Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Experiencing frequent dizziness or a spinning sensation? That sensation, known as vertigo, affects around 15–20% of adults each year. While medication is often the first step, a growing number of Australians are exploring chiropractic care as a gentler, drug-free option.

So, can a chiropractor help with vertigo? In short, yes, especially for types linked to issues in the spine or inner ear. Studies have shown that spinal adjustments and repositioning techniques, like the Epley manoeuvre, can reduce symptoms in conditions such as cervicogenic dizziness and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Chiropractors use these targeted methods to help improve balance and ease those dizzy spells.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how chiropractic care fits into vertigo treatment, the methods chiropractors use and why it’s becoming a popular part of managing this common condition.This article shares general advice based on published research. For personalised care, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo? A Quick Overview

Chiropractors may assist in managing vertigo by:

• Realigning the spine to improve nervous system function
• Performing repositioning techniques for inner ear balance
• Reducing neck tension and joint restrictions
• Offering lifestyle advice to minimise triggersLooking for natural relief from vertigo? Goto Health connects you with experienced chiropractors across Australia, ready to support your journey to better balance and wellness.

Understanding Vertigo: What Is It and What Causes It?

Vertigo is a sensation where you or your surroundings seem to spin, even when you're standing still. It's different from lightheadedness and often involves:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Balance issues
• Headaches or neck stiffness

Common Causes of Vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by calcium particles shifting in the inner ear canals.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the inner ear nerves.
• Meniere’s Disease: Fluid buildup in the inner ear.
• Cervicogenic Vertigo: Dizziness linked to neck joint dysfunction or injury.Some chiropractors are trained to address cervicogenic vertigo and support general nervous system function, which may help reduce symptoms.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Vertigo

Chiropractors look at how your spine, nerves and inner ear might be causing your dizziness. Instead of just treating the symptoms, they use gentle, hands-on techniques to help your body feel more balanced and steady. Here’s how chiropractic care can help with different types of vertigo:

1. Spinal Adjustments to Improve Nervous System Function

The spine plays a key role in maintaining balance and coordination. Misalignments in the cervical spine (neck) can interfere with how your brain receives signals from your body, potentially triggering vertigo.A case study showed that a cervico-thoracic spinal manipulation immediately improved balance, proprioception and coordination in a healthy individual, suggesting spinal adjustments can positively impact these functions.

2. Epley Manoeuvre and Other Repositioning Techniques

For cases of BPPV, some chiropractors perform the Epley manoeuvre, a gentle repositioning technique that moves displaced crystals in the inner ear back to where they belong. A randomised study published in 2015 found that 72% of patients experienced immediate relief from vertigo after a single Epley manoeuvre, and 92% were symptom-free within the first week, clearly demonstrating its effectiveness for treating BPPV.

3. Neck Mobility and Muscle Tension Relief

Neck tension, poor posture or past injuries can contribute to cervicogenic vertigo. A 2018 systematic review found moderate evidence that manual therapy is effective in managing cervicogenic dizziness. This supports the use of chiropractic techniques to relieve neck tension and restore movement, which may help improve balance.

4. Postural Corrections and Lifestyle Advice

Poor posture can impair blood flow and nervous system function, potentially worsening vertigo symptoms. A 2005 MRI study demonstrated that posture significantly affects cerebral blood flow and intracranial fluid dynamics, showing that upright versus supine positions alter blood and cerebrospinal fluid circulation, both of which are critical for brain and inner ear function related to balance. This highlights the importance of chiropractors guiding patients through ergonomic corrections, posture training and exercises to improve long-term balance and stability by optimising blood flow and nervous system health.

5. Vestibular System Support

The vestibular system, your body’s balance centre, relies on input from the spine, eyes and inner ear. A study found that chiropractic care, particularly cervical spine adjustments, can improve balance and reduce dizziness by relieving pressure on the vestibular system and restoring proper spinal alignment. These findings suggest that chiropractic interventions can enhance vestibular function by optimising spinal health and correcting imbalances.

When to See a Chiropractor for Vertigo

You should consider chiropractic care if you experience:

• Recurrent dizziness or spinning sensations
• Head movements that trigger vertigo
• Neck stiffness or pain linked with dizziness
• Unexplained balance issuesA chiropractor will assess your symptoms, perform relevant tests and determine if chiropractic treatment is suitable for your type of vertigo. If not, they may refer you to a specialist.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Visit for Vertigo

Your first visit usually starts with a chat about your symptoms, health history and a physical check-up. Below is a quick look at what that might involve.

1. Health and Symptom Review Your chiropractor will ask about your medical history, vertigo triggers and lifestyle to form a comprehensive understanding.
2. Physical and Neurological Examination This includes posture analysis, balance testing, neck mobility checks and sometimes eye movement tracking.
3. Personalised Treatment Plan Based on findings, your chiropractor may:

• Perform spinal adjustments
• Conduct specific manoeuvres like the Epley technique
• Recommend home exercises and hydration tips
• Provide lifestyle recommendations to reduce triggers

4. Progress Monitoring Chiropractic care often involves a series of visits to track improvements in symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Vertigo

Chiropractic care may offers more than just relief from dizziness. Let’s look at some of the key benefits.

• Drug-Free Relief: Avoids medications and their potential side effects
• Non-Invasive: No surgery or invasive procedures required
• Whole-Body Focus: Addresses root causes rather than masking symptoms
• Improved Quality of Life: Better balance, reduced dizziness and restored confidence in daily movement

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care for Vertigo

Can chiropractors treat all types of vertigo?

Chiropractors are most effective in treating vertigo caused by spinal misalignment or BPPV. They may refer patients with other causes to appropriate specialists.

How many visits does it take to see results?

Some patients feel relief after one session, while others may need ongoing care depending on the severity and cause.

Is chiropractic care safe for vertigo?

Yes, chiropractic care is generally safe and non-invasive. A trained chiropractor will assess your suitability before starting treatment.

Do I need a referral?

No, you can book directly with a chiropractor through Goto Health without a GP referral.

Take the Next Step Towards Better Balance with Goto Health

Tired of feeling off-balance? Don’t let vertigo disrupt your day. With chiropractic support, you can find relief and get back to living confidently.Let chiropractic care help you regain control. Goto Health connects you with qualified chiropractors across Australia who are ready to assess your symptoms and tailor a care plan to your needs.Contact Goto Health today to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward natural relief from vertigo.