
Identifying what’s causing your vertigo and how to treat it can be a bit of a winding path too. Spoiler alert: around half of vertigo sufferers never end up identifying the cause. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be treated!
First, you need to meet with your doctor to try to determine whether you have peripheral vertigo or central vertigo.
Peripheral vertigo is caused by any condition that results in an imbalance in the inner ear. Around 80% of vertigo cases fall into this category. Inner ear conditions that can lead to vertigo include: labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis, cholesteatoma, and Ménière’s Disease.
Let’s look at Ménière’s Disease as an example, since it’s a common cause of vertigo. People with Ménière’s have fluid buildup in the inner ear, which can lead to attacks of vertigo with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. The exact cause is not well understood–it might be a blood vessel constriction, a viral infection, or an autoimmune reaction.
Central vertigo is caused by a problem in the central nervous system. This accounts for the remaining 20% of vertigo cases. Examples of conditions that may cause central vertigo include migraines, a head injury, or stroke.
One of the most common causes of central vertigo is migraines, which are extremely common in the United States–about 39 million Americans get migraines regularly. And as many as 40% have vestibular symptoms like vertigo.
Vertigo during pregnancy is also common–perhaps caused by (or related to) nausea, hormonal changes, and balance issues while the body is changing.
As you work with your doctor to determine and treat the possible underlying causes of your vertigo, you can make some basic lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference.
These include:
Eat healthy: Aim for a mostly plant-based diet and avoid sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and processed foods. Don’t skip meals.
Stay hydrated: Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
Get active: Move your body each day–do yoga, go for walks, ride your bike, dance!
Practice good sleep hygiene: Get eight solid hours of sleep and keep your bedtime consistent.
Manage your stress: Meditate for ten minutes a day. Do breathing exercises.
The beauty here is that you can treat many possible causes of peripheral and central vertigo at once. Here’s why:
Atlas Orthogonal is an advanced chiropractic specialty which requires advanced training and specialty x-ray equipment and other approaches outside conventional chiropractic.
Though there are never any guarantees when it comes to health care, it is reassuring that Dr. David Nygaard is the only Board Certified Upper Cervical Doctor in WNC, and has practiced in WNC since 1997. He has treated many cases of vertigo, often with successful resolution.
Vertigo can make you feel out of control–but please know that many treatment options are available to you!
Set up a consultation with Dr. David Nygaard to discuss your specific experience. We’d love to help get you back on solid ground for good.
Contact us today to learn about Atlas Brain and Body and the many conditions we treat. 828-253-0700
Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist
Atlas Brain and Body
(828) 253-0700
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Vertigo is a particular type of “dizzy spell” where one feels like they are spinning, or the world around them is spinning. There are a number of causes of vertigo, including inner ear conditions (e.g. Meniere’s Disease), medication side effects, and stroke, to name a few. Head and neck trauma are also associated with vertigo, and are often overlooked.
Dizziness can be a one-time event, or it can be a chronic, long-lasting problem. Nearly everyone who is dizzy will get better. This is because a person’s sense of balance is a complex interaction between the brain, each ear’s separate vestibular system, sensors in the muscles, and sense of vision. When one component breaks down, the others usually learn to compensate.
Contact us today to learn about Atlas Brain and Body and the many conditions we treat. 828-253-0700
Dr. David Nygaard, MS, MBA
Board Certified Atlas Orthogonist
Atlas Brain and Body
(828) 253-0700
Follow me on Facebook
Dizziness and vertigo can be sensations that are difficult to describe in words. This might help to explain why many people use the words interchangeably, even though vertigo is much different than a dizzy spell. As many as 40% of Americans age 40 or older have experienced some type of vestibular disorder, of which, vertigo is one.
Dizziness is a term that can be used to describe various sensations, including:
Vertigo, on the other hand, is a false sensation of movement of either oneself or the environment around the person. It is usually described as a spinning or whirling sensation. A vertigo attack, especially a severe one, can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Many times, the first line of treatment for vertigo involves medication to suppress the symptoms. If your vertigo is related to Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, or vestibular neuronitis, these medications are designed to suppress the nerves which relay information to the brain about the body’s position and balance. Medications may also be prescribed to deal with the nausea associated with vertigo. A low-salt diet might also be recommended.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo download our complimentary e-book How to Naturally Relieve Vertigo without Drugs by clicking the image below.
Vestibular disorders such as vertigo often present themselves following some type of injury to the head or neck, even something as mild as a fender bender or a slip. This creates a misalignment of the upper vertebra in the neck, the atlas.
The atlas protects the brainstem, which plays a large part in relaying signals between the brain and body. When these normal signals are disturbed due to a misalignment, improper information about balance can be received by the brain, leading to vertigo. In many vertigo cases, identifying the atlas misalignment and correcting it using very precise, gentle adjustments is what it takes to get your health back on track naturally.
References:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/ear,-nose,-and-throat-disorders/approach-to-the-patient-with-ear-problems/dizziness-and-vertigo
Consultation call to action:
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Vertigo is the feeling that our surroundings are moving or spinning when there is no actual movement. Natural relief for Vertigo does exist. Click the video thumbnail for more information.
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