Can a chiropractor help with vertigo? The answer might surprise you – yes, we can, and often more effectively than you’d expect.
Many cases of vertigo stem from spinal issues that respond beautifully to specialized chiropractic care for vertigo. Let’s explore how your neck alignment, nervous system function, and posture might be the missing pieces in your vertigo puzzle.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo creates a false sense of motion – you might feel like you’re spinning, tilting, or the world around you is moving. Unlike general lightheadedness or feeling faint, true vertigo involves a distinct rotational sensation.
The Two Main Types
- Peripheral vertigo originates in your inner ear, where your balance system lives. This accounts for about 80% of vertigo cases and often responds well to chiropractic treatment.
- Central vertigo stems from problems in your brain or brainstem. While less common, this type requires careful evaluation and typically needs medical intervention alongside chiropractic support.
Symptoms That Signal Vertigo
- Spinning sensation
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal eye movements
- Sweating or feeling flushed
- Difficulty focusing or concentrating
Most Common Causes of Vertigo
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis
- Meniere’s disease
- Cervicogenic dizziness.
- Neck injuries like whiplash
- Upper cervical misalignments
- Poor posture
Can a Chiropractor Help With Vertigo?
Absolutely – and here’s the science behind why chiropractic vertigo treatment works so effectively for many patients.
Your balance system depends on three key sources of information: your inner ear (vestibular system), your eyes, and something called proprioception – the signals from your joints and muscles telling your brain where your body is in space.
When your neck vertebrae, especially C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis), misalign, they disrupt the proprioceptive signals traveling from your upper cervical spine to your brain. This creates conflicting information – your inner ear says one thing, but your neck sensors say another. The result? Vertigo.
The Nervous System Connection
Research by Humphreys and Peterson in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics demonstrated that upper cervical misalignment can directly affect vestibular function and trigger vertigo symptoms.
By restoring proper alignment, we help reestablish clear communication between your body and brain. This is why chiropractic adjustments for vertigo often produce rapid relief.
Working Alongside Medical Care
We don’t replace your ENT specialist or neurologist – we complement them. Some vertigo cases need medical management, while others respond best to structural correction. Often, combining approaches delivers the most comprehensive results.
How Chiropractic Care Works for Vertigo
At DeCarlo Chiropractic, we use advanced techniques specifically designed to address the root causes of vertigo, not just mask symptoms.
Chiropractic BioPhysics: A Game-Changer for Vertigo
As a certified Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP) practitioner, I use evidence-based structural correction protocols that go beyond traditional adjustments. CBP for vertigo involves precise X-ray analysis to identify the exact location and degree of spinal misalignment.
We then create a customized rehabilitation program using:
- Specific traction protocols
- Mirror-image adjustments
- Postural exercises
- Structural remodeling techniques
Studies by Harrison et al. in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science showed that CBP structural correction produces lasting improvements in chronic vertigo patients where traditional approaches failed.
Soft-Tissue & Upper Cervical Muscle Work
Tight muscles in your neck can perpetuate vertigo even after structural corrections. That’s why we incorporate specialized soft tissue techniques targeting:
- Scalene muscles: These connect your neck to your first ribs and, when tight, alter proprioceptive input
- Sternocleidomastoid (SCM): This prominent neck muscle affects head position and balance
- Suboccipital muscles: Tiny muscles at the skull base packed with balance-related sensors
Posture & Ergonomic Correction
We provide specific ergonomic recommendations and postural exercises to support your structural corrections and prevent vertigo recurrence.
Vertigo-Related Conditions We Commonly Treat
Chiropractic care for vertigo proves especially effective for these specific conditions:
Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Vertigo
Patients choosing chiropractic vertigo treatment at our office experience multiple benefits beyond just reduced spinning sensations:
Immediate improvements:
- Reduced vertigo episode frequency
- Decreased intensity of spinning sensations
- Better neck mobility and reduced stiffness
- Improved overall balance and coordination
Long-term advantages:
- Drug-free, non-invasive approach
- Addresses underlying causes rather than masking symptoms
- Lasting results through structural correction
- Prevention of future episodes through maintained alignment
When to See a Chiropractor vs. When to See a Medical Doctor
Understanding when chiropractic care for vertigo is appropriate helps you make the best decision for your health.
Signs Your Vertigo Is Spine-Related
Consider seeing a chiropractor for vertigo if you experience:
- Vertigo that worsens with neck movement or certain positions
- History of neck injury or whiplash
- Chronic neck pain or stiffness accompanying dizziness
- Vertigo that improves temporarily with massage or stretching
- No abnormal findings on previous medical tests
Red Flags Requiring Immediate Medical Care
Seek emergency medical attention if your vertigo includes:
- Sudden, severe headache unlike any you’ve experienced
- Double vision or vision loss
- Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Weakness or numbness in arms or legs
- Loss of consciousness
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
The Power of Cooperative Care
The best outcomes often come from collaborative treatment. As your chiropractor New City, NY residents trust, I regularly coordinate with ENT specialists, neurologists, and physical therapists to ensure comprehensive care.
Why Choose DeCarlo Chiropractic in New City, NY?
What sets our practice apart isn’t just our advanced Chiropractic BioPhysics certification – it’s our commitment to finding and fixing the real cause of your vertigo.
Our Specialized Approach
We utilize:
- Advanced digital X-ray analysis for precise diagnosis
- CBP-certified structural correction protocols
- State-of-the-art postural assessment technology
- Customized treatment plans based on your specific condition
- Evidence-based techniques proven effective for vertigo
Real Results from Real Patients
One recent patient came to us after suffering with vertigo for three years following a car accident. Traditional treatments had failed, and she was told to “just live with it”. After 10 weeks of CBP care focused on correcting her severe forward head posture and upper cervical misalignment, her vertigo episodes decreased by 90%.
Stories like this aren’t unusual in our practice – they’re the norm when we address the structural root causes of vertigo.
Take the First Step Toward Vertigo Relief
Can a chiropractor help with vertigo? You now know the answer is yes, especially when you choose a practice specializing in structural correction like ours.
At DeCarlo Chiropractic, we’re committed to finding the real cause of your dizziness and correcting it at the source.
We offer same-day and next-day appointments for vertigo patients because we understand how disruptive this condition is to your life.
What to bring to your first visit:
- Any previous imaging (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans)
- List of current medications
- Notes about when your vertigo started and what makes it better or worse
Don’t let vertigo control another day of your life. Contact DeCarlo Chiropractic today to schedule your comprehensive vertigo evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chiropractic safe for vertigo?
Yes, when performed by properly trained practitioners. We use gentle, precise techniques specifically designed for vertigo patients. Serious complications are extremely rare.
Can a chiropractor fix BPPV?
Absolutely. We perform repositioning maneuvers like the Epley maneuver combined with structural corrections to address both the immediate crystal displacement and underlying cervical issues.
How many treatments are needed?
Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 visits, with complete resolution taking 4-12 weeks depending on chronicity and severity.
Can cervical misalignment really cause vertigo?
Yes. Research consistently shows upper cervical misalignment disrupts proprioceptive