Dizziness is a word used to describe a feeling of false sense of motion or spinning, lightheadedness, and disorientation, an uncomfortable feeling that continuously affects approximately 11-28% of adults. The symptoms of chronic dizziness, often triggered or worsened by standing up, walking, or moving the head, are most common in individuals with headache-associated disorders, neck complications, and whiplash-type injuries. Fortunately, research suggests that chiropractic treatment can help reduce cervicogenic dizziness.
Cervicogenic dizziness originates from complications on the
cervical spine or neck. The neck, as the rest of the spine, has an important
function in the body’s postural control. The neck is surrounded by muscle
spindles, sensory receptors that primarily function to detect changes in the
length of the muscles but also convey a variety of nerve impulses and reflexes
to stabilize the head, and posture as well as sustaining the proper function of
the eyes. Trauma from an injury or underlying conditions in the cervical spine
may often interrupt the body’s sensory receptors, or muscle spindles, causing dizziness.
For individuals who suffer from chronic dizziness, getting a diagnosis for possible
neck complications and starting treatment can help restore the body’s sensory
transmissions and reduce their symptoms of chronic dizziness.
In a 2008 study, researchers analyzed the results of
individuals who experienced chronic dizziness as a result of a neck
complication, who received chiropractic treatment such as spinal adjustments
and manual manipulations. The study showed that individuals receiving
chiropractic care for their symptoms experienced improvements in reduced
dizziness frequency. These individuals also showed significant decrease in the
severity of their dizziness and neck pain. In addition, two other studies
showed that spinal adjustments and manual manipulations improved blood
circulation in the arteries of the neck, while another two studies also found
that chiropractic treatment improved an individual’s balance.
Chiropractic Alleviates Dizziness & Neck Pain
Chiropractic Alleviates Dizziness & Neck Pain
If you’ve experienced symptoms of chronic dizziness, chiropractic
care can help restore the natural function of your body. A chiropractor will diagnose
and treat injuries or conditions associated with the cervical spine, or neck, gradually
adjusting any possible misalignments that could be causing the symptoms of
dizziness, ultimately helping to reduce them.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
