Head Trauma Can Cause Problems with Dizziness

Head and neck injuries can wreak havoc throughout a person’s body. Just a few problems that may occur are dizziness, disequilibrium (feeling off balance), and vertigo.  Often, when these neck injuries occur it will result in disruption to the balancing systems of the body.  Even more common is the fact that head and neck injuries that result in spinal misalignment are very commonly missed or overlooked. 

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The Brainstem

The upper cervical spine is comprised of the top two vertebrae of the neck (Atlas and Axis). The brainstem is protected by these bones. If an injury occurs to the head or neck, it can cause the bones here to come out of alignment. The body then begins to compensate for this problem. The head, weighing up to sixteen  pounds, needs to sit on top of the vertebrae properly. If not, the body begins to twist to make up for this. This process is called the righting reflex. It is what enables the eyes to stay in line with the horizon, keeping a person in balance. When the body compensates for a misalignment, undue pressure is put on the brainstem and resulting spinal structures, in turn, the nervous system does not function properly. ​

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo download our complimentary e-book.

The brainstem is the key to helping a person stay balanced. It extends from the brain throughout the upper neck vertebrae and then it becomes the spinal cord that connects with nerves that lead to the rest of the body. The brainstem is given positional information from the upper neck through pressure sensors. Information is also collected from the ears via the cranial nerves that mix together in the brainstem to create your sense of balance. If these signals are being distorted due to a misalignment, vertigo, dizziness, and disequilibrium are commonly the result.  

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Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Boise Idaho

Dr. Blom is experienced in treating patients with balance issues. The point of upper cervical care is to detect misalignment in the upper cervical spinal column and work to correct it through gentle, effective means.  This will bring the head back into proper position, and the rest of the body will follow.  At this point the body will begin a healing process, maintaining the spinal correction will allow for symptoms to fade away as the body heals itself.  ​

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Blom click the button below or call 208-559-0541