Vertigo and dizziness are just two of the common reasons why people visit a Norton Shores vertigo clinic. However, several people still use vertigo and dizziness interchangeably when talking about a specific feeling. They may be related and similar in origin, but these two terms have different meanings and symptoms. Let’s go over what these two symptoms are. 

Vertigo and Dizziness Meanings

Vertigo is a movement hallucination. It is a false sense of spinning, swaying, or tilting of either you or the room you are in. It often goes together with other symptoms such as a sense of motion sickness, tinnitus, nausea, and vomiting. You have no control over it. 

On the other hand, dizziness is a broad term for the feeling of faintness, off balance, or lightheadedness. It afflicts the ears, eyes, and other sensory organs. In short, some people may faint if they experience dizzy spells. 

Vertigo and dizziness are both not diseases, but symptoms of different health conditions. If you are dealing with repeated episodes of vertigo or dizziness for no apparent reason, it is the best idea to visit a doctor to figure out the underlying cause of it. 

Instead of simply using the terms dizziness or vertigo, an accurate and detailed description of what you are feeling can help your doctor provide the proper care you need.

Why Do Vertigo and Dizziness Occur?

When you drink alcohol, have migraines, or take certain medications, you may experience dizziness. Dizzy spells happen because a problem occurs in the inner ear where the body regulates its balance. 

Dizziness can also stem from vertigo. Vertigo frequently occurs due to BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). People with BPPV may experience short-lived dizziness when they turn their head too fast or sit up too quickly after lying down in bed. 

Meniere’s disease can also bring about dizziness and vertigo as symptoms. The illness is due to the accumulation of excessive fluid in the inner ear. They may also result in tinnitus (ringing in the ear), feeling of congestion, or hearing loss. 

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Other causes of dizziness and vertigo are:

• Dehydration
• Motion sickness
• A sudden drop in blood pressure
• Ear infections
• Low blood volume
• Too much exercise all at once
• Anemia (low iron)
• Heatstroke
• A malignant tumor
• Acoustic neuroma
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Acoustic neuroma
• Heart muscle disease
• Anxiety disorders
• Multiple sclerosis

When to Seek Medical Care 

You should get the help a doctor right away if you experience recurring dizzy spells accompanied by one or some of these symptoms: 

• A high fever
• Chest pain
• Numbness or tingling
• Blurry vision
• Hearing loss
• Trouble speaking
• Continual vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Drooping of mouth or eye
• A headache
• Neck pain
• A head injury

Care for Vertigo and Dizziness

Several home remedies can help alleviate vertigo and dizziness. For cases that are too serious, medical assistance can be called for. If you are coping with vertigo and dizziness, here are some methods you can ease your situation:

• Identify and avoid your vertigo triggers.
• Perform at-home exercises to manage your inner ear issue and regain control of your balance.
• Have a low-salt diet if you have Meniere’s disease to reduce the buildup of fluid in your ear.
• Make certain maneuvers if you have BPPV to move back the dislodged calcium crystals in their right location in the inner ear. 
• Put into practice relaxation methods and stress management to help with anxiety.
• Avoid dehydration by consuming plenty of water during exercise and while in the heat. Water can also help in flush the toxins in your system.

Resolving Vertigo and Dizziness with Atlas Orthogonal

Many studies have recognized the undeniable connection between vertigo and a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. The atlas (C1) and axis (C2) vertebrae, topmost bones in the upper cervical spine, protect the brainstem and the spinal cord. These bones are susceptible to misaligning, particularly if a person has endured an injury to the head or neck. 

It only takes a tiny misalignment to place pressure on the brainstem and causes it to relay incorrect signals to the brain about the body’s balance and spatial orientation. If any of the C1 or C2 bone misaligns, the brain would get conflicting messages from the body and other sensory inputs. This results in vertigo or dizziness. 

Visit a Norton Shores Vertigo Clinic 

To fix the underlying cause of vertigo, upper cervical chiropractors like us utilize imaging and measurements to calculate and locate the misaligned bones. We then perform a gentle approach to move the bones back in their appropriate positions. Every adjustment we do is safe and meant to hold in place longer. 

Many of our patients and those in case studies have benefited from the results of upper cervical chiropractic after only a few visits. A significant number of them experienced their vertigo and dizziness resolve entirely.Visit Zehr Chiropractic, our top-rated Norton Shores vertigo clinic in Michigan, to begin receiving upper cervical chiropractic care. We mainly practice the Atlas Orthogonal technique, where we utilize the atlas orthogonal percussion instrument. You can set an appointment by giving us a ring at (231) 780-9900 or by accomplishing our online form.

To schedule a complimentary Atlas Orthogonal consultation, call 231-227-4495 or just 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.