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Chiropractic Care for Vertigo: How It Can Help
If you’ve ever experienced vertigo, you know how disorienting and uncomfortable it can be. For those who haven’t, consider yourself lucky! One of the more common types of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), a condition that causes sudden dizziness and the sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning. BPPV typically occurs when specific head movements trigger brief episodes of dizziness, such as tipping your head up or down, lying down, or turning over in bed. These episodes may last less than a minute, but the sensation of vertigo can feel intense.
What Is BPPV and How Does It Affect You?
BPPV happens when tiny crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into the semi-circular canals that detect head rotation. When these crystals disturb the fluid in the canals, it interferes with the normal flow, causing the sensation of spinning and balance issues. While there’s often no known cause for BPPV, trauma to the head or neck, particularly blows or whiplash injuries, can trigger the condition. It’s more common in those over 50 and tends to affect women more than men.
Common Symptoms of BPPV:
Dizziness
A spinning sensation (vertigo)
Loss of balance or unsteadiness
Nausea and vomiting
Interestingly, we’ve noticed in my practice that many people experiencing BPPV also deal with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. While correlation doesn’t necessarily mean causation, addressing TMJ issues alongside neck problems can play an important role in reducing vertigo episodes. Chiropractic care can make a significant difference by providing relief through several methods.
How Chiropractic Care Helps with Vertigo
Chiropractic Adjustments – Adjustments to the upper neck can relieve head and neck tension, which may indirectly improve jaw function. Reducing this tension helps address underlying causes of vertigo and TMJ issues.
Manual Therapy – Focused massage therapy to the jaw, head, and neck muscles can significantly reduce muscle tension that may contribute to vertigo or TMJ discomfort.
Rehabilitation – Specific exercises and stretches for TMJ issues and postural syndromes can help strengthen and support proper alignment. These exercises can be continued at home, helping you maintain progress between chiropractic visits.
Epley Maneuver – A specific maneuver designed to reposition the displaced crystals in the inner ear canal, the Epley Maneuver can be incredibly helpful for those suffering from BPPV. I highly recommend watching the video on how to perform this maneuver yourself here.
Additional Treatments and Referrals
TMJ Specialist – If you’re prone to clenching or grinding your teeth, seeing a TMJ specialist is essential. They can help fit you for a night guard, which can reduce jaw strain and alleviate vertigo episodes.
Vertigo Specialist – If your symptoms aren’t improving with chiropractic care, visiting a vertigo specialist may be a good next step. There are several experts in San Diego who specialize in treating persistent vertigo, and they can help explore other treatment options.
Take Control of Your Health with Chiropractic Care
If you or someone you know is dealing with vertigo, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to addressing the root causes. By aligning the spine, relieving muscle tension, and correcting postural imbalances, we can help reduce the intensity and frequency of vertigo episodes. If BPPV or TMJ is something you’re struggling with, I’d love to help you find the relief you deserve!
Remember, addressing the symptoms of vertigo is just one part of the equation. Ensuring that your body’s alignment and muscle function are optimal can