🩺Manual Therapies for Vertigo: A Chiropractic Perspective

Vertigo can be unsettling. The sensation that the room is spinning, feeling off balance, or experiencing dizziness can interfere with everyday activities and quality of life. While vertigo can have many different causes, some patients may also experience dizziness associated with problems involving the neck, posture, joint mobility, or muscular tension.

At Clearwater Sports & Wellness, P.A., chiropractic care may be considered as part of a broader approach when musculoskeletal factors appear to contribute to a patient’s symptoms.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a sensation of movement—often described as spinning, tilting, or feeling as though the surroundings are moving when they are not.

Vertigo can have several possible causes. Inner-ear conditions, neurological disorders, medications, migraines, and other medical issues can all contribute to dizziness or vertigo. Because of this, determining the underlying cause is an important first step.

Can the Neck Contribute to Dizziness?

The cervical spine contains joints, muscles, and sensory receptors that provide the brain with information about head and neck position. When the neck experiences restricted movement, muscular tension, or altered mechanics, the information coming from the neck may not coordinate properly with information from the eyes and inner ear.

This can sometimes contribute to a sensation of dizziness or imbalance known as cervicogenic dizziness.

Importantly, cervicogenic dizziness is generally considered a diagnosis of exclusion. Other potential causes of dizziness should be evaluated before assuming that the neck is responsible.

How Can Manual Therapy Help?

When a patient’s examination suggests that musculoskeletal dysfunction may be contributing to their symptoms, manual therapy may be incorporated into an individualized treatment plan.

Depending on the patient’s presentation, treatment may include:

• Soft-tissue techniques to address muscular tension and restricted tissues
• Gentle joint mobilization to improve cervical mobility
• Targeted stretching to address muscle tightness
• Postural assessment and correction to improve head and neck mechanics
• Movement-based exercises designed to improve mobility and control
• Chiropractic care when appropriate based on the patient’s examination

The goal is not simply to “treat vertigo,” but to identify and address musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to a patient’s symptoms.

Manual Therapy and the Cervical Spine

Neck stiffness and muscle tension can develop from prolonged computer use, poor posture, repetitive activities, previous injuries, or extended periods of looking down at phones and other devices.

For some patients, improving cervical mobility and reducing muscular tension may help decrease associated discomfort and improve overall neck function.

At Clearwater Sports & Wellness, Dr. Sessa performs a thorough evaluation before determining whether chiropractic care or manual therapy is appropriate.

When Should You See a Medical Professional?

Dizziness and vertigo should not automatically be attributed to a problem with the neck.

Seek prompt medical attention for dizziness or vertigo accompanied by symptoms such as:

• Sudden severe headache
• Difficulty speaking
• Facial drooping
• New weakness or numbness
• Difficulty walking
• Fainting
• Chest pain
• Significant vision changes
• New or severe neurological symptoms

A medical evaluation may also be appropriate when vertigo is new, persistent, recurrent, or unexplained.

A Team Approach to Care

When appropriate, chiropractic care can work alongside other healthcare professionals. Depending on the suspected cause of dizziness, a patient may benefit from evaluation by a primary care physician, neurologist, ENT specialist, physical therapist, or other healthcare provider.

The objective is always to determine the most appropriate course of care for the individual patient.

Could Your Neck Be Contributing to Your Symptoms?

If you are experiencing dizziness or balance-related symptoms along with neck pain, stiffness, or restricted movement, a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation may help determine whether these factors could be contributing to your symptoms.

Contact Clearwater Sports & Wellness to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sessa. We can evaluate your neck and musculoskeletal function and determine whether chiropractic care or manual therapy may be appropriate for your situation.