Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo

Dizziness is the third most common complaint for patients presenting to their family doctor. The term “dizziness” is not very specific and describes a sensation of altered orientation in space. More specific terms that can better convey the sensation you are feeling include:

• Lightheadedness often described as a feeling “not right in the head”.

• Presyncope is feeling faint or as if you almost pass out.

• Disequilibrium is more of an “off balance” sensation in which you might feel like you are being pulled to one side or can’t walk straight.

• Vertigo is a true room spinning sensation that often produces a motion sick feeling or nausea with or without vomiting. Often this presents as sudden acute episodes brought on by changes in position but it can also be a constant low-level sensation in some less common conditions.

Dizziness can be very disabling and can be a sign of a very serious medical condition therefore an accurate diagnosis is essential. At Short Chiropractic, we begin with a detailed history including any other associated symptoms. This helps to direct what area(s) to examine and to determine if immediate referral for medical intervention is needed. We find that in the majority of cases the cervical spine plays a significant role in the development of these sensations. The reason for this is that the main source of information about the position of the head and body in space comes from the eyes, the inner ears (vestibular labyrinth) and position sense (proprioception). The joints of the cervical spine are the most important source of these proprioceptive signals to the brain.

As Chiropractors, we are experts at detecting and correcting altered alignment in the cervical spine to restore normal proprioception to the brain and improve the sense of balance. Treatment can include gentle muscle work, spinal manipulation and rehabilitative exercises and improvement can be immediate but may take several treatments.