Understanding Vertigo and Dizziness: Finding Your Balance Again
That sudden spinning sensation when you turn your head. The unsteadiness that makes you grab for support. The dizziness that appears out of nowhere and disrupts your day. If you’re experiencing vertigo or persistent dizziness, you’re not alone and more importantly, there are answers.
What Causes Vertigo and Dizziness?
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals (called otoconia) in your inner ear become dislodged and move into areas where they shouldn’t be. This disrupts your body’s ability to sense position and movement properly.
Cervicogenic Vertigo
This type of vertigo originates from problems in the neck. If you’ve experienced whiplash, have arthritis in your neck, or have ongoing neck pain, the dizziness you’re experiencing might be cervicogenic vertigo.
Other Causes
Vertigo and dizziness can also result from:
- Inner ear infections or inflammation (labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis)
- Ménière’s disease
- Migraines (vestibular migraines)
- Medication side effects
- Cardiovascular issues
- Neurological conditions
This is why a thorough assessment is so important, we need to understand what’s causing your symptoms to address them effectively.
How We Approach Vertigo and Dizziness at Aret Chiropractic
At Aret Chiropractic, we take time to understand your unique situation. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, because every person’s experience with vertigo is different.
Your First Visit: A Thorough Assessment
During your initial consultation, we’ll conduct a comprehensive evaluation including a detailed case history to understand when symptoms started, what triggers them, and how they affect your life. Our thorough approach helps us identify the root cause of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate treatment path.
Treatment Options
Depending on what we find during your assessment, treatment may include:
For BPPV:
- Canalith repositioning manoeuvres to guide displaced crystals back to their proper position. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to support recovery.
- Home exercise guidance to manage symptoms and reduce recurrence.
For Cervicogenic Vertigo:
- Gentle spinal adjustments and mobilisation to improve neck function.
- Soft tissue therapy to release tension in neck muscles.
- Dry needling for muscular trigger points.
- Rehabilitation exercises to improve neck stability and strength and postural correction strategies
What to Expect from Treatment
Most people with BPPV notice improvement within one to three sessions, with about 80% becoming symptom-free within three to four treatments.
Cervicogenic vertigo may require a longer treatment plan depending on the underlying neck issues.
It’s important to note that whilst BPPV can reoccur in about 15% of cases per year, episodes are often milder and more easily managed once you know what you’re dealing with.
Our Approach to Your Care
We Go Beyond Just Treating Symptoms
Our experienced team of chiropractors takes time to understand the root cause of your vertigo and dizziness. We want to help you understand what's happening in your body and empower you with knowledge.
Evidence-Based Care with a Personal Touch
We combine time-tested techniques with modern understanding of vestibular conditions. But more than that, we're a compassionate team that listens and supports you throughout your recovery.
Custom Treatment Plans for Lasting Relief
Your vertigo is unique to you, and your treatment plan should reflect that. We tailor our approach to your specific condition, lifestyle, and goals.
Collaborative Healthcare
If we identify symptoms that require attention from another specialist, whether that's an ENT specialist, neurologist, or your GP, we'll guide you towards the right care. Your wellbeing is what matters most.
You Ask, We Answer
What's the difference between vertigo and general dizziness?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterised by a spinning or rotational sensation—either you feel like you’re spinning, or the room appears to spin around you. General dizziness might feel more like light-headedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint. Both can be unsettling, but they often have different causes and may require different approaches to treatment.
How do chiropractors diagnose the cause of vertigo?
We start with a detailed case history and comprehensive physical examination. We’ll perform specific tests like the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre to check for BPPV, assess your neck mobility and stability, evaluate your balance and coordination, and conduct neurological tests. This helps us determine whether your vertigo is related to your inner ear, neck, or might require referral to another specialist.
Can chiropractic treatment really help with vertigo?
Yes, particularly for certain types of vertigo. For BPPV, repositioning manoeuvres like the Epley technique are highly effective, with success rates around 80%. For cervicogenic vertigo (caused by neck problems), chiropractic treatment that addresses neck dysfunction can significantly reduce symptoms. However, not all types of dizziness respond to chiropractic care, which is why proper diagnosis is essential.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends entirely on what’s causing your symptoms. For BPPV, most people see significant improvement within one to three sessions. Cervicogenic vertigo related to neck problems may require ongoing treatment similar to other musculoskeletal conditions—typically, people notice improvement after a few sessions, with the full course of treatment tailored to your individual case. We’ll discuss realistic expectations during your first visit.
Will I need to do exercises at home?
Often, yes. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can be incredibly helpful for both managing symptoms and preventing recurrence. These exercises help your brain adapt to balance challenges and strengthen the systems that keep you stable. We’ll teach you any necessary exercises and provide clear guidance on how to perform them safely.
Is vertigo dangerous? Should I be worried?
Most cases of vertigo, whilst unpleasant, aren’t medically dangerous. However, the condition itself can create risks, particularly the risk of falling during an episode. This is especially important for older adults. Additionally, certain types of dizziness can indicate more serious underlying conditions like stroke or neurological issues. This is why proper assessment is so important. We’re trained to recognise warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
What if chiropractic treatment isn't right for my condition?
Not all causes of dizziness are appropriate for chiropractic care, and we’re honest about that. If we identify signs of a condition that requires different expertise, such as cardiovascular issues, neurological disease, or certain inner ear disorders, we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist. Your safety and wellbeing are our priorities.
Can medication help with vertigo?
Some medications like Stemetil (prochlorperazine) may help reduce symptoms of nausea and dizziness, but they don’t address the underlying cause. These medications can also cause drowsiness and other side effects. Whilst they might have a role in managing acute symptoms, it’s important to seek a proper diagnosis and treatment that addresses the root problem rather than simply masking symptoms.
What can I do to prevent vertigo episodes?
Prevention strategies depend on the type of vertigo you have. For BPPV, certain head movements might trigger episodes, so being mindful during activities like getting in and out of bed can help. For cervicogenic vertigo, maintaining good neck health through posture, regular movement, and managing stress can reduce episodes. We’ll provide personalised advice based on your specific condition.
Does vertigo always come back?
Not necessarily. Many people who receive appropriate treatment for BPPV have complete resolution of symptoms. There is about a 15% annual recurrence rate, but repeat episodes are often less severe and easier to manage once you understand the condition. For cervicogenic vertigo, addressing the underlying neck problems can provide long-term relief, though maintaining neck health remains important.