If you’ve ever suffered from vertigo, you know how troubling it can be. There are many causes and types, each lasting anywhere from a few seconds to days, and all equally frustrating. Chiropractic care has been shown as an effective treatment for certain types of vertigo, one of which being Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV.

BPPV is a very common type of vertigo, with intense dizzy episodes lasting for only short periods of time, often 30 seconds or less. The symptoms are brought on by changes in head positions, such as when shoulder checking, or lying down in bed. Along with these short episodes of vertigo, patients may also have additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance.

Your inner ear is responsible for balance, and is made up of structures including the semi-circular canals and the utricle, which contains small calcium crystals. As you move, these crystals move too, and help inform your body of motion and positioning, allowing you to maintain balance. With activities involving a change in head position, such as yoga, rolling over in bed, or getting your hair washed at the hairdresser, these crystals can move from the utricle and into the semi-circular canals where they don’t belong, causing a sensation of motion even when you are not moving.

The good news is your chiropractor can help. If it is determined that you have BPPV, treatments that help to reposition the misplaced crystals can be performed during your adjustment. Often relief is seen after just one treatment! At-home exercises can also be prescribed to help with symptoms, and other lifestyle changes can be suggested to prevent the problem from recurring.

If you’re suffering from vertigo, reach out to our office and find out if chiropractic care may offer a solution to your symptoms!