Can Neck Problems Cause Dizziness?

Image by Fitz Villafuerte via Flickr

Vertigo, dizziness, disequilibrium and many other of these types of conditions can be directly related to old head and neck injuries that have never been properly addressed and the underlying damage to the upper neck has led to dysfunction in the ears, the balancing system of the body or both.

When the head or neck is injured the upper neck (Atlas & Axis) frequently become twisted and misaligned leading to a slight displacement of the head…sometimes by as little as 3/4 of a degree.  Once the heavy head (10-14 lbs) is tilting to the side the brain has to compensate for that change through the righting reflex to keep the eyes and ears level with the horizon at all times.

The entire structure of the body will twist and tilt in order to compensate for those upper neck misalignments and head tilt.  Eventually leading to pressure building up into the nerve system.  The area that is first impacted by these problems is the brain stem area, which is just basically a part of the brain that extends down into the spine and connects the the spinal cord.

The brain stem area is a key to the balance of our bodies.  This upper neck area has more pressure sensors the anywhere else in the body that feed information into the brain stem and the brain.  Also the brain stem send messages via the cranial nerves to the ears for balance as well.  Blood flow is also effected when the brain stem function is altered.

When someone is suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or disequilibrium, the brain stem is frequently involved.  Upper neck misalignments alter the brain stem function and lead to these types of problems.  When these old injuries are dealt with by the correction of the head position by a precise upper cervical corrective procedure such as NUCCA, the healing process can begin.

Holding the corrections is the key to healing, not having your spine manipulated 1000’s of times by a general chiropractor!

Now here is an example…Terry is in property management and is also an avid Bicyclist, riding up to 100 miles per week.  When he began to develop vertigo it was about 2 years after he had taken a pretty significant fall from his bike and had a motorcycle accident that seemed to make the dizziness and vertigo attacks much worse.  To the point that he was concerned even about going up on a ladder at one of his rentals.  Here is his story…

I have been suffering from vertigo (dizziness) for 6-7 years, getting more constant as the years progressed.  I tried everything…Every doctor that I could think of, EENT, general doc, vertigo specialist and finally my last hope, a NUCCA doctor.  Dr. Davis helped me almost instantly.  I have not been dizzy for 8 weeks!  Thanks Breath of Life for giving me my health back!!!

Now not all dizziness, vertigo and disequilibrium is related to head and neck traumas.  But if you have a history of those types of accidents then an evaluation with a qualified upper cervical specialist is very important.  If the underlying cause can be identified, what a difference it can make for your life!

If you or someone you know is suffering with Vertigo, dizziness or disequilibrium and you are in the Southern California area go to www.nuccawellness.com and schedule an evaluation today.  If you are anywhere else go to www.nucca.org to find a doctor near you.

Dr. William R. Davis Jr., D.C. is a Vista Chiropractor and Upper Cervical Specialist. He is in private practice in Southern California in the city of Vista. He specializes in correcting 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 http://www.nuccawellness.com

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Meniere’s Disease and NUCCA

Meniere’s disease is a triad of symptoms that affects one ear…hearing loss, vertigo and ringing in the ear.  This condition can be debilitating.  In Dave’s case the vertigo was so severe that he was having a hard time driving.  The ringing in his ears was driving him crazy and the hearing loss was so severe that he was unable to hear his 2 year old daughter crying in the night if he was laying on his good ear.  Here is his story…

“I had been diagnosed with Meniere’s Disease which included vertigo attacks, dizzy spells, ringing in the ear and fullness in the ear and hearing loss.  Since beginning care at Breath of Life Chiropractic all symptoms have improved.  The vertigo has stopped and the dizzy spells have diminished significantly.  The ringing in the ear and head has gone away completely!  The fullness sensation and hearing loss have also improved.  As an added bonus the lower back pain that I had suffered from for over 10 years has completely gone away! 

The NUCCA method is not a magic bullet treatment…your body needs time to heal.  But even three months into care I am still seeing positive changes in my health and life.  The personal relationship that has developed with Dr. Davis has been great.  It is very reassuring that someone else is so interested in my well being!  Thank you…Dr. Davis!”

David N.

Meniere’s Disease is a complex condition that many people struggle to find any answers for…the upper cervical spine has a unique connection to the function of the ear and many people have found the help that they need through upper cervical care.

Tell a Friend today…760-945-1345  www.nuccawellness.com

For more info about upper cervical and Meniere’s Disease check out these links… http://drtanase.com/2010/03/04/do-you-have-menieres-disease/ 

http://theatlasoflife.com/2010/01/20/from-menieres-disease-to-upper-cervical-an-interview-with-dr-kevin-broome/

http://www.erinelster.com/ConditionsDetail.aspx?ConditionID=9

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