Can a Chiropractor Help With Vertigo? Causes, Treatment & What to Expect

Vertigo is a debilitating condition that affects many individuals, often leading to feelings of dizziness and imbalance. Understanding the underlying causes of vertigo is important for effective treatment. Many people struggle with the impact of vertigo on their daily lives, seeking solutions that do not rely on medication. Chiropractic care, especially when provided by experienced practitioners like Dr. Ben Ozanne who is CBP (Chiropractic BioPhysics) certified, offers a whole-body approach, focusing on spinal adjustments and rehabilitation techniques to alleviate symptoms.

Causes of Vertigo and Its Effect on Balance

Vertigo creates a sensation of spinning or dizziness, which can significantly disrupt a person's balance and daily activities. The condition can arise from various causes, including inner ear disorders, vestibular system issues, and even certain medications.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Explained

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common type of vertigo that occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged. This condition leads to brief episodes of dizziness, particularly when changing head positions. Symptoms may include a spinning sensation, nausea, and balance difficulties. BPPV is often triggered by specific movements, such as tilting the head back or rolling over in bed.

Vestibular Disorders and Their Role in Dizziness

Vestibular disorders encompass a range of conditions affecting the inner ear and brain, which are responsible for maintaining balance. These disorders can lead to chronic dizziness and vertigo, impacting daily life. Common vestibular disorders include Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, and labyrinthitis. Each of these conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of the vestibular system, resulting in symptoms such as spinning sensations, imbalance, and difficulty focusing.

Chiropractic Treatment for Vertigo

Chiropractors treat vertigo by working on the spine and nervous system directly, correcting misalignments that interfere with balance signals. Chiropractors use specific techniques to restore balance and alleviate discomfort associated with vertigo. Dr. Ben Ozanne, a CBP-certified chiropractor, applies advanced spinal correction methods to enhance treatment outcomes for vertigo patients.

Manual Spinal Adjustments and Their Role in Vertigo Treatment

Manual spinal adjustments are a cornerstone of chiropractic care, aimed at correcting misalignments in the spine. These adjustments can improve nerve function and enhance communication between the brain and body. By realigning the spine, chiropractors can help reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes. This treatment method not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the root causes of dizziness.

Manual Therapy for Cervical Vertigo: A Clinical Trial

‍Cervical vertigo (CV) is highly prevalent clinically, yet effective treatments are limited. Manual therapy, an important alternative, shows potential in the treatment of patients with CV. Unfortunately, the quality of current relevant research evidence is poor, and most manual therapies only focus on the local cervical spine.

Efficacy of manual therapy for cervical vertigo: a randomized controlled trial protocol, 2025

At Thrive Wellness Center, under the care of Dr. Ben Ozanne who is CBP certified, we focus on providing personalized chiropractic care tailored to each patient's needs. Our approach emphasizes the importance of spinal health in overall well-being, particularly for those experiencing vertigo. In our experience, most patients see measurable improvement within the first two to four weeks of treatment, typically requiring 4-8 visits.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Alongside Chiropractic Care

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of therapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness. This rehabilitation often complements chiropractic care by incorporating exercises that enhance the vestibular system's function. Techniques may include balance training, gaze stabilization exercises, and habituation strategies. Together, chiropractic adjustments and vestibular rehabilitation can create a full treatment plan that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of vertigo.

Manual Therapy & Spinal Manipulation for Cervicogenic Dizziness

There is moderate evidence to support the use of manual therapy, in particular spinal mobilisation and manipulation, for cervicogenic dizziness. The evidence for combining manual therapy and vestibular rehabilitation in

Manual therapy with and without vestibular rehabilitation for cervicogenic dizziness: a systematic review, RP Lystad, 2011

What to Expect During Your Chiropractic Vertigo Appointment

During a chiropractic appointment for vertigo, patients can expect a thorough assessment and personalized care plan. The process typically involves a detailed medical history review, physical examination, and specific tests to evaluate balance and coordination.

Advanced Chiropractic Assessments for Diagnosing Vertigo

Chiropractors utilize advanced assessment techniques to diagnose vertigo effectively. These may include balance tests, postural assessments, and neurological evaluations. By understanding the specific nature of a patient's vertigo, chiropractors can develop a targeted treatment plan that addresses individual needs. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive the most effective care for their condition. Dr. Ben Ozanne’s CBP certification further supports his expertise in spinal biomechanics, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment precision.

Personalized Care Plan for Vertigo

A personalized care plan for vertigo may include a combination of spinal adjustments, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle recommendations. Chiropractors will work closely with patients to establish goals and monitor progress throughout the treatment process. Most patients see measurable improvement within the first two to four weeks.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic & Vestibular Rehab for Dizziness

‍The objective of this paper is to describe the favorable outcomes of 8 patients with dizziness following an Upper Cervical chiropractic technique and individualized vestibular rehabilitation program. A 30-day trial of Orthospinology Upper Cervical chiropractic intervention and a personalized vestibular rehabilitation program was safe and beneficial at reducing self-perceived dizziness handicap.

Improvement of dizziness following an upper cervical chiropractic technique and individualized vestibular rehabilitation program: a retrospective case series, 2023

Supporting Vertigo Recovery With At-Home Exercises

In addition to professional chiropractic care, at-home exercises can play a vital role in supporting vertigo recovery. These exercises are designed to enhance balance, improve coordination, and reduce dizziness.

Recommended Vestibular Exercises for Dizziness Relief

Several vestibular exercises can be beneficial for individuals experiencing dizziness. These include:

• ‍Brandt-Daroff Exercises: These exercises involve specific head and body movements performed repeatedly to help retrain the brain's response to balance signals. Patients typically perform sets of these exercises twice daily, with each session lasting about 10-15 minutes.‍
• Cawthorne-Cooksey Exercises: A series of movements designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness through gradual exposure to challenging positions.‍
• Balance Training: Simple exercises such as standing on one leg or walking heel-to-toe can enhance stability and coordination. A practical tip is to perform these exercises near a sturdy surface for support if needed.

Frequency and Duration of Exercises for Best Results

Perform vestibular exercises daily for optimal results. Consistency is key to retraining the brain and improving balance. Patients should aim for at least 10-15 minutes of exercise each day, gradually increasing the complexity of movements as they become more comfortable. Regular practice can lead to significant improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life.