Do you ever find yourself feeling dizzy after checking your phone for too long? Do headaches creep in after a marathon work session on your computer? Is screen time leaving you with lingering nausea or a strange sense of unease? If so, you might be experiencing cybersickness – a surprisingly common side effect of our technology-driven lives in Redwood City.
While taking breaks from screens is important, there's another crucial factor in managing cybersickness that's too often ignored: the alignment of your upper cervical spine. Read on as we tackle the role of your atlas bone in maintaining optimal health and why it’s important to seek a consultation with our NUCCA Chiropractor in Redwood City.
So, you know that woozy feeling you sometimes get after a long car ride or a spin on a carousel? Cybersickness is kind of like that, but instead of actual movement, it's your eyes tricking your brain. Think about it – you're scrolling through action-packed videos, your eyes are darting around, but your body's just chilling on the couch. This mismatch throws your brain's balance centers for a loop, and then bam! Dizziness, nausea, headaches, and all-around "ick" can set in.
And here's the thing, cybersickness doesn't just happen with fancy VR headsets. It can sneak up on you during everyday screen time – endless social media scrolling, marathon video calls, or binge-watching your favorite show.
You might be wondering, what does my spine have to do with feeling dizzy from staring at my phone? Well, the top two vertebrae in your neck, known as the upper cervical spine, play a major role in balance and coordination. This area houses the brainstem, a communication superhighway between your brain and the rest of your body.
When there's even a slight misalignment in your upper cervical spine, those signals traveling to and from your brain can get scrambled. This can disrupt your body's sense of balance and make you more sensitive to the sensory confusion that triggers cybersickness. Think of it like trying to watch a movie on a glitchy TV connection – the picture might be distorted, and you're more likely to get frustrated or even a bit nauseous.
While understanding the root causes of cybersickness is essential, here are some things you can do right away to minimize its unpleasant effects:
Technology brings incredible benefits, but it's important to be mindful of how it affects our health. If you're struggling with cybersickness, know that you're not alone! Simple changes to your screen habits and a focus on eye health can make a big difference. Additionally, addressing upper cervical misalignments may be a key part of reducing your susceptibility and helping your body function optimally.
If you've tried handling your condition with remedies but find little to no relief, then it might help to consider seeking a NUCCA Chiropractor in Redwood City. Dr. Tsiglieris can provide you with a thorough upper cervical assessment. This way, you can determine if your disorienting symptoms might have something to do with a misaligned atlas bone. Remember: optimizing spinal health may be the missing piece in your journey towards feeling your best. Schedule your consultation with our NUCCA Chiropractor in Redwood City.
To schedule a complimentary consultation call our Redwood City office at 650-595-0500 or you can also click the button below.
If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com
