Feeling dizzy or off balance? That’s not just uncomfortable, but it can be downright scary, especially if you’re worried about falling. That fear isn’t unfounded either: one in four adults over 65 falls each year, making it one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. Vertigo and dizziness can add to that worry, disrupting your daily life and shaking your confidence. The good news? Chiropractic care offers a gentle, natural way to treat vertigo, improve balance, and help you feel more stable and secure on your feet.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation characterized by dizziness, spinning, or the feeling that your surroundings are moving even when you’re perfectly still. It can range from mild discomfort to severely debilitating episodes, causing nausea, imbalance, and anxiety about daily activities.

Does Vertigo Contribute to Falls?

Absolutely. Vertigo impacts your balance and spatial orientation, increasing the risk of falls, especially among older adults. Falls resulting from dizziness can lead to injuries, fractures, and a substantial decline in independence and confidence.

Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo can happen for several different reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Inner ear infections or disorders: Such as Meniere’s disease.
• Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve.
• Cervical spine misalignment: Misalignment or dysfunction in the cervical vertebrae.
• Neurological conditions: Such as migraines, stroke, or multiple sclerosis.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Small crystals called otoconia dislodging in the inner ear canals.

How Chiropractic Care Treats Vertigo and Dizziness

Chiropractic care offers a gentle, drug-free approach to managing vertigo by supporting the systems in your body that control balance. This works through:

Aligning the Neck (Cervical Spine)

Misalignments or dysfunctions in the cervical spine (neck region) can impact the body’s neurological communication, leading to dizziness and vertigo. Chiropractors specialize in cervical spine adjustments, restoring alignment and promoting optimal nerve function. The correction of vertebral misalignments help restore balance and alleviate symptoms of vertigo.

Vestibular Exercises and Support

Chiropractors employ vestibular rehabilitation techniques, including specific exercises and manual therapy. These exercises improve coordination between the vestibular system (inner ear balance structures), visual system, and proprioception (the body’s sense of position in space), improving balance and reducing vertigo symptoms.

The Epley Maneuver for BPPV

If your vertigo is caused by BPPV, your chiropractor may perform a technique called the Epley Maneuver. It’s a series of gentle head movements that help guide those misplaced inner ear crystals back where they belong. Many people feel almost instant relief after this treatment.

Supporting the Nervous and Muscular Systems

Vertigo doesn’t always come from just one place, but can be caused by a mix of nerve, muscle, and balance issues. Chiropractors look at the big picture and work to improve how your muscles, spine, and nervous system all work together. When everything is in sync, you feel more grounded and balanced.

Preventing Falls with Chiropractic Care

When your body feels more stable, you’re less likely to fall and that’s a big deal, especially as we age. Chiropractic care supports fall prevention by:

• Improving balance and posture through spinal adjustments and exercises
• Reducing muscle tension and stiffness, which helps you move more freely and react quickly if you slip
• Boosting coordination and mobility, so your body can respond more naturally to sudden shifts
• Supporting your nervous system, which controls all the little signals in the body that keep you upright

Regular chiropractic visits can help you stay more confident on your feet, move with ease, and live your life without the constant fear of falling.
Ready to take back control? Book your chiropractic appointment today and let’s get your wellness journey moving in the right direction!