If you're experiencing dizziness or vertigo after a car accident, this may mean you've sustained injury to your head or neck. This type of injury is relatively common after a vehicle accident and may be a result of whiplash.
 
Whiplash is classified as a neck injury that occurs due to a violent back-and-forth movement of the head. The movement is similar to someone cracking a whip, hence the name. One way whiplash can happen is if you've been involved in a car accident where someone hits your vehicle from behind, causing your head to jerk rapidly forward and then back.
 
You may not realize you've sustained injury until hours or even a day or so later when neck pain and weakness make it impossible for your neck to bear the weight of your head without the use of a cervical collar.
 
Whiplash, as well as other injuries, can contribute to vertigo. Fortunately, this sick, dizzy feeling usually clears up once you've received treatment. Chiropractic treatment for whiplash is often effective and offers non-invasive intervention that can hasten healing. As a result, dizziness is diminished.

Symptoms of Vertigo

The primary symptom of vertigo is severe bouts of dizziness. You may feel like the room is spinning or as though you're about to fall down. Nausea is often a side effect associated with this condition. Vertigo can happen as a result of injury or trauma, such as after a car accident. But it may also indicate a problem with the inner ear. During an episode of vertigo, you may experience the following:

• Tilting sensation
• Swaying
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Spinning sensation
• Disruption in balance
• Feeling as though you're being pulled in one direction

While vertigo is not typically life-threatening, it could cause injury if it happens while you're operating equipment, swimming, or performing other activities that require balance and coordination.

Additionally, it's a condition that may scare and disorient you, especially if you've never experienced it before. Vertigo is usually a sign that something more serious needs to be addressed. Seeing your chiropractor will help if you're having bouts of vertigo following injury or trauma.

Causes of Vertigo

 Many things may contribute to instances of vertigo following a car accident. These include:

• Injury to the head
• Injury to the neck
• Ear damage
• Stroke

Certain chronic diseases, such as Meniere's Disease may contribute to vertigo. Migraines and some medications may also cause symptoms. It's important to talk to a medical professional about your vertigo, especially if it seems to be the result of a recent accident or injury.

If you suffered a head injury, you may have internal swelling or inflammation, known as post-inflammatory brain syndrome. This is an updated term for what may happen to you after even a trivial head injury, and it can happen regardless of whether you've suffered a concussion. This disorder can make you dizzy, irritable, and confused. If left untreated, it can worsen.

How Does Chiropractic Treatment Help Lessen Vertigo?

Your chiropractor will perform a comprehensive exam before deciding whether spinal manipulation and other forms of chiropractic treatment are suitable solutions to your vertigo. This may include diagnostic testing, such as X-rays, as well.

Afterward, they may elect to begin treatment like spinal manipulation, which uses small or large thrusts to help realign the spine in the cervical, or neck area. The application of heat or ice may also help, so may movements that stretch or contract the muscles of the neck. Your chiropractor may apply finger pressure to nearby pressure points to aid in your treatment.

Chiropractic care is also quite beneficial for reducing instances of inflammation within the body. Therefore, if your vertigo is caused by inflammation following an injury, repeat visits to your chiropractor may ease your symptoms.

Ultimately, the goal of chiropractic care is to give you relief from the pain and discomfort associated with injury, and to relieve instances of dizziness or vertigo. Your chiropractor may also show you how to do exercises at home to aid in your recovery.

Contact Your Chiropractor Today

 If you're struggling with the symptoms of vertigo and you're reluctant to use medication to help ease the dizziness, an appointment with your chiropractor is recommended. Through simple spinal adjustments and manipulations, massage, and the application of heat or ice, they may be able to relieve your discomfort and confusion.

Chiropractic care will work on the root cause of vertigo, instead of just treating the symptoms. As a result, you'll feel better, and you may experience better range of movement as an added benefit. The treatment your chiropractor offers is also non-invasive and offers fewer risks than surgical methods, while obtaining the same results. Be sure to speak with a chiropractor regarding vertigo or dizziness following a car accident.