Dizziness vs. Vertigo

Two concepts that are often used interchangeably but are brought on by different reasons and actually have different meanings.

• Vertigo is the sensation that you, or the world around you is moving or spinning. An important characteristic of vertigo is that it is effected by movements of the head. 
• Dizziness if the sensation of being off balance. While both dizziness and vertigo can effect balance, it is important to note the specificity in the sensations being felt by the patient.

What Causes Dizziness vs. What Causes Vertigo

Dizziness can be caused from inner ear disturbances, trauma, migraines, blood pressure changes, diet changes, lack of sleep, medications, spinal misalignment and more.

The most common cause of vertigo is problems with the inner ear. The most common inner ear problem is known as BPPV or benign paradoxyl positional vertigo. Second to that would be Minieres disease which is a change in fluid pressure in the inner ear causing symptoms such as tinnitus and vertigo.

• When suffering from dizziness or vertigo, it is important to rule out red flags. Meaning testing and eliminating the possibility of more serious, underlying issues that warrant immediate care from a medical doctor.

Can Chiropractic Care Help with Dizziness or Vertigo?

Chiropractic care is often over looked with patients dealing with vertigo or dizziness, but can be very effective for patient relief! When treating dizziness or vertigo the treating doctor will first determine which one it is, dizziness or vertigo. This will help the doctor formulate a plan for treatment. Often times misalignment of the first vertebrae in the neck can cause dizziness, there can also be re-occurring head aches, often associated with dizziness, nausea, and sometimes even tinnitus. 

Chiropractors are able to accurately diagnose the cause of the patients vertigo or dizziness, as well as give the patient a plan of attack for getting relief from their symptoms. Addressing the musculoskeletal causes of the vertigo or dizziness has given chiropractors great success in treating dizziness, vertigo, headaches, tinnitus and neck pain. Chiropractors are also trained in what is called Epley's Maneuver, this is a specific procedure designed to help relieve  and prevent BPPV, as noted as the most common cause of vertigo. If you or someone you know has been experiencing dizziness or vertigo, have them give us a call!

To schedule call us at: 406-551-2177

To schedule online: Gallatinvalleychiropractic.com