Vertigo is most commonly caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). In the bony labyrinth, there are three semicircular canals. Each canal contains a fluid called endolymph. Head movements result in this fluid bending the tiny cilia which lines the interior of the semicircular canals. The density of the endolymph explains the residual spinning symptoms for seconds after the head movement. Cilia stimulation, input from the eyes, and proprioception from the cervical spine combine to determine balance. Dysfunction of the cilia, yes, or cervical proprioceptors can affect your balance.
Your doctor of chiropractic will use the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver to challenge all three of these simultaneously. BPPV usually affects the posterior semicircular canal, which the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver is gold standard for. The test has a specificity of 83% and a sensitivity of 52% for BPPV arising from the posterior semicircular canal.
As for treatment, the Epeley maneuver may be used by your chiropractor. The effectiveness ranges from 78 percent to 95 percent.
There are even some at home treatments which you can perform. One of these includes the Foster Half-Somersault maneuver that starts with the patient kneeling with their buttocks on their heels.
The patient tips their head straight up to look at the ceiling and holds this position until after any dizziness has faded for several seconds. Next, the patient quickly bends their head and body forward to lightly rest the top of their head on the floor slightly in front of their knees. Their hands should be on the floor in front of their knees to prevent excessive head and neck loading. The patient turns their head toward the affected ear and holds this position until after any dizziness has faded for several seconds.
Next, while maintaining head rotation, the patient raises their head to the level of their spine. The patient holds this position until after any dizziness has faded for several seconds, then quickly returns to an upright kneeling position.
Come visit us today if you are experiencing BPPV or any other musculoskeletal pain. Through chiropractic, physical therapy and other treatment options, we have many options to help you. Schedule an appointment today or call us (908) 325-3000
