Chiropractic Care for Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope, more commonly known as a specific type of fainting, is a fairly common issue. Many people faint in response to overwhelming stimuli or something that frightens them. Although there are medications that can be used to reduce the risk of this occurring, many people opt for the safer option of holistic care. Chiropractic treatment is an excellent option for people who want to reduce their risk of vasovagal syncope without invasive drugs or surgery.

Understanding Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope is a condition that causes you to faint due to your body overeating to certain triggers. An example of this is getting lightheaded and fainting at the sight of blood or needles. Vasovagal syncope causes your blood pressure and heart rate to drop suddenly. This reduces the blood flow to your brain, which triggers fainting.

Vasovagal syncope is rarely serious. Most people do not seek treatment. However, if the problem is chronic or interferes with everyday life, you'll likely benefit from treatment.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Prevent Fainting Episodes

Chiropractic care is a safe, all-natural option for preventing vasovagal syncope. This is because the condition is related to malfunctioning of the nervous system. Chiropractors focus on optimizing the functioning of the nervous system. The better your nervous system functions, the less likely you are to have responses to stimuli as drastic as fainting.

Best of all, with chiropractic care, you don't need to rely on medications or other invasive and risky treatment options. Treatment focuses on improving the function of your nervous system, so not only do you reduce your risk of fainting, you improve your overall health.

Case Studies

In one study, a 57-year-old woman sought chiropractic care for relief of fainting. She also reported neck pain and most often experienced fainting when turning her head to the left. Her doctor suggested she take a blood pressure medication and consider surgery. She declined these suggestions and sought holistic treatment instead.

Her chiropractor completed an examination that included X-rays. She was then given a chiropractic adjustment to correct vertebral subluxation. She experienced immediate improvement in her symptoms. After just one adjustment, she said she experienced no more fainting attacks. After four visits, she reported a complete reduction in neck pain.

When to See a Doctor

An occasional fainting episode is likely not a problem. However, there are circumstances in which you'd want to seek medical care due to fainting. For example:

• Injuries occur as a result of fainting (particularly if they are head injuries).
• You experience repeated and frequent fainting spells.
• It takes several minutes or more to regain consciousness.
• You have high blood pressure or heart health issues.
• You have diabetes.
• You experience any of the following symptoms in conjunction with fainting spells: difficulty breathing, chest pain, headache, rapid heartbeat, or double vision.

Conclusion

Fainting spells can be frightening, but they are rarely cause for concern. Some people respond to certain stimuli by occasionally losing consciousness. As long as episodes are infrequent and don't interfere with your life, medical treatment might not even be necessary. However, if you would like to prevent fainting episodes or you're concerned fainting could be problematic, chiropractic adjustments and related treatments are a safe, all-natural way of reducing your risk of fainting.

Dr. Eric Neumann D.C.

Dr. Eric Neumann grew up in Alberta, Canada where he majored in Chemistry at the University of Calgary. During his time at University, he obtained licensure as a Massage Therapist. It was clear that hands-on healing would be his calling. After suffering multiple sport-related injuries he became interested in Chiropractic. Dr. Neumann graduated from Western States Chiropractic College in 2009. He has since specialized in the treatment and management of acute spinal injuries.