How Can Chiropractic Care Help Relieve Vertigo?

Vertigo can make everyday tasks feel challenging – even most basic things like standing still or moving, the spinning sensation can hit without warning. Many people turn to medication for help, while chiropractic care offers a science-based, drug-free approach that targets the possible mechanical causes of vertigo.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a strange feeling when everything around you starts spinning or you feel like you’re moving even though you’re perfectly still. It’s different from just feeling dizzy or lightheaded because vertigo specifically involves a sensation of motion – like the room is turning or you’re on a spinning ride. This happens because signals from your inner ear get mixed up, confusing your brain about balance and movement. It’s common and usually temporary, but experiencing it can definitely feel unsettling, as if the ground beneath you isn’t as steady as it should be.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo usually happens when something interferes with your inner ear’s balance system. Common reasons include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is when tiny calcium crystals move into the wrong part of your ear canals, migraines, or inflammation of ear nerves (neuritis). Sometimes, neck muscle tension or circulation problems, like atherosclerosis, can also cause it. These issues confuse your brain by sending mixed signals about your body’s position, resulting in a spinning or dizzy feeling.

Types of Vertigo

• Peripheral Vertigo. This type happens when there’s an issue with your inner ear. It’s often caused by conditions like vestibular neuritis, BPPV (tiny ear crystals getting displaced), Ménière’s disease, labyrinthitis, or other inner-ear disorders. Symptoms usually include dizziness, spinning sensations, nausea, ringing in your ears, balance problems, or hearing difficulties.
• Central Vertigo. Central vertigo is related to problems in the brain itself. Typical causes include strokes, head injuries, migraines, multiple sclerosis, infections, or brain tumors. Symptoms can feel more intense and may last longer, including severe dizziness, difficulty standing or walking, vision issues, persistent abnormal eye movements, headaches, weakness, or trouble swallowing.

Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo?

So can a chiropractor help with vertigo? Chiropractic care can help with certain types of vertigo, especially if it’s related to neck issues or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). For BPPV, a chiropractor for dizziness may use gentle maneuvers like the Epley technique to move displaced crystals in the inner ear back into place. For vertigo caused by tight neck muscles or poor alignment, chiropractic for vertigo spinal adjustments and soft tissue release can reduce nerve irritation. It’s normal to feel a bit dizzy during or right after treatment, but that usually passes quickly. If your vertigo is caused by something that can’t be treated with chiropractic care for vertigo, your chiropractor Libertyville will let you know and recommend the next steps.

Chiropractic Techniques Used for Treating Vertigo

A chiropractor for vertigo may use various methods to help manage vertigo, depending on what’s causing it. These include:

• Spinal adjustments. Gentle, controlled movements to restore neck alignment and reduce nerve irritation that may trigger vertigo.
• Epley maneuver. This chiropractic maneuver for vertigo includes a series of head and body positions designed to move displaced crystals in the inner ear back where they belong.
• Semont maneuver. A quick side-to-side movement that aims to clear inner ear blockages causing dizziness.
• Brandt-Daroff exercises. Repeated head and body movements done at home to reduce vertigo symptoms over time.
• Neck muscle work. Releasing tight muscles around the neck and shoulders can ease pressure on nerves and improve balance signals.
• Lifestyle tips. Advice on posture, stress, diet, and daily habits to help lower vertigo triggers and make a patient’s life more comfortable overall.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Vertigo

• Targets the cause, not just symptoms. Chiropractic care for vertigo focuses on correcting dysfunctions that may be contributing to vertigo, rather than simply masking dizziness.
• Better balance. By adjusting spinal alignment and easing pressure on nerves, many patients report better coordination and steadiness.
• Relief from inner ear-related vertigo. Techniques like the Epley and Semont maneuvers can help reposition loose crystals in the ear that are causing spinning sensations.
• Reduced tension in neck muscles. Loosening tight muscles around the neck can ease nerve interference and improve signal flow related to balance.
• Lower frequency of flare-ups. Regular chiropractic treatment for vertigo may reduce the number and intensity of vertigo episodes.
• No medication needed. Chiropractor help with vertigo is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that avoids the side effects of long-term prescriptions.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Session for Vertigo

Here’s what you can typically expect during a chiropractic visit for vertigo. Your appointment will start with a consultation where the chiropractor reviews your symptoms, history, and daily habits to understand your vertigo case. A few tests might be done to pinpoint the cause and whether the inner ear is involved.

Next comes a personalized chiropractic treatment for vertigo plan. This might include maneuvers like Epley or Semont to reposition crystals in the ear, or gentle spinal adjustments to support alignment and nerve function. The techniques are non-invasive and generally comfortable.

After treatment, your chiropractor for dizziness may suggest simple home exercises or some useful tips to maintain results. Some patients benefit from a few follow-up visits, especially if vertigo has been a recurring problem. The goal is always the same: fast relief, fewer episodes, and less disruption to your daily life.

Who Can Benefit from Chiropractic Treatment for Vertigo?

Chiropractic for vertigo care may be highly useful for people dealing with vertigo linked to issues like BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), neck injuries, migraines, or high stress. If your symptoms are caused by misalignment in the spine or irritation in the nervous system, chiropractic treatment can also help restore balance and reduce episodes of dizziness. Patients who’ve experienced trauma to the head or neck, or those who suffer from recurring migraines, are often good candidates too. Even stress-related vertigo can respond well to spinal adjustments and muscle work.

Conclusion

If vertigo is making everyday life harder, chiropractic care may offer a practical solution. To provide vertigo relief, it focuses on alignment, nerve function, and balance. Chiropractors can often address the underlying issues causing dizziness, while also using some chiropractor tools if necessary. Whether your vertigo is from BPPV, neck tension, or migraines, a personalized chiropractic treatment plan can help reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. It’s a safe, non-invasive option that avoids heavy medication and gets to the root of the problem – not just the symptoms.

FAQs About Chiropractic Care for Vertigo

What Does a Chiropractor do for Vertigo?

A chiropractor treats vertigo by using gentle spinal adjustments, head repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley or Semont), and soft tissue techniques. These treatments help correct issues in the neck or inner ear that may be causing dizziness.

Can a Chiropractor Make Vertigo Worse?

In most cases, chiropractic care helps reduce vertigo symptoms, especially when caused by BPPV or neck issues. However, if not performed correctly or if the underlying cause is unrelated, some people might feel temporary dizziness. It’s important to work with a qualified and licensed chiropractor who can assess your condition properly.

Is Chiropractic Treatment Safe for Dizziness?

Chiropractic treatment is generally safe for managing dizziness. Techniques like spinal adjustments and repositioning maneuvers are non-invasive and well-tolerated by most patients. A proper assessment helps ensure the treatment is appropriate for your specific vertigo case.

Are there any Risks or Side Effects to Chiropractic Care for Vertigo?

Chiropractic care for vertigo is low-risk, but mild side effects like temporary dizziness, fatigue, or slight soreness can happen after treatment. Serious complications are very rare when care is provided by a licensed, experienced chiropractor. A careful evaluation beforehand helps make the treatment safe and appropriate for your case.

How Many Sessions are Needed to See Results?

Many patients notice improvement within just a few sessions, especially when vertigo is caused by BPPV or neck-related issues. Some may need 4-6 visits for better relief, depending on the severity and cause. Your chiropractor will adjust the plan based on how your body responds.