Did You Know Chiropractic Care Can Relieve Vertigo Symptoms?

About 1 in 15 people will experience vertigo at least once in their life, and in many cases symptoms last at least a year. 

Vertigo is a sensation characterized by a feeling of motion or spinning. It’s more than just lightheadedness or dizziness. Vertigo makes you feel like you are actually moving and that the world is rotating around you.

We here at Atkins Chiropractic know that living with vertigo can be incredibly challenging. To help you find relief, Peter Atkins, DC, and the provider team offer noninvasive, drug-free treatments that target the root causes of vertigo, such as spinal misalignments and inner ear problems.

If you’re struggling with vertigo, our chiropractic services can offer the relief you’ve been looking for. Read on to learn more.

About vertigo

Vertigo is a symptom characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by imbalances in the inner ear, vestibular nerve, or brain. Common conditions that lead to vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis. 

These conditions disrupt your sense of balance and can make everyday activities challenging.

Vertigo interferes with driving, walking, and even standing up. The condition can cause nausea and headaches, which interferes with work, exercise, and social activities. Vertigo can also lead to anxiety and reduced quality of life because you avoid certain movements or situations to prevent triggering symptoms. 

The powerful effect of chiropractic care on vertigo

At Atkins Chiropractic, we focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, especially those related to the spine. Through hands-on spinal manipulation and other holistic treatments, we align your body's musculoskeletal structure to promote natural healing without the need for surgery or medication.

Chiropractic care addresses vertigo through:

Alignment of the neck and spine

We use active realignment of the neck and spine to alleviate vertigo symptoms. Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can interfere with the nervous system, affecting your balance and coordination. 

Spinal adjustments can remove calcium buildup from the inner ear's balance center, which can help restore balance and reduce vertigo symptoms. Dr. Atkins’ precise adjustments correct your misalignments to restore proper nerve function and potentially reduce vertigo symptoms.

Specific treatments 

Dr. Atkins skillfully applies the Epley Maneuver which is most effective for BPPV. This maneuver involves a series of head movements designed to reposition dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear, which are often the cause of vertigo. By relocating these crystals, we can help ease the dizzying effects of vertigo.

Enhancing blood flow

Proper spinal alignment also promotes better blood flow to the brain. Restricted blood flow can contribute to vertigo. Improved blood flow supports overall brain function and can decrease the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes.

What happens at a chiropractic visit for vertigo

When you visit our office for vertigo treatment, we start with a comprehensive assessment. Our team takes a detailed medical history and performs a physical examination to pinpoint the cause of your vertigo. If needed, Dr. Atkins may order X-rays to get a clearer picture of your spine.

Based on our findings, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This plan may include spinal adjustments, the Epley Maneuver, and exercises designed to improve your balance and strength. The number of visits you'll need will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how well you respond to treatment.

If vertigo is disrupting your life, make an appointment at Atkins Chiropractic in University Place, Washington, to find out how our practice can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.