Vertigo, Dizziness, and Migraines – How We Can Help
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: 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. 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 2. Vestibular Rehabilitation & Exercises 3. Dry Needling & Soft Tissue Therapy 4. Lifestyle and Nutritional Guidance 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!
Maintenance care for chronic low back pain
Low back pain (LBP) is a common and burdensome health issue affecting millions worldwide. Its recurrence and persistence pose significant challenges, often leading individuals down a frustrating path of pain and reduced mobility. A lot of chiropractic treatment helps to decrease pain intensity but a proactive approach decreases the likelihood of pain flare-ups. Chronic LBP has a ripple effect on individuals, affecting their families, work, lifestyle and society. It is the leading cause of work absence and activity limitation globally. Its recurrent nature increases this burden, highlighting the critical need for preventive strategies. Alongside hands-on chiropractic treatment, exercise and education play pivotal roles, offering hope for individuals grappling with recurrent LBP. Have you had a recent flare-up? Read Jess’s blog on how to deal with a new episode of low back pain. Chiropractors, skilled in musculoskeletal assessment and treatment, play a pivotal role in managing LBP. Manual therapies, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, are commonly employed to alleviate pain and improve function. Additionally, chiropractors often recommend maintenance care — a preventive approach aimed at reducing the risk of relapse and optimizing long-term well-being. Current Research A 2018 randomised controlled trial by Eklund et al. investigated the effectiveness of maintenance compared to symptom-guided care in individuals with recurrent or persistent LBP. The study replicated real-world clinical practices, offering valuable insights into its efficacy. The trial compared maintenance against symptom-guided care. The maintenance care group aimed to schedule chiropractic appointments before substantial pain, meaning appointments were pre-booked and controlled by the clinician. In the control group, the patients were instructed to book when pain occurred, meaning the appointments were not pre-booked and were controlled by the patient. The trial revealed that maintenance care was more effective than symptom-guided care in reducing the total number of days with bothersome LBP over 52 weeks. For selected patients with recurrent or persistent non-specific LBP who respond well to an initial course of chiropractic care, maintenance care should be considered an option for long-term prevention. In the struggle against recurrent LBP, exercise, education, and chiropractic emerge formidable allies. By embracing proactive strategies and evidence-based interventions, individuals can reclaim control over their well-being and navigate the journey of recovery with resilience and optimism. As chiropractors continue to champion holistic approaches to musculoskeletal health, the promise of maintenance care shines brightly, offering hope and healing to those in need. References Eklund A, Jensen I, Lohela-Karlsson M, Hagberg J, Leboeuf-Yde C, Kongsted A, Bodin L, Axén I. The Nordic Maintenance Care program: Effectiveness of chiropractic maintenance care versus symptom-guided treatment for recurrent and persistent low back pain – A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. 2018 Sep 12;13(9):e0203029.Hoy D, March L, Brooks P, Blyth F, Woolf A, Bain C, et al. The global burden of low back pain: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2014;73(6):968–74. 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204428da Silva TM, Mills K, Brown BT, Herbert RD, Maher CG, Hancock MJ. Risk of Recurrence of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017:1–27.Steffens D, Maher CG, Pereira LS, Stevens ML, Oliveira VC, Chapple M, et al. Prevention of Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):199–208. 10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.7431ringsli M, Berntzen A, Olsen DB, Leboeuf-Yde C, Hestbaek L. The Nordic Maintenance Care Program: Maintenance care—what happens during the consultation? Observations and patient questionnaires. Chiropr Man Therap. 2012;20(1):25 10.1186/2045-709X-20-25
