What is the difference between Vertigo, Dizziness, and Migraines?
Vertigo and dizziness are common yet distressing symptoms that affect daily life. Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, often caused by issues in the inner ear or central nervous system. Dizziness, on the other hand, refers to a feeling of unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or loss of balance. Migraines, particularly vestibular migraines, can also contribute to dizziness and vertigo-like symptoms, often with an accompanied headache, making daily activities challenging.
Common Causes of Vertigo and Dizziness
Several underlying conditions contribute to vertigo and dizziness, including:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by small calcium crystals (canaliths) in the inner ear, leading to short but intense episodes of dizziness when changing head positions.
- Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Vestibular Neuritis & Labyrinthitis: Viral infections that inflame the vestibular nerve, causing dizziness and balance issues.
- Vestibular Migraines: Migraines that affect the inner ear and brainstem, resulting in dizziness, nausea, and balance problems.
- Cervicogenic Dizziness: Dizziness originating from dysfunction in the cervical spine, often linked to neck pain or musculoskeletal issues.
- Multisensory Deficit: Often seen in older adults, this is caused by a decline in multiple sensory systems, affecting balance and coordination.
Migraines and Their Impact on Dizziness
Migraines, especially vestibular migraines, are a significant contributor to dizziness and balance disturbances. Migraine-related dizziness can present with or without headache pain and often includes symptoms such as light sensitivity, nausea, and visual disturbances.
Medication-Overuse Headaches (MOH) and Migraines
Overuse of common pain relief medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen can lead to medication-overuse headaches (MOH), also known as rebound headaches. This occurs when these medications are taken too frequently (more than 10-15 days per month), leading to increased headache frequency and severity.
- Ibuprofen & NSAIDs: Frequent use can contribute to rebound headaches rather than preventing migraines.
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Regular or excessive use can lead to dependency and worsening migraine symptoms.
- Triptans & Opiates: Overuse of migraine-specific drugs like triptans and opioid medications can also trigger MOH.
- Management Strategy: To avoid MOH, patients should limit medication use, gradually reduce dependence under medical guidance, and incorporate non-pharmacological treatments such as spinal manipulation, relaxation techniques, and lifestyle modifications.
The Role of Chiropractic Care in Managing Vertigo and Dizziness
Chiropractic treatment focuses on optimizing nervous system function, addressing musculoskeletal issues, and improving overall mobility. Chiropractic manipulations can be effective in reducing intensity of dizzy episodes or vertigo depending on the cause of these symptoms. There are also various other treatment modalities a chiropractor can perform which can be effective in reducing dizziness and vertigo symptoms:
1. Chiropractic Adjustments, Manipulations, and/or Mobilisations
- Spinal adjustments, particularly in the cervical spine, can improve nerve function and help alleviate cervicogenic dizziness.
- These techniques performed on the spine may enhance communication between the nervous system (our nerves within our muscles, spinal cord, and brain) and inner ear, promoting better balance.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation & Exercises
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (e.g., Epley Maneuver): This is a technique in which we guide the head into a movement which helps to reposition displaced inner ear crystals. This technique has been shown to be highly effective for BPPV.
- ADL-Based Dynamic Postural Stability Exercises: Research suggests that functional exercises aimed at improving postural stability after canalith repositioning can aid in recovery and prevent compensatory strategies that delay functional progress.
- Balance & Proprioception Training: Activities like standing on one leg, shifting weight between feet, habituation exercises, and visual tracking exercises can improve balance and reduce dizziness, and decrease sensitivity to movements.
3. Dry Needling & Soft Tissue Therapy
- Dry Needling: Targeting tender muscles and regions in the cervical region can help relieve tension and reduce cervicogenic dizziness.
- Massage Therapy: Myofascial release and soft tissue techniques can improve circulation, ease muscle tightness, and reduce stress-related dizziness.
4. Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance
- Hydration & Diet: Proper hydration and a low-sodium diet can help manage conditions like Meniere’s disease.
- Postural Awareness: Teaching proper body mechanics and ergonomics. Regularly changing your body positioning and posture throughout the day can reduce strain on the cervical spine.
- Stress Management: Breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques may help those experiencing stress-induced dizziness or vestibular migraines. This is particularly important as psychological support and care are effective at reducing the severity and disability associated with episodes of vertigo.
How Chiropractic Care Complements Other Treatments
While medications such as antihistamines and vestibular suppressants are commonly prescribed, they primarily offer short-term symptom relief. Furthermore, research suggests overuse of certain medications can worsen migraine symptoms. Research suggests Chiropractic care, in combination with vestibular rehabilitation and exercise therapy, provides a non-invasive, long-term solution for many individuals experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and migraines.
Research highlights that multimodal treatment approaches—including manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises, and psychological support—show greater improvement in dizziness-related burden, balance, and overall quality of life. Chiropractic care can play a crucial role in enhancing recovery outcomes for individuals struggling with vertigo and dizziness.
Take Control of Your Dizziness and Vertigo Today
If someone you know is experiencing vertigo, dizziness, or migraines, chiropractic care, dry needling, and targeted exercises may provide relief. At Pittwater Chiro, we take a holistic approach, offering evidence-based treatments to help you be free from dizzy spells.
Book a consultation today and take the first step toward balance and wellness!
