Vertigo relief in Rockford is elusive to some patients because they get fooled by false information circulating on websites, blogs, and social media. Recognizing this problem, we thought of putting together a list of the fundamental facts and popular myths about vertigo attacks. Hopefully, by setting a clear distinction between the two, you can better manage your vertigo-causing condition.
FACT #1 – Vertigo is a SYMPTOM, not a medical condition
This statement usually surprises many people because they assume that vertigo is a disease or disorder. In truth, it’s only a symptom that doctors use to diagnose an underlying health concern.
Take BPPV or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as an example. BPPV accounts for 50 percent of reported vertigo cases in the USA. When you have BPPV, you experience vertigo whenever you move or tilt your head at specific angles. This condition occurs because of the displaced otolith fragments. Besides BPPV, here are other possible explanations behind spinning sensations:
- Meniere’s disease
- Stroke
- Cervical subluxation
- Multiple sclerosis
- Acoustic neuroma
- Inner ear infection
Notably, the spinning sensations triggered by these conditions can come with varying accompanying symptoms. These accompanying symptoms also help physicians diagnose a sick patient.
MYTH #1 – Once you have vertigo, you will always have it
This statement is false. Children can experience vertigo briefly when they ride the merry-go-round, but it does not mean the symptom will carry on until they reach adulthood.
It’s crucial to emphasize that every person is different. Some may experience a vertigo attack one or a few times more, and it would never happen again. Others, on the one hand, might have chronic and recurring episodes.
As a rule of thumb, you should observe the frequency and intensity of your spinning sensations. If you notice regular bouts of vertigo episodes, we suggest consulting with your doctor or perhaps an upper cervical chiropractor like Dr. Schalow. This way, you can begin planning your care regimen and achieve vertigo relief in Rockford.
FACT #2 – Patients can manage vertigo naturally
In the fast-paced world, people seek fast relief and immediate results. But it would help to remember that all good things take time. The same rule goes for seeking vertigo relief in Rockford.
Vertigo patients usually get prescription medicines to manage symptoms. Some also try to address their condition with bed rest. However, sometimes, these remedies do not necessarily address the cause.
Some patients are better off with natural remedies like the Epley maneuver or upper cervical chiropractic. Besides these two, some vertigo patients also tap into home remedies that help curb the frequency and severity of an attack. Some examples include:
- Consuming less salt – If the leading problem is fluid retention in the inner ear (a common issue for patients with Meniere’s), eating food with low salt might help you improve your condition.
- Getting up slowly – Moving or standing up too fast can sometimes trigger a crippling vertigo episode. So we suggest pacing yourself, especially when you get out of bed.
- Avoid bending over – Bending over to get something on the ground can sometimes affect blood pressure in the head. So you might want to lessen this movement or use tools to pick up things from the floor.
MYTH #2 –Vertigo attacks constantly improve quickly when a patient stops moving
Many people assume that standing still, sitting down, or even just opting for a bed rest can cancel out the effects of vertigo. Surely enough, this applies to some cases of vertigo attacks, especially those that stem from BPPV. However, other conditions like Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma, or inner ear infections can lead to a faulty or impaired vestibular system.
When this happens, your brain struggles to identify its actual position and perceives a false sense of motion. So, even if you stop moving, the spinning sensations linger and cause you much discomfort. You might also experience nausea and vomiting due to the disorienting effects of your episodes.
To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.
FACT #3 – Vertigo can come with many accompanying symptoms
Vertigo attacks often come hand in hand with a string of accompanying symptoms. This makes it quite challenging for patients to cope. Some examples of these symptoms include the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Headache
- Tinnitus or ringing in your ears
- Hearing changes or loss
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- A sensation of being pulled to one side
MYTH #3 – Vertigo is the same as acrophobia or fear of heights
One of the most common misconceptions about vertigo comes from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 psychological thriller. The movie entitled Vertigo featured the story of a retired detective who developed both acrophobia and vertigo because of a work-related incident.
Unfortunately, some people mistake acrophobia for vertigo attacks because of this pop-culture reference. To clear things up, here’s a quick comparison between the two:
Acrophobia
Acrophobia literally translates to fear of heights. It can cause many symptoms when triggered, including heart palpitations, lightheadedness, and shortness of breath.
Height Vertigo
Height vertigo episodes stem from acrophobia. The spinning sensation triggered by this condition develops because of the conflicting messages between your visual, vestibular, and somatosensory receptors.
Finding Vertigo relief in Rockford
Indeed, vertigo can be very uncomfortable to those who experience it as it gives a false sense of motion. It can also make you feel like your surroundings are spinning and moving, leaving you unable to move normally. Luckily, most people with this symptom have access to remedies that provide vertigo relief in Rockford.
One example of the options that patients popularly use is upper cervical chiropractic – a scientifically proven technique designed to address postural imbalances. Many patients tap into this remedy to manage their episodes better.
Upper cervical chiropractors like Dr. Schalow provide gentle cervical spine manipulations to eliminate communication disruptions between the brain and the vestibular organs of the inner ears. Additionally, the technique helps improve fluid drainage in the eustachian tube – another factor that can significantly affect one’s risk for conditions like Meniere’s and inner ear infections.
Please book your appointment with us at Upper Cervical Care Center-Rockford. We will answer all your vertigo and upper cervical chiropractic-related questions to ease any worry or concerns that you might have. To get started with your consultation, you can call our office directly at 815-384-1127 or fill out this form.
To schedule a consultation with Dr Schalow, call our Rockford office at 815-384-1127. You can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.
