Overcoming Vertigo

Vertigo isn’t a condition itself—it’s a symptom of an underlying issue. Some of the most common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with balance signals. Sudden head movements can trigger intense dizziness and nausea.

• Vestibular Disorders (Inner Ear Issues)

The vestibular system (inner ear) controls balance. Infections, fluid buildup, or Meniere’s disease can cause dizziness, ear ringing (tinnitus), and nausea.

• Cervicogenic Vertigo (Neck-Related Vertigo)

Misalignments in the upper cervical spine (neck) can interfere with nerve function, blood flow, and balance signals, leading to dizziness.

• Head Injuries and Concussions

A past whiplash injury, concussion, or trauma can disrupt balance mechanisms in the brain and spinal cord, leading to long-term dizziness.

• Poor Posture and Nervous System Dysfunction

Subluxations (misalignments) in the spine, especially the upper neck (C1-C2 vertebrae), can impair nerve signals related to balance, causing dizziness, foggy thinking, and instability.

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we address the root cause of vertigo rather than just masking the symptoms. Through gentle spinal adjustments and neurological rehabilitation techniques, we can help restore balance and improve your overall well-being.

1. Chiropractic Adjustments for Upper Cervical Alignment

The upper cervical spine (atlas and axis vertebrae) plays a crucial role in balance, coordination, and inner ear function. Misalignments here can irritate the nervous system, leading to vertigo symptoms.

• Benefits of chiropractic adjustments for vertigo:
  Restores proper nerve communication between the brain and body
• Improves blood flow to the inner ear and brain
• Reduces pressure on the brainstem, where balance signals are processed

A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that patients with vertigo experienced significant symptom improvement after chiropractic care, especially when adjustments focused on the upper cervical spine (Elster, 2006).

2. Epley Maneuver for BPPV

For cases of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), we may perform the Epley maneuver, a repositioning technique that helps move displaced calcium crystals out of the inner ear. This technique can provide rapid relief for many patients.

3. Soft Tissue Therapy for Neck and Shoulder Tension

Muscle tightness and tension in the neck can contribute to vertigo. By using:

• Trigger point therapy
• Myofascial release
• Stretching techniques

We help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, improving circulation and reducing dizziness symptoms.

4. Balance and Proprioception Exercises

For patients struggling with post-injury vertigo, chronic dizziness, or neurological imbalances, we incorporate:

• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain balance mechanisms
• Eye-tracking exercises to improve visual coordination
• Postural strengthening to enhance spinal stability

A study in BMC Neurology found that chiropractic care combined with balance training significantly reduced vertigo symptoms in patients with chronic dizziness (Reid et al., 2015).

• A study in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine found that chiropractic adjustments, particularly in the upper cervical spine, improved vertigo symptoms in patients with cervicogenic dizziness (Elster, 2006).
• Research in the Journal of Vestibular Research showed that spinal misalignments can alter proprioceptive input (body awareness signals) to the brain, contributing to dizziness (Treleaven, 2008).
• A systematic review in the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine concluded that manual therapy, including chiropractic, was effective for managing cervicogenic vertigo (Reid et al., 2015).