What is Cervicogenic Dizziness?

Do you experience frequent dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness is a lesser-known but significant condition that affects many individuals. It is not a disease itself but rather a symptom arising from issues in the cervical spine (neck). Characterized by dizziness or a sense of imbalance, cervicogenic dizziness can significantly impact a person’s daily life and overall well-being. Understanding its causes and effects is crucial for proper management and treatment.

Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of dizziness that originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine, often due to musculoskeletal or neurological issues. Individuals with this condition may experience a sensation of unsteadiness or lightheadedness rather than a spinning sensation commonly associated with vertigo. It is frequently accompanied by neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and reduced range of motion in the neck.

Learn more in our latest article.

Talk with an Ann Arbor-Based Chiropractor

Cervicogenic dizziness is a condition that a structural chiropractor can help address by correcting spinal alignment, which assists with balance and equilibrium. For more information, call our Ann Arbor chiropractor’s office at (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form. Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment!

Causes of TMJ Disorders

You’ve probably heard of TMJ, but what causes it?

Several factors can contribute to TMJ disorders, including:

• Jaw Injuries: Trauma to the jaw or joint can lead to inflammation or misalignment.
• Teeth Grinding: Habitual grinding or clenching can strain the joint and surrounding muscles. 
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joint's cartilage.
• Stress: Tension can cause clenching of the jaw, exacerbating symptoms.
• Misaligned Bite: Irregular alignment of teeth can impact how the joint moves and functions. This can also happen if the jaw was moved after having braces.
• Connective Tissue Disorders: Conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may affect joint stability.

Learn more in our latest article.

Talk with an Ann Arbor-Based Chiropractor

TMJ is a secondary condition that a structural chiropractor can help by addressing TMJ joint alignment and underlying displacements of the spine. For more information, call our Ann Arbor chiropractor’s office at (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form. Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment!

Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

How can you tell if you might have an issue with TMJ?

TMJ disorders can present a variety of symptoms, including:

• Jaw Pain or Tenderness: Often localized around the joint or extending to the face.
• Difficulty or Discomfort When Chewing: Pain or a sensation of tightness while eating or speaking.
• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty opening or closing the mouth fully.
• Clicking or Popping Sounds: Noises when opening or closing the jaw, sometimes accompanied by discomfort.
• Locking of the Jaw: Episodes where the jaw becomes stuck open or closed.
• Headaches or Ear Pain: Radiating pain that can mimic migraines or ear infections.

Learn more in our latest article.

Talk with an Ann Arbor-Based Chiropractor

TMJ is a secondary condition that a structural chiropractor can help by addressing TMJ joint alignment and underlying displacements of the spine. For more information, call our Ann Arbor chiropractor’s office at (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form. Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment!

Treating Whiplash

Are you in Ann Arbor and experiencing neck pain from whiplash?

Car accidents are unfortunately common, with the average driver experiencing one every 18 years. While the risk of fatality is lower with all the safety measures of modern cars, there’s a significant chance of bodily injury, such as whiplash. 

Treating Whiplash Injuries

If there are no fractures in the spine, a detailed evaluation—including X-rays and possibly an MRI—can assess the damage. Treatments often include:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Stretching and therapeutic exercises
• Ice therapy and traction to correct spinal alignment

Chiropractic care is particularly effective for soft tissue injuries like ligament sprains and spinal disc issues. A 2012 review on whiplash epidemiology explains that manual therapy combined with exercise is among the best noninvasive treatments for whiplash.

Read more in our latest article.

Treat Neck Pain from Whiplash with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

Pivotal Chiropractic provides a type of chiropractic care called “specific structural correction,” which focuses on correcting structural issues with the spine, which in turn can help you recover from secondary conditions caused by those issues.

Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment. To set up a complimentary consultation or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form.

What is Whiplash?

You’ve probably heard of whiplash, but what exactly is it?

Whiplash, known in the medical field as Cervical Acceleration-Deceleration Syndrome, occurs when the head and neck are jerked rapidly forward and backward, often during car accidents. This movement can damage the neck’s vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and, in severe cases, the spinal cord.

According to Dr. Arthur Croft, an expert in whiplash injuries, approximately 3 million cases occur annually in the U.S. Symptoms might not appear immediately, and can range from mild neck pain to severe disability. Up to 40–50% of whiplash cases result in chronic pain, which can impact quality of life for years.

Symptoms of whiplash can include:

• Neck and back pain
• Dizziness or loss of balance
• Headaches and visual disturbances
• Weakness, numbness, or tingling in extremities

Read more in our latest article.

Treat Neck Pain from Whiplash with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

Pivotal Chiropractic provides a type of chiropractic care called “specific structural correction,” which focuses on correcting structural issues with the spine, which in turn can help you recover from secondary conditions caused by those issues. If you’re in Ann Arbor and experiencing neck pain, our office can help you recover.

Remember, talking to Dr. Gessert is never a commitment. To set up a complimentary consultation or just ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form.

Preventing Low Back Pain

What can you to do prevent low back pain?

Here are six simple steps you can take:

1. Maintain Good Posture: Sit and stand up straight, and avoid slouching.
2. Lift Properly: Bend your knees, not your back, when lifting heavy objects.
3. Exercise Regularly: Strength training and stretching can help strengthen your back muscles.
4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put extra strain on your back.
5. Ergonomic Workplace: Ensure your workspace is set up to minimize strain on your back.
6. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate back pain. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation.

Read more in our latest article.

Near Ann Arbor and Need Help with Lower Back Pain?

Getting adjusted by a chiropractor can not only ease existing lower back pain, but also prevent it from returning. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and struggling with low back pain, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form!

Causes of Low Back Pain

Do you struggle with low back pain?

Here are six common causes:

1. Muscle Strain: Overexertion, poor posture, or sudden movements can strain the muscles in your lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
2. Ligament Sprains: These connective tissues can be injured due to sudden twisting or lifting heavy objects.
3. Disc Problems: The discs between your vertebrae can become herniated or degenerate, causing pain and nerve compression.
4. Arthritis: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, can affect the spine and lead to low back pain, especially in older adults.
5. Poor Posture: Slouching or sitting for long periods without proper back support can strain your back muscles and ligaments.
6. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney stones, infections, or fibromyalgia, can cause low back pain.

Read more in our latest article.

Near Ann Arbor and Need Help with Lower Back Pain?

Getting adjusted by a chiropractor can not only ease existing lower back pain, but also prevent it from returning. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area and struggling with low back pain, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form!