Best Treatments for Vertigo and Dizziness
If you’ve ever felt the unsettling sensation of spinning or dizziness, you know how quickly vertigo and dizziness can derail your life. Whether it’s a fleeting episode or a chronic condition, vertigo and dizziness can make simple tasks like driving, working, or even walking feel impossible. Trust me, I’ve been there too—as both a chiropractor and someone who has dealt with vertigo personally. The good news? There’s hope. Let’s explore the best treatments for these debilitating symptoms so you can get back to living your life fully.
What Is Vertigo and Dizziness?
Before we dive into treatments, let’s get clear on what we’re dealing with here:
- Vertigo: That spinning sensation, either you or the world is spinning when it’s not. Typically, you also have associated nausea and are unable to do anything during these episodes.
- Dizziness: A broader term that includes lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a general feeling of imbalance.
For example, one of my patients came to me describing how she’d feel like she was on a merry-go-round every time she rolled over in bed to turn off her alarm. It turned out she had vertigo that was coming from her neck. Knowing what’s causing your symptoms is the first step toward relief.
Common Causes of Vertigo and Dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness can have many triggers. Here are some of the most common:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Tiny calcium particles in your inner ear get dislodged and cause vertigo.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation in the inner ear that throws off your equilibrium.
- Ménière’s Disease: The exact cause is unknown but believed to be a chronic condition involving fluid buildup in the inner ear.
- Cervical Spine Misalignments: Misalignments in the upper neck disrupt the signals between your brain and body, contributing to balance issues. (This one’s my bread and butter!)
Best Treatments for Vertigo and Dizziness
1. Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
Let’s start with what I know best: upper cervical chiropractic care. If you’ve tried other treatments without success, such as already being evaluated for BPPV and having the Epley’s Maneuver done and it didn’t help or even other chiropractic care or PT, this might be the missing piece. Another sign this may be for you is that you notice your vertigo and dizziness episodes come on after moving your head around and is constantly irritated by your head positioning.
How It Works
The top two bones in your neck, called the atlas and axis, play a critical role in maintaining balance and communication between your brain and body. When they’re out of alignment—which typically happens from a head or neck trauma or injury—your vestibular system can be poorly impacted, and this is where that spinning sensation or dizziness begins.
My Experience
I’ve seen countless patients come to me with chronic vertigo and dizziness, desperate for relief. And I get it—because I’ve been there too. After six concussions and a car accident, I suffered from relentless vertigo and dizziness. Random spinning episodes would leave me nauseous, stuck in bed, praying for sleep to stop the misery. Between those episodes, dizziness was my constant companion—I was always bumping into things, feeling unsteady, and battling a woozy haze.
Everything changed when I discovered the power of 3D CBCT imaging and specific upper cervical chiropractic care. Addressing the root cause allowed me to reclaim my life. Today, I feel clearer, more balanced, and no longer controlled by vertigo and dizziness. This transformation is why I’m so passionate about helping others find the same lasting relief.
Why It’s Effective
Upper cervical chiropractic care is non-invasive and precise. There’s no twisting, popping, or cracking—just targeted adjustments that restore proper alignment. Many of my patients notice improvements in both the intensity and frequency of their symptoms after just a few sessions.
2. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (for BPPV)
If you’ve got BPPV, canalith repositioning maneuvers like the Epley maneuver can work wonders.
How It Works
These guided movements help reposition the tiny crystals in your inner ear that are causing all the trouble. It’s a quick, non-invasive fix for a frustrating problem.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is physical therapy for your balance system. It’s a series of exercises designed to retrain your brain to process balance signals better.
Why It’s Effective
These exercises can improve your balance, reduce dizziness, and help your body adapt to any underlying vestibular dysfunction. If you’re someone who feels unsteady walking in a straight line or just standing, this could be a game-changer.
4. Medical Evaluation and Imaging
Sometimes, we need to dig deeper. In my practice, I use advanced 3D CBCT imaging to get a clear picture of what’s happening in the head and neck and rule out more serious issues. We also use a test called Neck Care. This system evaluates your overall neck health and shows us how your neck is functioning in multiple different ways.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all the above and still experience frequent or severe vertigo and dizziness, it’s time to seek professional help. Signs you shouldn’t ignore include:
- Double vision
- Weakness or numbness
- Difficulty speaking
These could indicate a more serious condition that needs immediate medical attention.
Take Control of Your Health
Vertigo and dizziness don’t have to control your life. By addressing the root causes and exploring effective, natural treatments like upper cervical chiropractic care, you can find lasting relief.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a balanced, symptom-free life, schedule an appointment with our office today. Together, we’ll work to get you back to feeling your best. Remember: You deserve to live a life free from the spinning and uncertainty of vertigo.