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Could chiropractic therapy help treat vertigo?

Vertigo is a condition that causes people to experience rocking, dizziness or spinning, even when staying completely still. The most common cause of vertigo is an inner ear condition called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition often occurs after a head injury or an illness such as the flu, or simply as a result of ageing. In fact, while around 20% of vertigo cases are caused by BPPV, the occurrence of BPPV provoked vertigo cases in ageing patients is more than double (50%). In some cases, however, the exact cause is unknown.

How does BPPV affect the ear?

The brain senses movement and finds balance via a fluid contained in the inner ears. In the case of BPPV, however, normal balance and movement are interrupted when small crystals (otoconia) made of calcium carbonate become dislodged. If too many otoconia begin floating around your inner ear fluid, they can hit against the highly sensitive nerve endings positioned in the inner ear and cause the disorientating symptoms of BPPV.

Are there ways to treat the symptoms of BPPV?

While you can’t always prevent the crystal collisions associated with BPPV, there is a chiropractic treatment available that may be able to reduce its unpleasant, and often disabling, symptoms. This chiropractic technique, known as the Epley manoeuvre, is designed to drain and channel any troubling ear crystals away from sensitive nerve endings.

During the treatment, a chiropractor will slowly manipulate your head into a variety of positions that shift these ear crystals away from nerve endings and into a section of the inner ear where they won’t cause any dizziness. This treatment should work reasonably quickly and alleviate vertigo symptoms within a few days. Generally, the treatment only needs to be repeated when symptoms reappear, but your chiropractor may suggest a long-term treatment plan to prevent another buildup of crystals.

If you are looking for a nearby chiropractor, then book an appointment online at https://www.mychiro.com.au/. Located in Sydney, we offer on the spot claims with private health care. If you have Chiro included in your private health care plan, then your first visit consultation is gap-free.

Photo: ear by knowingPark licensed under Creative commons 4

Dr. Steven Lockstone

Chiropractor

Dr Steven is a Sydney Chiropractor in Bondi Junction with 21 years clinical experience.

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