chiropractic care and bppv

Vertigo, characterized by a feeling of lightheadedness or a spinning sensation, is a prevalent issue that can significantly disrupt one's daily life. It frequently accompanies symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sweating and can be triggered by a range of factors, including head and neck injuries.
Chiropractic therapy has proven to be effective in addressing numerous cases of vertigo, especially in the context of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a leading cause of dizziness.
Chiropractors conduct comprehensive assessments to identify the underlying cause of vertigo and determine the most appropriate course of treatment. They are skilled in performing repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley or Semont Maneuver, which can effectively relieve BPPV symptoms in the majority of patients. 

​This inner ear condition often initiates following various factors, such as:

1. A head injury
2. Severe cold or viral infections
3. Aging processes
4. Minor strokes
5. Usage of ototoxic medications like gentamicin
   
   

Among individuals under the age of 50, head trauma and whiplash are the most frequent culprits, while in older individuals, the most common cause is the deterioration of the inner ear's vestibular system, with an increased prevalence of BPPV as age advances.
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In approximately 50% of cases, BPPV is referred to as "idiopathic," indicating that it occurs without a known cause.
Chiropractors are equipped to administer the Epley or Semont Maneuver, which is a straightforward and well-tolerated technique that can successfully alleviate BPPV in most patients.

During this procedure, the chiropractor will position you in specific ways based on the assessment findings, utilizing gravity to relocate calcium carbonate crystals to an inner ear region where they will no longer provoke symptoms. Following this, patients are provided with vestibular rehabilitation exercises to practice at home.

This treatment is highly effective, and after 3-4 sessions, approximately 80% of patients experience relief from their symptoms. Although there is a possibility of symptom recurrence, research indicates a relatively low recurrence rate of about 15% per year.

While chiropractic treatment might not be the initial consideration when experiencing dizziness, the maneuvers and treatment methods employed are analogous to those utilized by medical specialists who specialize in these conditions.