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NUCCA Chiropractic and Vertigo & Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)How the NUCCA Chiropractic Method Can Help YouVertigo is the sudden sensation that you are unsteady or that your surroundings are moving. You may feel like you're spinning around on a merry–go–round or that your head is spinning inside. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common form of vertigo. The condition is characterized by brief episodes of intense dizziness associated with a change in the position of your head. It may occur when you move your head in a certain direction, lie down from an upright position, turn over in bed or sit up in the morning. Moving your head to look up also can bring about an episode of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo usually results from a problem with the nerves and the structures of the balance mechanism in your inner ear that sense movement and changes in the position of your head. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo & Chiropractic: StudyObjectiveThe objective of this article is threefold: to examine the role of head and neck trauma as a contributing factor to the onset of vertigo disorders; to explore the diagnosis and treatment of trauma–induced injury to the upper cervical spine through the use of protocol developed by the International Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association (IUCCA); and to investigate the potential for improving and eliminating vertigo through the correction of trauma–induced upper cervical injury. Data from 60 chronic vertigo patients who recalled prior trauma, presented with upper cervical injuries, and received care according to the above protocol are reviewed. Clinical Features of VertigoEach patient was examined and cared for in the author's private practice in an uncontrolled, non-randomized environment over an eight–year period. The 60 patients were diagnosed by their physicians with the following types of chronic vertigo: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), cervicogenic, disembarkment, syndrome, labyrinthitis, Meniere's, and migraine-associated vertigo (MAV). Of the 60 vertigo patients, 56 recalled experiencing at least one head or neck trauma prior to the onset of vertigo including auto accidents (25 patients); sporting accidents, such as skiing, cycling, or horseback riding (sixteen patients); or falls on icy sidewalks or down stairs (six patients). Vertigo Intervention and OutcomeTwo diagnostic tests, paraspinal digital infrared imaging and laser-aligned radiography, were performed according to IUCCA protocol. These tests objectively identify trauma-induced upper cervical subluxations (misalignments of the upper cervical spine from the neural canal) and resulting neuropathophysiology. Upper cervical subluxations were found in all 60 cases. All 60 patients responded to IUCCA upper cervical care within one to six months of treatment. Forty–eight patients were symptom–free following treatment and twelve cases were improved in that the severity and/or frequency of vertigo episodes were reduced. ConclusionA causal link between trauma-induced upper cervical injury and the onset of vertigo appears to exist. Correcting the injury to the upper cervical spine through the use of IUCCA protocol appears to improve and/or reverse vertigo disorders. Further study in a controlled, experimental environment with a larger sample size is recommended. Research: Call 404.459.6603 for your appointment with our Atlanta Chiropractors today! |