Finding vertigo relief is often top of mine for those struggling with the condition. The symptoms are unpleasant and can negatively impact daily life. From the activities you participate into your mental health, having bad vertigo can really bring you down. You're likely wondering how to help vertigo, and we're here to make that happen. Many don't know how to get rid of vertigo, but having a better understanding of the condition and seeking proper treatment can help significantly.
The chiropractors at ChiroCare of Florida are experienced in helping patients to find vertigo relief. Chiropractic care may not be the first thing you think of when you envision treatment, but many people find great comfort after undergoing a series of chiropractic adjustments and therapies. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your goals with one of our chiropractors.
Keep reading to learn more about vertigo causes and its symptoms, what makes the condition flare up from time to time, home remedies you can use to find vertigo relief and more about how chiropractic care can make a difference.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is generally a symptom of other underlying health conditions rather than a medical diagnosis itself. Still, this symptom can wreak havoc on your well-being and happiness. It's a feeling that either your body or your surrounding environment is spinning, and it's often triggered by moving your head too fast.
The feeling of vertigo can be extremely disorienting. When you feel like you're spinning, you're more likely to feel dizzy, experience a disturbance in vision, and even feel sick to your stomach.
Experts state that vertigo is caused by an imbalance in the inner ear, while others believe it may be affected by certain parts of the brain. Those who experience migraines and severe headaches are also reported to experience vertigo at a greater rate than others. The sensation may have a sudden onset and last for only moments or it may last for days, impacting your quality of life.
The most common causes of vertigo are:
- Problems with the inner ear
- Migraines
- Inner ear infections
- Medications
- Head injury
- Meniere disease
- A disease of the blood vessels
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors
- Vestibular neuronitis, or inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This nerve runs into the inner ear and sends messages to your brain to help to control balance. When this balance is off, vertigo can occur.
There are two types of vertigo. The first is peripheral vertigo, which is the most common form. This type results from problems with the inner ear or nerve inflammation. The second type of vertigo is called central vertigo. This form is usually caused by the more severe health conditions, such as stroke and tumors. Most people experience peripheral vertigo. However, if you start recognizing symptoms of the condition, you should seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Vertigo
While we know that the primary sensation accompanying vertigo is the feeling of spinning or dizziness, you may experience other symptoms too.
The most common symptoms of peripheral vertigo are:
- Feeling like the environment outside your body is moving or spinning around you.
- Vision disturbance, such as trouble focusing your eyes.
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Temporary loss of hearing in one or both ears.
- Feeling unbalanced, possibly leading to trips and falls.
- The sound of ringing in your ears.
- Upset stomach, including nausea and vomiting.
Central vertigo can present more serious symptoms in addition to those noted above. If you observe these symptoms during feelings of vertigo, seek medical help immediately.
Symptoms of central vertigo include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Double vision
- Erratic eye movement or trouble moving your eyes
- Paralysis of the face
- Slurred speech
- A feeling of weakness in your arms and legs
These symptoms may indicate that the vertigo you're experiencing results from a brain problem rather than from inner ear, nerve, or lifestyle issues (such as taking a new medication).
What Causes Vertigo to Flare-Up?
Many people who experience vertigo may go for extended periods before another flare-up. For some people, months may pass without the unpleasant sensation. For others, the dizzy, spinning feeling occurs much more frequently. When looking at how to help vertigo, the best thing to do is to know what causes vertigo flare-ups to eliminate the triggers as much as possible.
The most common causes of vertigo flare-ups include:
- Inner ear infections
- Mental health issues, such as stress, depression, and anxiety
- The onset of migraine headaches
- The introduction of new medication or supplements to your regimen
- Environmental factors such as flying or motion sickness
- An injury to the head
- Laying on your back for an extended period
- Rapid head movement, such as rolling over in bed, sitting, or standing up too quickly
- Viral infections
- Flare-ups in chronic conditions such as MS
- Sleep deprivation
While these are the most common causes of vertigo flare-ups, some people do report an increase in the sensation without any accompanying risk factors. If you find that your flare-ups are happening more frequently, see a doctor or chiropractor to learn how to eliminate excessive vertigo episodes. Many home remedies and holistic treatment options can help with vertigo relief.
Home Remedies to Ease and Stop Vertigo Episodes
Most people who experience vertigo find that home remedies help greatly during an episode. You can make simple changes to your lifestyle, and there are easy actions to take that may help episodes subside and occur less frequently.
Home remedies to ease and stop vertigo include:
- Increasing your water intake and remaining hydrated.
- Reducing your sodium intake.
- Tilting your head at a 45-degree angle and leaning back against a pillow for about 30 seconds.
- Turn your head to the left at a full 90-degree angle without lifting your neck.
- Utilize stress management and anxiety-reducing techniques such as meditation, journaling, engaging in a favorite hobby, or doing yoga.
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C.
- Make sure you're getting enough sleep.
- Sleep with extra pillows to elevate your head.
- Talk to your doctor about adding a vitamin D supplement to your diet.
- Cut back on or avoid alcohol and nicotine.
- Ask your doctor if drinking ginger tea or eating almonds may help your condition.
- Avoid bright lights.
- Avoid sudden head and body movements.
- Keep still or lay down as soon as symptoms start.
- Avoid reading or watching television when symptoms start.
- Apply ice or a cold pack to the back of your neck between your ears.
Additionally, some people find many alternative and holistic options helpful when looking into how to help vertigo. Examples include using essential oils and supplements such as ginkgo, and more. Speak to your doctor if you're interested in trying these methods and ask them how to get rid of vertigo naturally. Never add a supplement to your diet without medical consultation.
Can Chiropractors Help With Vertigo Relief?
Even with so many at-home remedies and options to help with vertigo relief, many people find that they still suffer from the spinning, dizzy episodes. This is particularly true for those with central vertigo that stems from a more significant underlying health condition. Whether you struggle with peripheral or central vertigo, seeing a chiropractor may help.
Here at ChiroCare of Florida, we provide a variety of techniques that can help ease stress, manage pain, and help improve your quality of life. Chiropractic adjustments help keep your spine aligned, allowing proper blood flow and reducing the inflammation and pressure that can be placed on your nerves.
Additionally, we offer alternative treatments such as acupuncture, which some believe may help with the condition. We also provide massage therapy services, which can help reduce your stress levels. There are staff that can help you develop dietary and wellness programs tailored to your needs. This means we can help you identify the best lifestyle changes to ease or stop frequent vertigo.
Schedule an Appointment Today
For those looking for how to help vertigo, call ChiroCare of Florida today and book an appointment. With eight locations throughout South Florida, extended evening hours, and weekend appointments available upon request, we make it easy to access treatment.
When you come in, we'll review your medical history, the symptoms you're currently experiencing, and review your treatment goals. Together, we'll build a plan so that you can find vertigo relief. You don't have to suffer in pain–help is available.
Contact us today. We can take your insurance information over the phone to see if services are covered and inform you of any co-pays or out-of-pocket costs you may incur before you even step through the door. At ChiroCare of Florida, we put our patients first. Our main goal is to help you begin your journey to a pain-free life.
