The Difference Between Vertigo and Lightheadedness

There is an increasing number of people who consult a vertigo chiropractic doctor in Renton. Vertigo is a false sensation that you or your environment is spinning around. Why is it an erroneous sensation? Simply because the systems that control the body are not operating at full capacity. Meaning, the brain is receiving bogus information due to a misalignment in the upper cervical area.

These vertigo attacks may come and go anytime, without warning.  It may last for a few hours or even linger for days. As a result, it can make your everyday routine hard to do.

Some people illustrate spinning as if you are suddenly on a tilt-a-whirl. It may happen while you are walking, sitting down at work, playing with kids, or driving a car. Frequently, it can be a terrifying sensation. There is always the possibility of getting hurt from falling over. 

How Vertigo Differs From Lightheadedness

Have you ever questioned yourself: what’s the difference between vertigo and lightheadedness? If you describe lightheadedness as a feeling that you are spinning around when you not, you are wrong. That is actually vertigo. On the other hand, if you sense that you are about to pass out, then you are merely experiencing lightheadedness.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book HOW TO NATURALLY RELIEVE VERTIGO WITHOUT DRUGS by clicking the image below.

What is Lightheadedness?

Lightheadedness often disappears simply by lying down. You may feel nauseous. It can also happen when you suddenly stand up too quickly. Sudden movement increases the amount of blood that the brain needs. If your body cannot maintain proper blood pressure, then you will experience lightheadedness. This sensation refers to having orthostatic hypotension.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is very different because there is always a sensation of spinning and movement even if you are standing still or entirely at rest. Vertigo may include feelings of tilting, falling, spinning, whirling, or turning. You will sometimes feel nauseous, and your balance while walking will be hampered. You may even be in danger of actually falling over and hitting your head on a hard surface.

What Would Cause Vertigo?

According to our vertigo chiropractic doctor in Renton, here are some conditions that include spinning as one of their main symptoms:

• Migraines
• Low blood pressure
• Anxiety or depression
• Medication for high blood pressure and epilepsy 
• Heart disease — cardiac arrhythmia
• Hypoglycemia — low blood sugar
• Meniere’s disease: Due to fluid build-up leading to changes in pressure in the inner ear, Meniere’s disease is a rare condition that has vertigo as one of its symptoms. Other symptoms of this condition include congestion in the affected ear, tinnitus, and hearing loss. 
• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo): This is the most common cause of spinning. BPPV happens when calcium crystals break down and settle in the wrong part of the ear. As a result, it negatively affects the balance organs and receptors. Thus, resulting in vertigo.

What are The Symptoms of Vertigo? 

• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Severe vomiting
• Partial vision loss 
• Double vision
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Loss of physical and mental coordination
• Numbness on one or both sides of the body

Common Care for Vertigo

There are various ways to get relief from this condition. Some physicians recommend allowing vertigo attacks to settle on their own after a few days or weeks. They believe that it enables the brain to learn how to compensate for the problems that are going within the inner ear. Here is a list of recommendations that your family doctor may give you:

• Vestibular rehabilitation

It can bring back your sense of balance by allowing your other senses to take over. This kind of care works if your vertigo is chronic and severe. This method is also helpful if a problem within the inner ear causes your spinning attacks.

• Medication for dizziness 

This technique does not get rid of your vertigo permanently. It only minimizes symptoms, giving you some level of relief even if it is only temporary. To achieve longer-lasting relief, you have to address the underlying cause of spinning. We will talk about this particular topic later. 

• Canalith repositioning techniques 

This technique is a set of particular movements that work to realign the crystals that have moved out of place within the inner ear. One such method is known as the Epley maneuver. Anyone can do this at home. This maneuver, when done correctly, often helps relieve your bouts of spinning. 

• Non-medical intervention

When your vertigo condition links to anxiety, counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy may assist you in reducing the severity and frequency of your condition. 

• Migraine prevention 

Some medications help reduce your migraines, thus also minimizing your spinning in response. However, some prescription meds have known side-effects, so please keep that in mind.

• Surgery 

This method is usually your last line of defense. This procedure is generally saved as a last resort when none of the other techniques and suggestions work. Surgery can take away a tumor or correct an injury to the neck or brain.

Nowadays, a majority of people choose to look for natural and safe ways to attain vertigo relief and care. Most often, they prefer those techniques without medications to avoid most of its dangerous side effects. Fortunately, there is an area of natural care that exists, which provides precisely this kind of relief for many patients.

Vertigo Chiropractic Doctor in Renton Offers Natural Care

Upper cervical chiropractors have been dealing with the underlying cause of vertigo and other conditions for many years. This root problem often has to do with a misalignment in the bones of the upper cervical spine. A misalignment, particularly in the C1 and C2 vertebrae, may cause various problems to develop.

The C1 and C2 protect the sensitive brainstem. Injury or accident to the head or neck can impact the brainstem causing it to malfunction. During a breakdown or failure, the brainstem starts to send wrong signals to the brain. In the case of spinning attacks, the malfunctioning brainstem tells the brain that it is spinning or moving even if it is not doing so.

Upper cervical practitioners correct the misalignment by using a gentle and safe method. Realigning these prominent vertebrae allows the body to heal correctly, restoring its natural balance. 

Consult at Sherwood Spinal Care in Renton Washington if you want to get the unique therapy that is upper cervical chiropractic. You may contact us by phone on this number: 425-243-1607, or click here. 

Don’t let vertigo stop you from having a healthy and pain-free life. Visit our vertigo chiropractic doctor in Renton to get vertigo relief as soon as possible.

 

To schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Sherwood, call 425-243-1607 or just 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.