Chiropractic treatment and Dizziness
Dizziness and vertigo are very common reasons prompting people to consult a physician. It is also a complaint that Chiropractors hear of a lot; though it is usually mentioned secondary to another complaint that brings the person in to see the chiropractor. The term dizziness is a generic term used to describe a variety of conditions. There are essentially four symptoms which are often described as “dizziness”:
1. Lightheadedness –"not feeling right in the head."
2. Presyncope – feeling "faint."
3. Disequilibrium – Feeling off balance, as if being "pulled to one side" and feeling as if you could easily fall over.
4. Vertigo – The feeling as if you are spinning or the world is spinning around you. This can often occur in acute attacks, or it can be a constant, low level feeling. This can be rotatory or can occur in a circular front to back direction.
It is interesting that most people are unaware of the relationship between upper cervical (upper neck) problems and dizziness. Karel Lewit, MD, one of the foremost authorities in the world on the locomotor (balance) system said "It is important to stress that a cervical factor may be present in all forms of vertigo and dizziness ... in no field is manipulation (adjustments) more effective than in the treatment of disturbances of equilibrium." The main reason adjustments have an effect on dizziness is that the nerves (sensors) that go to the joints in the neck play a very important role in balance and telling your brain where your body is relative to the world around you.
The cervical spine plays an important role in eye, head, and body movement and orientation, so it makes sense that a vertebral subluxation (misalignment of the spinal bones) can cause the feeling of dizziness or vertigo. The name for vertigo coming from the cervical spine is known as cervicogenic vertigo. Sensory organs, including the eyes, ears, and sinuses, receive their nerve supply from the nerves of the upper cervical spine. Therefore, when the upper cervical spine misaligns, these nerves can become irritated and affect the sensory organs. This irritation can cause vertigo.
Chiropractic adjustments have been show to be very effective with over an 80% success rate for complaints of dizziness. Even better the recurrence rate of about 15 percent per year is considered to be low. Of course chiropractic is not suited for all types of dizziness, and if we can’t help you we will do our best to find someone who can.
As always, don’t rely on symptomatic relief when treating a condition such as dizziness and vertigo. Look to getting the cause treated.
Maintenance Chiropractic Care? Why?
You have heard it ‘a million times’ that chiropractic adjustments lead to better health, can reduce high blood pressure, improve quality of life, reduce the use of medication, improve your golf...the list goes on. You may also have heard it said that chiropractic maintenance helps reduce future ‘back problems’? Well, all the above are actually true.
Studies published in the past few months’ further reinforce these statements. In fact, some of the latest research supporting these statements can be found in medical journals! The first study concluded for nonspecific low back pain, the use of health maintenance care provided by physical therapist or physician services was associated with a higher disability recurrence than in chiropractic services or no treatment. Restating that previous sentence, chiropractic was shown to be superior to both physical therapy and a physician in preventing the recurrence of a problem. Interesting both physical therapy and seeing a physician were less effective than doing nothing at all!
These conclusions are supported by another study which found for long-term benefits, maintenance spinal manipulations are recommended after the initial intensive manipulative therapy. In fact those in the study that only received one month of treatment soon returned to the levels of pain and disability as to what they had before. Continuing care through the different phases of care enables you to maximise the benefits and maintain a healthy spine and nervous system.
You may have wondered why chiropractors always talk to about health issues you don’t tend to hear from other health profesionals? This third study explains that chiropractors are the leaders amongst all physicians in the area of preventative health! Perhaps we just take your health more seriously?
Are You Drinking Enough Water?
Experiencing my first Marbella summer, I have now witnessed the fast transition from winter to summer that many foretold. What has really caught me by surprise though was my water drinking habit was still in spring and hadn’t increased in sync with the rising temperatures. I have caught myself becoming dehydrated on a few occasions now and I don’t believe I am the only one.
Since most people are no longer tuned in to their bodies (apart from those who get regular chiropractic...of course), you may be overlooking your body's many cries for water. Chronic dehydration is a growing epidemic. So many suffer from dehydration yet are simply unaware of the symptoms.
Are you one of them?
The major symptoms of dehydration are thirst, dry skin, dark coloured urine and fatigue but here are some commonly overlooked symptoms of chronic dehydration. They are:
- Digestive disturbances such as heartburn and constipation
- Urinary tract infections
- Autoimmune disease such as chronic fatigue syndrome and multiple sclerosis
- Premature aging
- High cholesterol
- Weight gain
My challenge to you:
Massively increase your level or water drinking for at least consecutive 3 days. Drink at least double your fluids and have a glass of water for every tea, coffee or juice. Also have a large glass (or two) of water upon waking. See if you don’t start to wake up your (dormant) thirst mechanism, boost your energy and your ability to concentrate along with countless other health benefits. I look forward to hearing your stories.
We wish you all a great and healthful summer. Come with your family for an adjustment before you go away, or if you holidaying in Marbella area treat your body to holiday from nerve irritation while you are here.
We look forward to seeing you all soon,
The Marbella Chiropractic Team
