Vertigo can be a startling and disruptive experience, making everyday tasks like walking, working, or driving feel unsafe and difficult.
People often seek chiropractic care as a natural way to manage vertigo but does it really work? And are there better or more targeted treatment options available?
At Glenridding Physiotherapy, we often hear these questions from clients who are frustrated with dizziness or balance issues.
Let’s break down how vertigo works, whether chiropractic care can help, and what other treatments might be appropriate for long-lasting relief.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy. It’s a specific sensation where you feel like you or your environment is spinning, even when you’re standing still.
Common causes of vertigo
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear moving out of place.
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: Inflammation affecting the vestibular nerve or inner ear.
- Meniere’s disease: An inner ear disorder associated with pressure changes and fluid buildup.
- Neck-related dizziness (cervicogenic dizziness): Can occur with cervical spine dysfunction; importantly, it’s a diagnosis of exclusion after other causes are ruled out.
Understanding the root cause is essential to finding the right treatment, and that starts with a thorough clinical assessment.
Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo?
Chiropractors may provide some relief for specific types of vertigo, such as neck-related (cervicogenic) dizziness, especially when neck pain and mobility issues are present.
Evidence here is emerging but still limited, with systematic reviews suggesting potential benefit from manual therapy for cervicogenic dizziness while calling for higher-quality studies.
When chiropractic care might be helpful
- Cervicogenic dizziness: If vertigo stems from issues in the cervical spine, manual therapy and spinal adjustments might help.
- Posture and movement imbalances: In some cases, improving cervical mechanics may indirectly support balance.
However, chiropractic care is only one piece of the puzzle. Accurate diagnosis of the vertigo type is critical to knowing whether this form of treatment will be effective.
When to Consider Other Treatment Options
If your vertigo is due to inner-ear issues like BPPV or vestibular neuritis, specialized vestibular physiotherapy is often more appropriate and targeted.
Chiropractic treatment generally won’t reposition the inner-ear crystals responsible for BPPV.
Vestibular Physiotherapy: A Proven Path for Dizziness Relief
At Glenridding Physio, vestibular rehabilitation is a focused pathway for vertigo care. Our clinic is known in South Edmonton for its specialization in dizziness and balance disorders.
What is vestibular rehabilitation?
Vestibular rehab may include:
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley) to relocate displaced crystals in the ear. These have strong evidence and high success rates for BPPV.
- Balance training to recalibrate how your body maintains stability.
- Gaze-stabilization exercises to improve how your eyes and inner ears communicate.
These techniques are especially effective for BPPV and many peripheral vestibular disorders.
Many people improve quickly, often within a few sessions, when the correct maneuver and exercises are used.
Why Choose Physiotherapy Instead?
- Targets the vestibular system directly. Vestibular rehab is designed around the specific inner-ear mechanisms that drive dizziness.
- Evidence-informed and diagnosis-led. Clinical guidelines emphasize accurate diagnosis and appropriate repositioning maneuvers for BPPV.
- Integrates with broader care. Vestibular therapy can be combined with posture work, strength training, and manual therapy when indicated.
Glenridding Physio’s Multi-Disciplinary Approach
Our clinic goes beyond a one-size-fits-all model. We tailor care plans based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
What you can expect at our clinic
- A gentle, personalized assessment with a registered therapist.
- Access to a diverse team skilled in vestibular rehab, manual therapy, sport injury management, and more.
- Coordination with your broader care plan, whether you’re recovering from injury or managing other medical conditions.
We are proud to serve as a wellness hub for individuals managing dizziness, chronic headaches, and balance disturbances.
Get the Right Care for Your Dizziness
If you’re struggling with vertigo, the most helpful step is a comprehensive assessment to understand the root cause.
Chiropractic care may offer benefits in certain cases, but vestibular physiotherapy offers targeted strategies with strong evidence for many common vertigo conditions, especially BPPV.
