Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy—it’s like your whole world is spinning, even when you’re standing still. For those who experience it, vertigo can disrupt daily life and make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. Whether you’re walking down the street or just standing up quickly, the unsteady feeling can take a toll on your confidence and safety.
According to studies, vertigo affects nearly 15-35% of the population at some point in their lifetime, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. One of the most common causes of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which accounts for 20-50% of cases. While medications, physical therapy, and surgery are standard treatments, many people are now exploring chiropractic care for vertigo as an effective and natural approach.
But how exactly can a chiropractor help with vertigo? What are the benefits, and could it worsen your symptoms? Here, we take an in-depth look at chiropractic treatment for vertigo, its risks, and how it promotes balance and better overall health.
Understanding Vertigo and Its Causes
Vertigo is essentially a symptom, not a condition in itself. It creates a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often making people feel unbalanced or nauseous. There are two main types:
Peripheral Vertigo
This is the most common type and is linked to problems in the inner ear, such as BPPV, vestibular neuronitis, or Meniere’s disease. Issues like calcium crystal buildup in the inner ear can disrupt the balance system, leading to the unpleasant spinning effect.
Central Vertigo
This occurs due to problems in the brain, such as migraines, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, or multiple sclerosis. Though less common, it tends to produce more severe and longer-lasting symptoms.
It’s no surprise that people seek relief from vertigo, as it heavily affects their quality of life. Some may even feel unsafe driving or performing daily activities because the condition can strike unpredictably. This is where chiropractic care often comes into the picture.
Chiropractic Care for Vertigo: How It Works
If you’re wondering, “Can a chiropractor help with vertigo?” the answer is yes—chiropractors can provide relief for many types of vertigo by addressing its root cause. They focus on correcting spinal misalignments, which can affect the nervous system and the inner ear. Below are some key methods chiropractors use to tackle vertigo:
1. Spinal Adjustments for Nerve Interference
Chiropractors often perform spinal adjustments to correct subluxations (misalignments) in the upper cervical spine, including your neck. Misalignments in this area can disrupt nerve signals between your brain and body, contributing to balance issues and dizziness. Chiropractors adjust the spine to restore proper nerve function, which can alleviate vertigo symptoms.
2. Chiropractic Maneuver for Vertigo
When vertigo stems from Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), chiropractors often use a repositioning maneuver, such as the Epley maneuver or Semont maneuver. These techniques involve specific head and body movements designed to reposition the calcium crystals causing the inner ear disturbance. This reduces the spinning sensation and restores balance.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
Chiropractors may recommend exercises like the Brandt-Daroff Technique to perform at home. These movements train the brain to adjust to dizzy sensations and improve balance over time.
4. Postural Alignment
Bad posture can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, especially if it affects the alignment of your neck or spine. You may notice a significant reduction in vertigo-related symptoms and a greater sense of stability if you improve your posture with chiropractic adjustments and stretching.
Benefits of Chiropractic Treatment for Vertigo
Now that we’ve covered the “how,” you’re probably curious about the benefits. Does chiropractic care for vertigo work? For many people, the answer is yes. Here’s what makes it a popular option:
1. Drug-Free Treatment
One of the most appealing aspects of chiropractic care is its natural, drug-free approach. Unlike medications, which often come with side effects like drowsiness or fatigue, chiropractic adjustments address the root cause of vertigo without masking symptoms.
2. Effective for BPPV
Studies show that repositioning maneuvers like the Epley technique are highly effective for treating BPPV, often resolving symptoms in just a few sessions. Chiropractic care can provide relief in as little as 2-4 treatments for many patients dealing with inner ear-related issues.
4. Improves Overall Health
Chiropractic treatments don’t just alleviate vertigo—they also promote spinal health and better nervous system function. Many patients report improved balance, reduced migraines, and fewer episodes of dizziness after regular visits to the chiropractor.
5. Personalized and Holistic Care
Chiropractors often combine treatments with lifestyle recommendations. They may advise reducing caffeine or alcohol, which can worsen vertigo, or suggest gentle exercises like Tai Chi to improve stability and reduce symptoms over time.
6. Lower Risk of Recurrence
Regular chiropractic care can help maintain proper neurological function over time, reducing the chances of vertigo returning. Research suggests that the recurrence rate for conditions like BPPV can drop with proper post-treatment care and posture improvements.
7. Potential Risks and Considerations
While the benefits are clear, can a chiropractor make vertigo worse? The answer is rarely—but in some cases, you might experience mild discomfort or dizziness after treatment. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Addressing Dizziness After Chiropractic Adjustment
It’s not uncommon to feel slightly off-balance or experience a “dizzy day” after a chiropractic adjustment. This occurs as your body adapts to changes in alignment and is typically temporary. Many patients find that the dizziness fades after one or two days.
1. Risks of Maneuvers
Though rare, there is a small chance that a chiropractic maneuver for vertigo, such as the Epley technique, might temporarily worsen symptoms if not done correctly. That’s why it’s essential to work with a qualified practitioner who has experience with these techniques.
2. Limitations
Chiropractic care is not a cure-all. For vertigo caused by central issues, like a stroke or brain tumor, it won’t resolve the underlying cause. However, chiropractors can work alongside medical professionals to provide complementary care.
How Long Does Dizziness Last?
If you’re dizzy after a chiropractic adjustment, symptoms should subside within 24-48 hours. If vertigo worsens or persists, your chiropractor may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Is Chiropractic Care for Vertigo Right for You?
Vertigo can be frustrating and, at times, debilitating—but it’s also treatable. If you’ve been struggling with balance issues or dizziness, the answer to “Can a chiropractor help with balance problems?” is often yes. Whether your vertigo stems from BPPV, spinal misalignments, or an inner ear problem, chiropractors offer a natural and effective path to relief.
That said, chiropractic treatment isn’t suited for everyone. Conditions like central vertigo or serious underlying medical issues require a different approach. Always consult your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Chiropractic care does more than just mask symptoms; it addresses the underlying cause, empowering you to live a healthier, more balanced life. If you’re on the fence, why not schedule an initial consultation and see whether this natural approach fits your needs? The road to relief may be just one adjustment away.