Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo? Understanding the Connection Between Spinal Health and Balance

Vertigo, often described as a spinning or dizzy sensation, can be incredibly disruptive. People experiencing vertigo may feel off-balance, nauseous, and disoriented. While there are various causes, one lesser-known but increasingly recognized approach to managing vertigo involves chiropractic care. But can a chiropractor really help with vertigo? In many cases, the answer is yes — depending on the underlying cause.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom, not a condition itself. It stems from issues in the inner ear, brain, or spine that affect balance and spatial orientation. Common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most frequent type, caused by calcium crystals dislodging in the inner ear.

• Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis: Infections that inflame the inner ear or its nerves.

• Meniere’s Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder with episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.

• Cervicogenic Vertigo: Dizziness related to neck dysfunction, such as misalignment or poor posture.

The Role of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating neuromuscular disorders, especially those related to spinal alignment. While they're often associated with back and neck pain relief, chiropractic care may also benefit certain cases of vertigo—particularly when it's linked to spinal or nervous system dysfunction.

Here’s how chiropractic care may help:

1. Treating Cervicogenic Vertigo

Cervicogenic vertigo is caused by issues in the cervical spine. Misalignments or tension in the neck can disrupt signals between the body and brain, leading to disorientation and dizziness. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments, improve joint mobility, and relieve tension in the muscles and nerves. Many patients with neck-related vertigo experience improved balance, reduced dizziness, and fewer headaches after chiropractic treatment.

2. Managing BPPV with the Epley Maneuver

For BPPV, some chiropractors are trained in performing the Epley Maneuver—a sequence of head and body movements designed to guide dislodged inner ear crystals back to their proper location. This repositioning technique can provide fast and lasting relief from BPPV symptoms, often in just one or two sessions.

Not all chiropractors perform this technique, but many incorporate it into treatment or collaborate with professionals who do.

Additional Chiropractic Techniques

Beyond spinal adjustments and repositioning maneuvers, chiropractors may use complementary methods to address vertigo:

• Soft tissue therapy to ease tension in the neck and shoulders

• Postural correction to reduce spinal strain

• Rehabilitative exercises to improve balance and body awareness

• Craniosacral therapy, in some cases, to ease pressure on the nervous system

These techniques aim to support the body's ability to regulate balance and reduce the frequency or intensity of vertigo episodes.

What to Expect at a Chiropractic Visit

When seeking chiropractic care for vertigo, the chiropractor will begin with a thorough assessment. This typically includes:

• A review of your medical history and symptoms

• Physical and neurological evaluations

• Postural and spinal analysis

• Balance and movement tests

Based on the findings, the chiropractor will create a personalized care plan. If your symptoms indicate a more serious issue—such as a neurological condition or inner ear disorder—they may refer you to a specialist.

Is It Safe?

Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when administered by a licensed professional. For patients with neck-related vertigo or BPPV, treatment is typically non-invasive, drug-free, and well-tolerated. However, it’s essential to communicate clearly with your chiropractor about your medical history, including any past head or neck injuries, to ensure the safest care possible.

When Chiropractic Care May Not Help

It’s important to note that not all vertigo can be treated through chiropractic methods. If your vertigo stems from complex neurological conditions, cardiovascular issues, or certain inner ear diseases, chiropractic care might not be effective as a standalone treatment. In such cases, a multidisciplinary approach that includes medical, physical therapy, or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) care may be necessary.

Final Thoughts: Is Chiropractic Right for Your Vertigo?

If your vertigo is linked to spinal misalignment, neck tension, or BPPV, chiropractic care may offer effective, drug-free relief. While it may not be suitable for every cause of vertigo, it’s a safe and promising option worth considering—especially for those seeking alternatives to medication or surgery.

Consulting a chiropractor trained in vestibular care or experienced with neck-related dizziness can help determine whether this approach is appropriate for your condition. With the right diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan, you may find that balance—both physical and neurological—is well within reach. For a consultation with a Chiropractor in Overland Park, KS please contact us.