1) The vision Our eyes send images to the brain that indicate the position of objects around us as well as our own position in relation to what surrounds us.

2) The vestibular system It consists of a bony part embedded in the ear, the labyrinth, which also sends information to the brain through the nervous system. 

In the labyrinth, there is a very sensitive area that senses our movements. When we move our head, it triggers a nerve signal that goes to the brain and informs it of the current movement, thus inciting us to activate the right muscles in order to maintain our balance.

3) Proprioception This is the nerve information coming from the muscles and joints. When one of our legs is lifted to the side or we lean our body forward, lots of little receptors in our muscles and joints send signals to the brain through our nervous system to inform it of the changes we are making to our position. This triggers a series of reactions that help us keep our balance.

For our balance to be good, the information sent by our eyes, by the vestibular system and by our muscles and joints is the same. 

Otherwise, nothing goes right! The brain does not know who to believe and symptoms of dizziness or vertigo appear.

But what to do when this happens? Of course, the first thing to do is not to worry and rest. 

Sudden movements should be avoided, as well as activities such as driving and various sports, especially swimming, as disorientation in water can be dangerous. 

In some cases, a visit to your chiropractor is recommended, especially if balance problems are severe and persistent, as well as if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as: hearing loss, ringing in the ears, numbness of the limbs or face, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, fever or any other significant condition occurring at the same time. 

Your doctor can also make sure that any medications you are taking are not contributing to your symptoms.

If the dizziness is not accompanied by other significant symptoms or if the medical evaluation does not show any abnormality, a visit to a chiropractor is indicated. 

In fact, in the majority of people, balance disorders are due to the following two types of vertigo, where the chiropractor can intervene:

 

Balance disorders: Benign positional vertigo

 

These dizzinesses appear during certain movements of the head, for example backwards or in rotation. They are possibly caused by aging or a trauma. 

Different hypotheses tend to explain balance disorders. The most frequently used is that of degenerative debris or crystals which would be in free circulation in the ear fluid, causing an abnormal pressure and/or an erroneous stimulation of the structures responsible for balance.

It is the most frequent cause of vertigo. A provocative maneuver allows to identify it and two forms of treatment can then be considered. 

First, there are the crystal repositioning maneuvers. The head is moved into certain positions in a gentle, slow manner to move and reposition the crystals in the right places in the ear. 

Many chiropractors know and practice this method: ask about it! Secondly, some habituation exercises can be performed. 

It is in fact movements that you repeat, always in a soft and progressive way, in order to accustom your body to move without getting dizzy. 

By repeating the same movements, the dizziness response becomes tired and diminishes. It is also suggested that in the case of these balance disorders, the pillow should be raised so that the head is not too horizontal and to avoid backward movements of the head.

 

Balance disorders: The .cervicogenic ertigo

These dizzinesses appear by maintaining positions of the head for a certain time. 

Sometimes they are associated with neck pain and headaches. 

They are frequently present following a whiplash accident. Their cause is an inappropriate stimulation or a deterioration of structures located in the joints of the cervical spine, which are responsible for transmitting information about the position of our head in space. 

The erroneous information thus sent would trigger balance disorders. 

Some muscles that are too tight (or too loose) can also send the wrong signals. 

For example, if one of the muscles in the front of your neck is very tight and tense in its normal state, when it should only be tight and tense when you tilt your head forward, the brain will understand that this movement is taking place even though it is not!

The chiropractor will be able to determine, through certain tests, the mobility of your cervical spine and the state of your musculature. He will be able to tell you if your dizziness could be caused by this condition. 

If this is the case, muscular work and manipulations at the level of the spinal column will help restore normal movement, thereby reducing erroneous signals and vertiginous symptoms.

Don't hesitate to ask a chiropractor for more information about vertigo and dizziness.

He will then be able to tell you if he can help you or if a medical visit is more appropriate. 

After all, your well-being is at stake!

Labyrinthitis: It is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. In cases of bacterial infection, vertigo is sometimes accompanied by hearing loss.

Symptoms appear suddenly and can last from one to several weeks. Labyrinthitis is sometimes accompanied by fever and sore throat.

 

Balance disorders: The .Meniere's disease

Dizziness attacks occur suddenly and are recurrent. 

Normally there are three main symptoms: dizziness, ringing in the ears and deafness (especially at low frequencies). 

Dizziness lasts from a few hours to a day and is caused by an overproduction or a resorption defect of the ear fluid involved in the balance mechanisms. Their appearance may follow a head trauma or an infection. 

Usually, the disease progresses with a decrease in vertigo and an increase in deafness.

Several other causes are possible, but more rare: tumors, cardiovascular disorders, fractures, certain medications, hypoglycemia, anxiety, etc.

Don't hesitate to ask a chiropractor for more information about vertigo and dizziness. 

He will then be able to tell you if he can help you or if a medical visit is more appropriate. After all, it is your well-being that is at stake.