Dizziness

Dizziness is a common complaint. Yet, many people find it difficult to describe exactly what they feel: vertigo, lightheadedness, a floating sensation, or the feeling that they could fall over at any moment. It is important to know that dizziness is not a diagnosis, but a symptom. The cause can vary greatly, and consequently, so can the appropriate treatment.

There are different forms of dizziness. In this newsletter, we explain three common causes: cervicogenic dizziness, BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), and orthostatic hypotension.

Cervicogenic dizziness arises from a disruption in the cooperation between the neck, the eyes, and the vestibular system. The neck contains many sensors that provide information about the position and movement of the head. When neck mobility is reduced or there is increased muscle tension, the brain can receive conflicting signals. This can lead to dizziness. Characteristic of this form are dizziness complaints combined with neck pain or stiffness, often without true rotational vertigo. The symptoms may worsen with neck movement and are sometimes accompanied by headaches or a feeling of cotton wool in the head. Chiropractic can often be beneficial for this type of dizziness by optimizing the mobility and function of the neck.

BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is one of the most common causes of true rotational vertigo. This form arises when small calcium crystals in the vestibular system become dislodged and end up in the wrong place. This causes short but intense attacks of dizziness. Typical symptoms include sudden rotational vertigo lasting from seconds to minutes, often triggered by changes in posture such as turning over in bed or bending forward. This is frequently accompanied by nausea. The treatment consists of a specific maneuver, for which our chiropractors are trained, that moves the crystals back to the correct location. In most cases, this treatment is successful after a single session; sometimes it is necessary to perform the maneuver a second time after a few days.

With orthostatic hypotension, blood pressure drops temporarily when you stand up, causing the brain to receive less blood for a short period. This can lead to lightheadedness, blurred vision, or the sensation of fainting. The symptoms usually disappear within a few seconds. Orthostatic hypotension is more common in the elderly, with dehydration, and with the use of certain medications. Our chiropractors are trained to recognize this form of dizziness, provide appropriate advice, and refer you to your GP if necessary.

In short, our chiropractors can help identify the cause of dizziness, provide treatment when this falls within our field of expertise, or advise on the most appropriate next steps. Dizziness is annoying, but rarely “just a minor issue.” Understanding the cause is the first step toward the right solution. Do you experience dizziness yourself? Then discuss this with your chiropractor. Do you know someone with these symptoms? Feel free to forward this information!

Update Margreet

Just a quick message and thank you from Margreet. Thank you for all the letters, cards, flowers, and gifts I have received from you. It is too much to thank everyone personally, but it is heartwarming and truly greatly appreciated!

The course of treatment is tough. With hormone therapy, radiation, and recently also chemo and immunotherapy, all with varying side effects. I have to learn to manage my energy well and not try to do too much in one day. My mind wants to do much more than my body can handle, and that is quite difficult. Fortunately, my physical condition was quite good, and considering the severity of the treatments, the side effects have been manageable so far. In between treatments, I try to enjoy walks in the woods or on the beach as much as possible, as well as time with my loved ones. Just before the first round of chemotherapy, I celebrated my 50th birthday in grand style with family, friends, and colleagues (see photo). Furthermore, on good days, I regularly visit the practice to discuss matters with colleagues or do some administrative work. Thanks again for your support and I will keep you posted,

Love, Margreet

Busy at the practice

Over the past few weeks, it has been a bit more difficult to schedule an appointment due to Imke and Sjoerd’s holidays. As of Monday, May 4th, they will both be back, and we expect there to be more space in the schedule. If there is no availability on the day you would like an appointment, please let the reception desk know. Your name will then be placed on the waiting list; a spot often becomes available again!