Vertigo Treatment in Bend, OR

Types of Vertigo We Address

Cervicogenic vertigo, also known as cervical vertigo, originates from problems in the upper cervical spine. This type of vertigo often develops following neck injuries, whiplash, or prolonged periods of poor posture. In our modern world, the cervical spine faces unprecedented stress from technology use, with studies showing that looking down at phones can place up to 60 pounds of pressure on the neck. Patients with cervicogenic vertigo typically experience symptoms that worsen with certain head movements or neck positions.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) involves displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear but can be influenced by upper cervical spine dysfunction. When the neck is properly aligned, it can improve the function of the vestibular system and reduce BPPV episodes.

Post-traumatic vertigo may develop following head or neck injuries, including concussions, whiplash, or falls. The trauma can cause misalignments in the upper cervical spine that affect balance and coordination long after the initial injury has healed.

How Chiropractic Care Addresses Vertigo

Chiropractic treatment for vertigo focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the upper cervical spine. Through precise adjustments, we can reduce nerve interference and improve communication between your brain and the systems responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Upper cervical adjustments are gentle, specific movements designed to correct misalignments in the top portion of your spine. These adjustments can help restore proper blood flow to the inner ear and brainstem, areas crucial for balance function. Many patients experience significant improvement in their vertigo symptoms following a series of targeted chiropractic treatments.

Our comprehensive vertigo treatment approach includes several key components:

• Precise upper cervical adjustments to restore proper spinal alignment and nerve function
• Posture analysis and correction to address underlying mechanical issues
• Neurological testing to evaluate balance and coordination systems
• Lifestyle education, including ergonomic recommendations and stress management
• Specific exercises to improve neck strength, stability, and vestibular function
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustment of treatment protocols based on your progress

This multi-faceted approach ensures that we address not only your immediate symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to your vertigo, providing you with the best opportunity for lasting relief and improved quality of life.

Comprehensive Assessment and Treatment

During your initial consultation, we conduct a thorough examination to identify the specific factors contributing to your vertigo. This assessment includes evaluation of your upper cervical spine, posture analysis, neurological testing, and discussion of your symptom patterns and triggers.

We may recommend specific diagnostic imaging when necessary to get a clear picture of your spinal alignment and identify any structural issues that need to be addressed. This comprehensive approach ensures that we develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.

Treatment typically involves a series of gentle adjustments combined with supportive therapies to address muscle tension and improve spinal stability. We also provide education about posture, ergonomics, and exercises that can support your recovery and help prevent future episodes.

Long-Term Care for Lasting Relief

Vertigo often requires ongoing care to achieve lasting relief and prevent recurrence. Many patients find that their symptoms improve significantly within the first few weeks of treatment, but continued care is often necessary to maintain proper spinal alignment and prevent the underlying dysfunction from returning.

Our long-term care approach focuses on maintaining optimal spinal health through regular adjustments and lifestyle modifications. We work with you to identify and address the factors that contributed to your vertigo in the first place, such as poor posture, workplace ergonomics, or stress patterns.

Patients in our wellness care programs often experience not only relief from vertigo symptoms but also improvements in overall health, energy levels, and quality of life. By maintaining proper nervous system function, your body can better adapt to stress and maintain the delicate balance required for optimal function.

Lifestyle Integration and Prevention

Recovery from vertigo involves more than just spinal adjustments. We provide guidance on lifestyle factors that can support your healing and reduce the likelihood of future episodes. This includes recommendations for proper sleep positioning, workplace ergonomics, stress management techniques, and specific exercises to support neck strength and stability.

Many patients benefit from learning about triggers that may worsen their vertigo and strategies to minimize exposure to these factors. We also educate patients about the importance of maintaining proper hydration, as dehydration can contribute to dizziness and balance problems.