What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a terrifying experience for many people who have had it. It makes you feel like you and/or the world around you are spinning out of control. It causes a loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. Thankfully, the condition is not in itself a health threat, but it can be temporarily debilitating and is far more unpleasant than the common earache needs to be.
If ear aches and inner ear inflammation cause you to have bouts of vertigo, the problem could be in your upper cervical spine. Seeing a chiropractor may help you find relief.
How Inner Ear Inflammation Causes Vertigo
The vestibular system is the system that helps you have a sense of balance. It provides information to the brain about your body’s position, movement, and external forces affecting the body. The main components of this system are in the inner ear.
When your inner ear is inflamed due to a blockage or infection, swelling and pressure can disrupt the function of the vestibular system. When that happens, you experience vertigo.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Plays a Role
Inner ear infections are usually caused by a virus or bacteria. For those with chronic inner ear inflammation and vertigo, the infections may have a root cause: a misalignment of the upper cervical spine.
The upper cervical spine is made up of the uppermost seven vertebrae, which run from the base of the skull down the neck. There are many small vessels and tubes in this area that go into the inner ear.
When the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are misaligned, it may cause inflammation and compress these vessels and tubes. When this happens, it may cause a build-up of fluid or blockage of airflow. It creates an ideal environment where bacteria or viruses can become trapped and fester, contributing to ear infections and inflammation that leads to vertigo.
Sadly, upper cervical spine care is often overlooked in cases of chronic inner ear infections and vertigo. Doctors will address the symptoms and provide medications, but never consider the root cause.
How We Can Help with Vertigo
Here at Los Angeles Upper Cervical, Dr. Alex Bello is a trained specialist in the Blair Chiropractic Technique. The Blair technique is a specialized method of chiropractic care that utilizes advanced technology to make more precise adjustments.
Dr. Bello works with cutting-edge 3D diagnostic imaging tools to get a more exact calculation of the angles of the spine. This enables him to pinpoint problems and make adjustments with more precision than traditional chiropractors using 2D black-and-white X-rays. Because of this, Blair practitioners use unique, low-pressure adjustments that are not sudden or jarring. Not only are adjustments gentler and more comfortable for patients, but they tend to hold longer using this technique.
If you are frustrated with ear infections and inflammation that leads to vertigo, contact Dr. Bello to see how he can help you. His areas of coverage include Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and the surrounding areas.