Chiropractic Treatment for Vertigo in Fort Worth: A Patient Guide

If vertigo has ever made the room feel like it’s spinning, you know how unsettling it can be. Here in Fort Worth, I meet people who just want steady ground again—whether their dizziness started after a cold, a long car ride, or a quick turn in bed. At Cityview Chiropractic, our focus is simple: understand what’s driving the vertigo and use safe, evidence-informed methods to help you feel more stable. In this article, I’ll explain what chiropractors do to treat vertigo, when it makes sense to see us, and when you should seek medical care.

My goal is to give you clear, practical guidance, so you feel informed—not overwhelmed. You’ll learn what vertigo is, common causes, how chiropractic fits in, and the exact steps we take in our Fort Worth clinic to help.

What Do Chiropractors Do to Treat Vertigo?

Chiropractors evaluate how your neck, balance system, and posture work together. For certain types of vertigo—especially positional vertigo—we use gentle repositioning maneuvers, specific exercises, and careful neck care. If your dizziness suggests a non-chiropractic cause, we coordinate with your medical provider.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning when you’re not actually moving. It’s different from lightheadedness or feeling faint. Most vertigo comes from the inner ear’s balance system or the way the brain processes balance signals. Neck issues can sometimes contribute, too.

Vertigo can be momentary or last for hours. It may be triggered by rolling in bed, looking up, or quick head turns. Some people also notice nausea, imbalance, or sensitivity to motion.

Common Causes of Vertigo

Not all vertigo is the same. Understanding the cause guides the care plan. The most common cause in primary care is BPPV—benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. In BPPV, tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift into the wrong canal, making your brain think you’re moving when you’re not. Research indicates that canalith repositioning maneuvers, like the Epley, can be effective for typical BPPV.

Other causes include vestibular neuritis (often after a viral illness), migraine-related dizziness, and less commonly, Meniere’s disease. Neck-related dizziness—sometimes called cervicogenic dizziness—can occur when neck joints and muscles send altered balance signals. Chiropractors help identify when the neck is part of the picture and when an ear or neurological issue needs medical evaluation.

For more on BPPV and repositioning maneuvers, see the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders overview of BPPV and the Cochrane Review on the Epley maneuver for posterior canal BPPV. These sources are helpful if you like to read the science behind the care.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Vertigo often feels like a spin or tilt. People describe it as the floor sliding or the room moving. Some also notice nausea, unsteadiness, or a need to hold the wall.

With BPPV, the spin is brief and tied to head position. With neck-related dizziness, you may feel off-balance when your neck is tight or sore. Migraine-related dizziness may accompany visual aura or sensitivity to light.

Any new, severe, or unusual symptoms deserve timely evaluation. If you have risk factors like high blood pressure or a history of stroke, don’t wait—seek medical care.

How Chiropractic Care Fits In for Vertigo

Chiropractic care is conservative, non-invasive, and focused on function. For vertigo, our role is to determine what’s driving the imbalance and then apply the right tool for that cause. We don’t claim to cure all vertigo. We focus on what we can do safely and effectively, and we coordinate care when needed.

For BPPV, we use specific head and body movements—canalith repositioning maneuvers—to guide the inner-ear crystals back where they belong. For neck-related dizziness, we address joint stiffness, muscle tension, and movement patterns that can disrupt balance signals. For motion sensitivity after a vestibular issue, we may provide graded gaze and balance exercises.

If your symptoms suggest migraine, Meniere’s disease, or another non-musculoskeletal cause, we’ll communicate with your primary care provider or specialist. Your safety and long-term outcomes come first.

How We Treat Vertigo at Cityview Chiropractic in Fort Worth

Here’s what you can expect at Cityview Chiropractic. We keep the process calm, clear, and step-by-step.

1. Conversation and history. We’ll ask when the vertigo started, what triggers it, and how long it lasts. We’ll ask about recent illnesses, headaches, neck pain, medications, and any hearing changes.
2. Screening and safety checks. We assess your vitals, coordination, eye movements, and balance. If anything raises concern for a medical issue, we’ll refer to urgent or specialty care right away.
3. Positional testing for BPPV. If your story fits positional vertigo, we may perform gentle tests like the Dix–Hallpike to see whether a specific inner ear canal is involved. We do this slowly and support you throughout, since it can briefly trigger symptoms.
4. Canalith repositioning maneuvers. When appropriate, we guide you through proven maneuvers such as the Epley for posterior canal BPPV. These movements are precise. The goal is to move the loose crystals back to a stable place in the inner ear.
5. Neck and posture assessment. We check cervical motion, muscle tension, and joint mobility. If your neck is contributing, we use gentle mobilization, soft tissue techniques, and exercise to improve how the neck and balance system communicate.
6. Balance and gaze exercises. If you’re motion sensitive or recovering from a vestibular issue, we may use simple exercises. Examples include gaze stabilization (keeping your eyes steady while moving your head) and graded balance drills. We progress at a pace that respects your symptoms.
7. Home guidance. We’ll show you safe ways to move the first 24–48 hours after repositioning. We’ll outline short practice sessions for exercises. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do—and what to avoid—for best results.
8. Follow-up and coordination. We track progress and adjust as needed. If your symptoms don’t match an inner ear or neck pattern, we coordinate with your primary care provider, ENT, or neurology in Fort Worth for further evaluation.

Practical Self-Care Tips to Steady Your System

• Move slowly with position changes. Pause when rolling in bed or standing up. Give your inner ear time to keep up.
• Stay hydrated and nourished. Dehydration and low blood sugar can heighten dizziness.
• Reduce sudden head movements for a day or two after a successful repositioning maneuver, if advised. Then resume normal movement as tolerated.
• Work on posture. A relaxed, tall neck position helps the balance system. Avoid prolonged, head-forward screen time without breaks.
• Build gentle activity. Short walks and simple balance drills can retrain your system. Start small and increase gradually.

When to See a Chiropractor for Vertigo

Consider seeing a chiropractor if your vertigo is brief and triggered by rolling in bed, looking up, or bending over. That pattern often points toward BPPV, which responds well to canalith repositioning maneuvers. A chiropractor trained in vestibular assessment can evaluate and guide you.

If your dizziness started after a neck strain, whiplash, or a period of neck stiffness, an exam can clarify whether neck mechanics are part of the issue. Improving neck mobility and muscle balance can reduce that type of dizziness.

If your symptoms are milder but persistent, a conservative plan with careful testing, exercises, and postural work may help. If anything suggests a medical cause, we’ll refer promptly.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

• Sudden, severe headache, slurred speech, facial droop, weakness, vision loss, chest pain, or trouble walking—call 911.
• New hearing loss, ringing in one ear, or ear fullness with ongoing vertigo—contact your primary care provider or ENT.
• High fever, severe neck stiffness, fainting, or head injury—seek urgent care.

Chiropractic is not emergency care. Your safety always comes first. We’ll help you decide the right setting if you’re unsure.

Myths and Facts About Vertigo and Chiropractic

Myth: Vertigo is always an inner ear problem. Fact: Inner ear causes are common, especially BPPV, but neck issues, migraine, medications, and other medical conditions can cause dizziness, too. That’s why a thorough exam matters.

Myth: Chiropractic adjustments “cure” all vertigo. Fact: No single treatment cures all vertigo. For BPPV, canalith repositioning maneuvers are often the key. For neck-related dizziness, restoring neck function can help. Some causes need medical care. The best outcomes come from matching care to the cause.

Myth: If you feel dizzy, you should avoid moving. Fact: During an acute flare, calm movements help. Once serious causes are ruled out, gradual, guided movement often retrains your balance system. Avoiding all movement can prolong symptoms.

Myth: If the first treatment doesn’t fix it, nothing will. Fact: Some cases need more than one session or a different technique. If you don’t progress as expected, we reassess and coordinate care.

Final Thoughts for Our Fort Worth Community

Dizziness can feel scary, but there’s a clear path forward. At Cityview Chiropractic, we take time to understand your story, test safely, and use targeted methods to help you regain your balance. Many Fort Worth patients improve with canalith repositioning maneuvers, gentle neck care, and simple, steady exercises.

If you’re unsure where to start, you’re welcome to reach out. We’re here to listen, evaluate, and guide you toward the right next step—whether that’s in our clinic or with a trusted medical partner.

FAQs

What is the Epley maneuver, and does it work?

The Epley maneuver is a series of guided head and body positions that move loose inner-ear crystals back where they belong. For typical posterior canal BPPV, research suggests it’s often effective. Some people need more than one session.

Can a chiropractor help with vertigo?

Yes, for certain causes. Chiropractors commonly help with BPPV using repositioning maneuvers and with neck-related dizziness using gentle mobilization and exercises. We refer to medical providers when the cause lies outside our scope.

Is vertigo always from the inner ear?

No. Inner ear issues are common, but migraine, neck dysfunction, medications, or other medical conditions can cause dizziness. A careful evaluation helps sort it out.

How long does BPPV last?

Episodes are brief, but BPPV can recur. Many people improve quickly with canalith repositioning. A small number need repeat care or additional strategies.

Is chiropractic care safe for vertigo?

Chiropractic is generally considered safe when delivered appropriately. We screen for red flags, use gentle methods, and refer to medical care when needed. Your plan is always individualized.

Should I see a chiropractor or an ENT first?

If your vertigo is brief and positional, either may be appropriate. Chiropractors can assess and treat BPPV and neck-related dizziness. If you have hearing changes, ear fullness, or persistent nausea, an ENT or primary care visit is a good first step.

TL;DR

• Vertigo is a spinning sensation, often from the inner ear; BPPV is a common cause.
• Chiropractors treat BPPV with canalith repositioning maneuvers and address neck-related dizziness with gentle care.
• We screen for safety, coordinate with medical providers, and tailor exercises for balance and gaze stability.
• Seek urgent care for severe or unusual symptoms like weakness, severe headache, or new hearing loss.
• In Fort Worth, Cityview Chiropractic offers calm, evidence-informed care to help you find your steady again.

Helpful resources: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (BPPV overview); Cochrane Review on Epley maneuver for posterior canal BPPV