What really is vertigo? Is it simply feeling dizzy? Or, like a popular movie title, is it a fear of heights? Actually, neither of these is the proper definition of vertigo. Vertigo is a false feeling of movement. Most people feel as if they are spinning or the room is spinning around them. The brain is getting the improper signal that the body is moving when there is actually no movement whatsoever.
Vertigo Attacks
The following activities have been known to bring about an episode of vertigo:
- Looking out the window of a car while it is in motion
- Looking down from an extremely high place
- Walking
- Staring up at a tall object
How Your Neck Is Connected to Vertigo
The body has a complicated system of balance in order to keep you upright. The eyes, the limbs, and the inner ear all send signals to the brain about where your body is located in its environment. This helps the brain to make the proper corrections so that you do not fall over. The spinal column is responsible for protecting the spinal cord, allowing these vital signals to flow freely to the brain and back to the body without hindrance. The brainstem, part of the central nervous system, is in charge of coordinating these signals and maintaining balance. The brainstem is protected by the uppermost vertebra in the neck, the C1, or atlas bone. Because of the shape and location of the atlas, it is vulnerable to misalignment. This can happen due to a minor blow to the head, a vehicle accident, or simply wear and tear. When misaligned, pressure is placed on the brainstem, and the proper signals are no longer sent to the brain. Vertigo may be the end result.
Here at Health Edge Family Spinal Care, we use a gentle method to help realign the bones that have moved out of position. By doing this, communication can be restored and proper signals can begin to once again be sent to the brain about the body’s position. This often leads to an improvement in or even an end to vertigo symptoms.
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Dr. Armen Manoucherian of Health Edge Family Spinal Care in Glendale, California is a Glendale Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist trained by the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (NUCCA). He has helped many children and adults find natural relief in Glendale, California. His upper cervical clinic also serves the communities of Pasadena, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Burbank. He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems. More information can be found on his website at https://www.healthedgela.com