Have you ever stepped off your surfboard in Encinitas only to feel the world keep spinning around you? Or perhaps you've woken up, turned your head on the pillow, and suddenly felt as if you're on a carousel? If these scenarios sound familiar, you might be among the many grappling with vertigo, particularly Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This condition, affecting numerous people each year, can turn simple movements like nodding or rolling over in bed into a dizzying experience. It is also among the leading health concerns that patients complain about when they seek our Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Encinitas, Dr. Steven Keener.
BPPV is characterized by sudden and intense vertigo spells, usually lasting one minute or less. Changing the position of your head, such as nodding, turning slightly, or lifting your chin, can bring on these debilitating episodes. Additionally, BPPV can occur when transitioning from lying down to sitting up or rolling over in bed. It often accompanies symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and abnormal eye movements, making it a profoundly disabling condition.
BPPV typically indicates an issue in the inner ear, a crucial part of our balance and perception of movement. The inner ear contains tiny crystals that play a vital role in sensing motion during activities like walking, standing, or moving your head. When these crystals migrate to a different part of the inner ear, they disrupt the connection between the vestibular system and your brain, resulting in vertigo spells.
Many people wonder if BPPV will resolve itself without intervention. In most cases, BPPV can disappear spontaneously, but the recovery timeline varies from person to person. According to research, BPPV can persist for days, weeks, months, or even years. If your BPPV resolves naturally, there's still a chance it may return.
The approach to managing BPPV depends on various factors, including your age, overall health, and the underlying cause. Here are three commonly strategies our Encinitas Chiropractor often recommend to patients dealing with BPPV:
While there's no single pill to “cure” BPPV, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to alleviate specific symptoms. These may include painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications to combat nausea.
Canalith repositioning exercises, like the Epley maneuver, are often used to reposition displaced inner ear crystals. These exercises involve specific head and body movements and can be performed under professional guidance or at home. Consistent practice over several days can lead to significant improvements in BPPV symptoms.
Vertigo can sometimes result from neck misalignments, especially if you've had a neck injury like a car accident before experiencing vertigo. In such cases, upper cervical chiropractic care can be particularly effective. Precise and gentle Encinitas CA Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct neck misalignments, which may be triggering vertigo symptoms.
While BPPV can be distressing, understanding its causes and available remedies can provide relief. Whether your BPPV resolves naturally or requires intervention, there are ways to manage and alleviate the symptoms. If you suspect that neck misalignment might be contributing to your vertigo, consider consulting our Upper Cervical Chiropractor in Encinitas, Dr. Steven Keener. We also strongly recommend exploring Encinitas CA Chiropractic Care if you have tried all sorts of techniques or procedures but have yet to see results. Who knows, a simple Upper Cervical Care regimen is all it would take to restore your balance and get back on track with your day-to-day activities.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Keener, call our Encinitas office at 760-456-9470. You can also 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.
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