Studies show possible relief by correcting misaligned upper neck
Last year around this time, one of my patients brought in a friend who
had been house bound for over 2 months. Her friend had been under medical
care but continued to suffer with dizziness (vertigo). Her condition
was not improved by medical treatment.
I examined her upper cervical spine and found indications of misalignment
(subluxation) or joint dysfunction.ÊVery specific x-rays showed the
component of the misalignment, which was corrected during that visit.
The post
x-rays (prescribed by the protocol of the Atlas Orthogonal Chiropractic
Technique used in our clinic) indicated a correction of the subluxation.
This patient was improving by that evening and drove herself to her
next visit.
This kind of improvement with vertigo has been common to many of my
patients over my years in practice. I want to make clear that we do not
treat vertigo or hearing disorders, but it is important to know that
when cervical spine joint dysfunction (subluxation), which causes nerve
interference, is removed, many symptoms including vertigo subside. After
all, the first chiropractic adjustment was performed on a deaf man who
regained his hearing.
I want to share the results of a research study published in 1998 in
the European Spine Journal about this devastating disorder.
This study evaluates the significance of disorders of the upper cervical
spine as a cause of vertigo and impaired hearing. Sixty-seven patients
are examined who presented with dizziness. Mobilization and manipulation
techniques were employed with 50 of these patients with a three-month
followup.
Group A consisted of 31 people who were diagnosed with dysfunctions
of the upper cervical spine.ÊDysfunctions were found at C1, C2 and C3
levels.ÊGroup B consisted of 19 who did not have cervical spine dysfunction.ÊResults
showed that 77.4 percent of Group A reported improvement of their chief
symptoms, with five completely free of vertigo.ÊGroup B saw improvement
in 26.3 percent, but no one was free of symptoms.
It is concluded that examination of the motion segment of the upper
cervical spine is important in the diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.
Non-resolved dysfunctions of the upper cervical spine are a common cause
of long-lasting dizziness.
The author goes on to say that he discovered numerous papers and articles
which demonstrate a clear link between hearing disorders and functional
misalignment of the upper cervical spine vertebra, and regularly
found reference to chiropractic manipulation in restoring hearing and
removing
vertigo and dizziness.ÊHe explains that anatomical studies indicate
the connection between our neck muscles and joints and our hearing
and balance
mechanisms.
We will be discussing the details of this study at our Community Health
Talk Thursday, June 24, at 3 p.m. The public is invited to our talk
at Heritage of Peachtree Assisted Living Center, 1967 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville.Ê You
can call us for directions or a free consultation at 770-631-7600.
