Vertigo Treatment in Traverse City, MI
Vertigo — the unsettling sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning when everything is actually still — can be disorienting, frightening, and seriously disruptive to daily life. At Pathways Chiropractic, we have experience treating vertigo with a targeted, non-invasive approach that addresses the musculoskeletal and neurological contributors to this condition. If you’re struggling with dizziness, balance problems, or spinning sensations in Traverse City, MI, call (231) 252-4249 to schedule your evaluation today.
Understanding Vertigo: Types and Causes
Vertigo is not a diagnosis itself but a symptom — a false sense of motion that is typically caused by problems in the inner ear, the cervical spine, or less commonly the brain and brainstem. It can be triggered by quick head movements, changes in body position, looking up or down from a height, or it can be present more continuously regardless of movement. The sensation ranges from mild dizziness to severe spinning that causes nausea, vomiting, and an inability to stand or walk safely.
There are two primary categories of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo originates in the inner ear and its connecting pathways and is the most common type. The most frequent cause of peripheral vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — a condition in which tiny calcium crystals (otoliths) that normally reside in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into one of the semicircular canals, disrupting normal fluid movement and sending faulty signals to the brain about head position. Labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis are other inner ear causes of peripheral vertigo.
Central vertigo arises from dysfunction in the brain or brainstem and is generally more gradual in onset than peripheral vertigo. Cervicogenic vertigo — a form of dizziness caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine rather than the inner ear — is also well-recognized and often responds very well to chiropractic care. When the joints, muscles, or nerve receptors of the upper cervical spine are not functioning properly, they can send confused positional signals to the brain that produce dizziness and balance disturbances very similar to those caused by inner ear problems.
How Chiropractic Care Treats Vertigo at Pathways Chiropractic
At Pathways Chiropractic, our evaluation of a patient presenting with vertigo includes a careful health history, assessment of the type and triggers of their dizziness, and examination of the cervical spine, head, and neurological status. For patients with suspected BPPV, our chiropractor is trained in vestibular repositioning maneuvers — specifically the Epley maneuver — which can rapidly and effectively resolve BPPV episodes by guiding the dislodged crystals back to their correct position within the inner ear. Many patients experience dramatic relief from BPPV after just one or two maneuvers.
For patients with cervicogenic vertigo, chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine — particularly the C1 and C2 vertebrae — can normalize the proprioceptive (positional sensing) signals coming from the cervical joints and reduce or eliminate the dizziness associated with cervical dysfunction. Soft-tissue therapy and neck exercises that improve cervical mobility and proprioception are also incorporated into the treatment plan.
Because vertigo can have several different origins, an accurate diagnosis is critical before treatment begins. Our evaluation helps us differentiate between BPPV, cervicogenic vertigo, and other causes so we can apply the most appropriate intervention. If your vertigo has a cause that is outside the scope of chiropractic care, we will ensure you receive the appropriate referral. Call Pathways Chiropractic at (231) 252-4249 or book online in Traverse City, MI to get started.
Vertigo FAQs
What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?
Dizziness is a broad term that can describe lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a general feeling of being “off.” Vertigo specifically refers to the false sensation of spinning or rotational movement — either you feel like you’re spinning, or the room feels like it’s spinning around you. Vertigo is typically caused by a specific dysfunction in the inner ear, cervical spine, or central nervous system, while general dizziness can have many more potential causes.
What is BPPV and can chiropractic care treat it?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into the semicircular canals, causing brief but intense spinning sensations triggered by head movement. Chiropractic care — specifically the Epley maneuver and other canalith repositioning procedures — is highly effective for BPPV and can often resolve symptoms in just one or two treatment sessions.
What is cervicogenic vertigo and how is it treated?
Cervicogenic vertigo is dizziness caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine rather than the inner ear. When the joints, muscles, or proprioceptive nerve endings of the upper neck are not functioning correctly, they can send confused positional signals to the brain, producing dizziness and balance disturbances. Chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine and targeted neck exercises can normalize these signals and provide significant relief from cervicogenic vertigo.
How quickly can chiropractic treatment relieve vertigo?
For BPPV, many patients experience dramatic improvement — sometimes complete resolution — after just one to three sessions using canalith repositioning maneuvers. Cervicogenic vertigo typically responds within a few weeks of consistent cervical chiropractic care. The speed and degree of improvement depend on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of the vertigo. Your chiropractor will give you realistic expectations at your first visit.
Should I see a chiropractor or a medical doctor for vertigo?
For many cases of vertigo — particularly BPPV and cervicogenic vertigo — a chiropractor is an excellent first point of contact. Our thorough evaluation helps identify the cause of your vertigo and determines whether chiropractic care is appropriate or whether you need referral to a physician, neurologist, or ENT specialist. We will always refer out if your condition requires care beyond our scope.
Is vertigo dangerous?
While most vertigo is benign — particularly BPPV — it can significantly increase your risk of falls and injury, especially in older adults. If you experience sudden, severe vertigo accompanied by double vision, severe headache, difficulty speaking, weakness, or loss of coordination, seek emergency medical care immediately, as these can be signs of a serious central nervous system event. For typical vertigo without these warning signs, call our office for an evaluation.
Can neck pain and vertigo be related?
Yes — frequently. Many patients are surprised to learn that their chronic neck pain and recurring dizziness are connected. The upper cervical spine is richly supplied with proprioceptive nerve endings that help the brain understand body position. When the joints and muscles of the upper neck become restricted or irritated — whether from injury, poor posture, or degenerative changes — the faulty positional signals they send can produce dizziness, balance issues, and a sensation of vertigo. Treating the cervical spine often resolves both the neck pain and the associated dizziness.