Vertigo, a sensation of feeling off-balance, is often associated with a spinning sensation that can be disconcerting and debilitating. This condition can be triggered by various factors, but a frequently overlooked cause is head and neck trauma. This article explores the intricate connection between head and neck trauma and vertigo, and explains how such injuries can lead to this distressing condition.
Understanding Vertigo
Vertigo is a symptom, not a condition itself. It’s characterized by a feeling of dizziness, unsteadiness, and a false sense of spinning. These sensations can result from issues in the brain or the inner ear, where the vestibular system – the body’s balance system – is located. Any damage or disruption to this system can lead to vertigo.
The Role of Head and Neck Trauma
Head and neck trauma can affect the vestibular system in several ways, potentially causing vertigo. Injuries such as whiplash, concussion, or other forms of blunt force trauma can cause direct harm to the inner ear structures or the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. These injuries can disrupt the normal functioning of the vestibular system, leading to a miscommunication of balance and spatial information between the inner ear and the brain, which can manifest as vertigo.
In addition to direct injury, head and neck trauma can also lead to secondary issues such as inflammation, swelling, or formation of scar tissue, further impacting the vestibular system and perpetuating vertigo symptoms.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
One common form of vertigo resulting from head or neck trauma is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). In BPPV, tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged due to trauma and move into the semicircular canals where they interfere with normal fluid movement that aids in sensing balance. This displacement can cause brief episodes of mild to intense vertigo, often triggered by specific changes in the position of your head.
Head and Neck Trauma Can Trigger Vertigo
Head and neck trauma can be significant contributors to vertigo, a fact often overlooked when diagnosing and treating this challenging symptom. Understanding the link between such trauma and vertigo can help in formulating more effective treatment plans. If you experience persistent vertigo following head or neck trauma, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to investigate the root cause and develop a tailored treatment plan.
How We Treat Vertigo
At Los Angeles Upper Cervical, Dr. Alex Bello specializes in upper cervical treatment, offering hope to patients with vertigo triggered by head and neck trauma. Chiropractic care aids their recovery as, once the spine is correctly aligned, the body’s innate healing mechanisms operate effectively, promoting overall well being.
Dr. Bello is skilled in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, an approach which emphasizes precision and gentleness. Unlike traditional chiropractic practices, Blair techniques do not involve abrupt jolts or twists.
As a Blair practitioner, Dr. Bello’s approach is characterized by a light touch, achieved through leveraging state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technology for comprehensive spinal assessment. This pre-treatment scrutiny gives Dr. Bello a deep understanding of your anatomy even before the hands-on therapy begins.
If you’re battling with bouts of vertigo triggered by neck and head trauma, don’t delay seeking help. Upper cervical care presents a natural, non-invasive, and drug-free therapeutic option, which has successfully liberated numerous patients from the relentless grip of vertigo spells.
If your vertigo is getting in the way of your day-to-day life, contact Los Angeles Upper Cervical for an appointment. Dr. Bello provides upper cervical chiropractic care to patients in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and nearby areas.