Vertigo
Dizziness and vertigo are not the same thing, and the difference matters - they have different causes and different treatments.
At a glance
- The distinction
- Feeling faint is dizziness. Feeling the room spin around you is vertigo. Each has its own causes and treatments.
- Most common cause
- Misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck. Long-running ear problems, severe headaches and collisions also feature.
- Why it happens
- Balance depends on nervous system signals reaching the brain. When those signals are scrambled, the result is dizziness.
Feeling light-headed is one of the most common things patients report, at chiropractic clinics and at other medical facilities. The majority of them tell us they have been given very little information about what is causing it, and are unaware of the most effective treatments.
The first thing worth separating is that “dizzy” describes two different sensations. Some people mean a feeling of impending fainting. Others mean that the objects around them appear to spin and move. The second is what is meant medically by vertigo.
The distinction matters, because each has its own set of causes and its own suitable therapies.
What Causes Vertigo?
Patients describe several causes of vertigo, but some are reported far more often than others:
- The neck’s vertebrae’s misalignment or subluxations are the most common cause.
- Dizziness and illness symptoms are common with severe headaches, including migraines and tension headaches.
- Ear infections that last for a long time or ear damage
- Vehicle collisions can cause harm to the spine’s joints and ligaments
What Happens When You Come In
No GP referral, no obligation, and care built around what matters to you.
Book Directly
You do not need a referral from your GP. Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession in the UK, so you can come straight to us - including evening and Saturday appointments.
Your First Consultation
We take your full medical history and examine you properly. Nothing is assumed from the spot that hurts, because the place you feel pain is rarely the place it starts.
A Diagnosis in Plain English
We explain what we have found and what is causing it, then recommend the most appropriate course of care for your symptoms, lifestyle and goals.
Why Those Causes Are Connected
That list may look unconnected, but every item on it involves a structure the body depends on to know where it is and to maintain its balance. When that equilibrium is upset, the body starts to behave strangely.
Vertigo often originates from an imbalanced ratio of nervous system messages reaching the brain. Those impulses are what normally keep us balanced; when they are twisted and jumbled, dizziness is the result.
The Vertigo Symptoms
Dizziness is only one of several symptoms linked to vertigo. It can be anything from a minor annoyance to a potential sign of a serious underlying condition, so it is important to see a medical specialist if you have any of the following:
- Visual blurriness or double vision
- Hearing issues, including ringing in one ear in particular
- Difficulty staying balanced
- Feeling worn out or exhausted all the time
Questions we get asked
Is chiropractic care suitable for everyone?
Yes. We consider your medical history at consultation and adapt our techniques to your health status and age. We treat patients from two weeks old through to their 90s, including pregnant women, for whom we have specialised pregnancy pillows.
What is an adjustment?
An adjustment, also known as manipulation, is a specific technique used by chiropractors to improve the function of joints in the body and the nervous system. Misaligned joints cause stiffness, inflammation and pain; an adjustment realigns them so they can function properly.
How long will it take for me to recover?
Recovery timelines vary depending on a number of factors. We take the time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle and goals before recommending the most appropriate course of care.
Other conditions
We’ll take the time to find out what’s causing your problem and explain it clearly. Together we’ll make a plan to get you better, and keep you better.
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