Question
I had a neck injury over a year ago I have been experiencing Dizziness and nausea for a year I have had Blood work and MRI's and Ct scans my head neck and spine nothing was found. I found a chiropractor that did some X-rays and told me that its from the injury of my neck that is causing the dizziness I have been seeing this Chiropactor the dizziness seems less, it is scary and I want to make the right decision so I can heel what do you suggest I do?

Answer
Dear Britneee,

I agree with your chiropractor that the injury is most likely from the head and neck injury.  When the head and neck are subjected to a trauma, the mechanical receptors in the upper neck in the joint spaces and the muscles are disrupted.  This means that abnormal signals called proprioceptive signals are being sent to the brain.  Normal proprioceptive signals send information on balance and body position to the brain, when they are impaired, dizziness or unsteadiness can easily be the result. When you receive a chiropractic adjustment, it helps to restore proper proprioceptive information transfer from the joint receptors to the brain therefore normalizing their function.  The result is usually reduced symptomatology.

In addition you should also be aware of the fact that structures in the inner ear can be dislodged from trauma which can cause balance disturbances, diziness, and nausea.  This condition may be called vertigo or canalithiasis.  This is treatable though through habitauation exercises or canalith repositioning exercises.  Your chiropractor should be aware of these diagnoses, how to test for it, and should have training in the repositioning maneuvers.  It is taught in all the chiropractic colleges and we are tested on this in our national board exams. Make sure to ask him/her about this on your next visit.

Remember that you are in control of your own health decisions, and your chiropractor should be willing to explain your diagnosis, the anatomy involved, as well as the treatment and why it should be followed.  Make sure that you bring these issues to his/her attention to make sure that everything has been looked at and you understand what is transpiring.

Britnee, I wish you all the best in your recovery.
Dr. J. Shawn Leatherman