Vertigo is a false sensation of movement that can cause a person to lose balance or feel nauseous. For many, vertigo exhibits itself as a feeling that the room is spinning, but the term encompasses any improper sensation of movement. While some may only experience an occasional issue with vertigo, for others the problem is chronic.
An accident or injury can cause a misalignment of the atlas vertebra (C1). The atlas is situated at the base of the skull and protects the brainstem. Thus, a misalignment can affect brainstem function and how the body communicates signals. Blood and cerebrospinal fluid flow may also be hindered. Vertigo is just one of the many potential results of such an injury.
An upper cervical chiropractor is specifically trained to detect and correct an atlas misalignment. X-rays are taken to precisely measure the location and degree of the misalignment. Then a personalized low force correction is administered to each patient. This is called the NUCCA technique, and it is the method of upper cervical chiropractic that we use at Advanced Spinal Care in Washington.
If you are experiencing vertigo, especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Upper cervical care may be your first step in becoming vertigo free as it has been for many patients in case studies.