Constant Dizziness: A Daily Struggle
I've been dealing with unrelenting dizziness for the past two months, feeling like my head is constantly swimming. Prior to this period, I only experienced dizziness during anxiety attacks. After undergoing a CT scan of my head, I consulted with an ENT specialist and completed the Epley maneuver. I was also referred for balance testing, initiated physical therapy, and am currently seeing a chiropractor. Unfortunately, after each chiropractic session, I typically feel worse for up to three days. Is there a solution to alleviate this dizziness? It's becoming increasingly challenging to manage my daily activities. Medical professionals suspect cervical vertigo as the cause, yet nothing I've tried so far has provided relief from this overwhelming sensation.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 7:20:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that dealing with constant dizziness can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it impacts your daily life. It sounds like you've taken significant steps in seeking care and testing for your symptoms, and it's important to continue addressing what you're experiencing.
Main Points:
- Persistent dizziness can stem from various causes, including cervical vertigo.
- Certain therapeutic approaches may need adjustment if they worsen your symptoms.
- Ongoing management and lifestyle adjustments can help improve your situation.
Explanation:
Dizziness can arise from issues related to the vestibular system, the cervical spine (neck), or even anxiety. Since you've already seen several specialists and tried different treatments, it's essential to determine what specific elements might be contributing to your continued symptoms. Cervical vertigo, caused by neck issues, could be a possibility if there’s discomfort or misalignment in the cervical spine.
It’s also noteworthy that some therapies, including certain chiropractic adjustments, might not be suitable for everyone and could exacerbate symptoms in some cases.
Specific, Prioritized Next Steps:
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Communicate with Your Chiropractor: Share with your chiropractor that you’re feeling worse after treatments. There may be alternative techniques or an adjustment in the approach that could be explored, or they may suggest pausing treatments that seem unhelpful.
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Physical Therapy Focus: Ensure that your physical therapy is specifically tailored to your dizziness. Discuss your ongoing symptoms with your therapist to adjust your treatment plan, possibly focusing more on exercises designed to improve your neck stability and balance without exacerbating your symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily journal of your dizziness, including how you feel after different activities and treatments. This can help identify patterns and triggers to discuss with your healthcare team.
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Consider Stress Management Techniques: Since anxiety has been a part of your symptoms, techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or light yoga may help reduce overall stress and can indirectly support your dizziness.
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Re-evaluate Medication: If you’re on any medications, particularly for anxiety or pain, review these with your healthcare provider to determine if they might be influencing your dizziness.
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Seek a second opinion if necessary: If current treatments and therapies are not yielding results, consider visiting a specialist who focuses on vestibular disorders or a neurologist who can provide further assessment and alternative treatment options.
While it's easy to feel disheartened, you are taking proactive steps toward understanding and alleviating your symptoms. Please remember that managing these symptoms often takes time and requires a team approach tailored to your specific needs.
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