Everyone gets a dizzy spell now and again. There are many common causes for dizziness or poor balance—intoxication, the flu, certain medications, fatigue, low blood sugar, etc. Most of the time, an occasional bout of dizziness is nothing to worry about. It will usually pass quickly and poses no threats to your health.
On the other hand, you may experience dizziness or balance problems more often, or for a longer period than seems normal. If so, you may have an underlying condition causing the problem.
The most common causes of dizziness and related symptoms are vertigo and Meniere's disease. These two conditions can be easily confused; here is how to tell them apart.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is characterized by being dizzy or off-balance. You may feel lightheaded, have trouble getting steady, or like the room is spinning around you. You might even feel like this when you're sitting still or lying down.
Additional vertigo symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, headache, or ringing in the ears.
Vertigo is caused by an inner ear problem, such as an infection or a build-up of calcium deposits. On rare occasions, vertigo may also be caused by a head or neck injury, a tumor or stroke, or migraines.
Finally, vertigo may be caused by Meniere's disease.
What is Meniere's Disease?
Meniere's disease is a chronic inner ear disorder characterized by the buildup of fluids in the inner ear. The fluid build-up causes the pressure levels in the ear to change, resulting in vertigo. Meniere's disease causes severe dizzy spells, ear pressure, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Doctors are unsure of what causes Meniere's disease. Some suspect it may be due to improper fluid drainage, blockages, or abnormal immune response. These problems may be caused by a misalignment of the upper cervical spine.
Difference Between Vertigo and Meniere's Disease
As mentioned, Meniere's disease can cause vertigo. Vertigo is a symptom of the disease, but some people get vertigo without having Meniere's disease.
The biggest difference is that vertigo alone will usually clear up after a few days and your condition will improve. Meniere's disease is recurring and gets progressively worse if untreated.
How We Treat Vertigo and Meniere's Disease
A common cause of Meniere's Disease, as mentioned, is a misalignment of the spine. Misalignments of the spine can also cause vertigo. Treating the upper cervical spine is the best way to get to the root of these conditions to facilitate healing.
Dr. Gordon Elder of the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas is an expert in working with conditions of the upper cervical spine. Dr. Elder specializes in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a modern method that utilizes state-of-the-art technology to calculate misalignments in the spine for best results. By removing all the guesswork, Blair chiropractors can apply gentle corrections with precision for the best results.
Dr. Elder's treatment method has three phases. In the first phase, the doctor will consult with you and perform a screening with 3D diagnostic imaging tools. Once any misalignments are pinpointed, the doctor will treat the problem with swift, low-force corrections to help ease the spine back into proper alignment.
Once the spine is realigned, miraculous natural healing processes commence. A properly functioning body heals itself and restores wellness. Follow-up visits will allow the doctor to make sure the alignment is holding and monitor the healing process.
The final phase of the process is to continue with regular chiropractic checkups. This is a preventative effort to help you maintain your good health and nip any future problems in the bud.
If you're suffering from Meniere's disease or vertigo, these conditions can be debilitating. Call Dr. Elder for a consultation so that we at the Blair Chiropractic Clinic can help you. Our office services patients in Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.