Can Neck Problems Cause Dizziness?
Vertigo, Dizziness, Disequilibrium and many other 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. Atlas and Axis are essential to the relationship between the neck and head, as they are the final two segments in the spine which protect the brain stem. A displacement between Atlas and Axis of as little as 3/4 of a degree is enough to interfere with the messages sent to and from the brain.
Since the brainstem is where spinal postural muscles are controlled, the entire structure of the body will twist and tilt in order to compensate for those upper neck misalignments and head tilt. This eventually leads to pressure building up in the nervous system at the base of the skull.
Brain Stem Dysfunction
The area that is first impacted by these problems is the brain stem area, which is vital to our health. The brain stem is the first portion of the brain to develop and it houses our autonomic responses to the environment and serves as the junction between the brain and rest of the spinal cord.
The brain stem area is a key to the balance of our bodies. This is due to several factors, including cranial nerves that go to the inner ear beginning in the brain stem, the type of joint proprioceptors in the upper neck, as well as the control of fluid balance to the head, neck, and spine.
When someone is suffering from vertigo, dizziness, or disequilibrium, the brain stem is frequently involved. Upper neck misalignments alter the brain stem function and can 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.
Now not all dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium is related to head and neck traumas. But if you have a history of accidents involving your head or neck, then an evaluation with a qualified upper cervical chiropractor is very important. If the underlying cause can be identified, what a difference it can make for your life!
To find a Doctor in your area go to www.upcspine.com or www.NUCCA.org . To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below:
