Vertigo Treatment in Newton, NJ
If the world seems to be spinning around you — even when you’re perfectly still — vertigo can make even simple daily tasks feel dangerous and overwhelming. At Kittatinny Chiropractic and Wellness Center, we offer effective, non-invasive treatment for vertigo that addresses the underlying causes of your dizziness and helps restore your balance and quality of life. If you’re struggling with vertigo in Newton, NJ , call (973) 300-5667 to schedule your evaluation today.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the false sensation that you — or your surroundings — are moving or spinning when no movement is actually occurring. It is distinct from general dizziness or lightheadedness and is characterized by a rotational or tilting sensation that can range from mild and brief to severe and prolonged. Vertigo can be triggered by movements such as turning the head quickly, rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending down. It is ultimately caused by problems in the inner ear, the brain, or the brainstem.
There are two primary forms of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo results from a problem in the inner ear — most commonly benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), in which calcium crystals (otoliths) become dislodged and migrate into the semicircular canals of the inner ear. BPPV is the most common form of vertigo and responds excellently to specific repositioning maneuvers. Labyrinthitis and Meniere’s disease are other inner ear causes of peripheral vertigo. Central vertigo originates from a disease or dysfunction affecting the brain or brainstem, including conditions such as migraine-associated vertigo, multiple sclerosis, or vascular events. Central vertigo tends to have a more gradual onset and requires medical evaluation.
The Role of the Cervical Spine in Vertigo
An important — and often overlooked — contributor to vertigo is cervical spine dysfunction. Cervicogenic vertigo arises from abnormal sensory input from the joints and muscles of the neck, which disrupts the brain’s ability to accurately process balance and spatial orientation information. This type of vertigo often accompanies neck pain, stiffness, or a history of whiplash or auto injury. Chiropractic adjustments to the cervical spine are highly effective for cervicogenic vertigo because they restore normal joint mechanics and sensory input from the neck to the brain.
Chiropractic Treatment for Vertigo
At Kittatinny Chiropractic and Wellness Center, our approach to vertigo begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the type and cause of your dizziness. For BPPV — the most common form — we perform the Epley maneuver and other repositioning techniques specifically designed to move displaced crystals out of the semicircular canals and restore normal inner ear function. These techniques often provide dramatic relief in one to three sessions. For cervicogenic vertigo, chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine and massage therapy to release neck muscle tension are the primary treatment approaches. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises may also be recommended to improve balance and reduce dizziness over time. Call (973) 300-5667 to start your path to vertigo relief today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo
What is the most common cause of vertigo?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when calcium carbonate crystals in the inner ear become displaced into the semicircular canals, sending incorrect signals to the brain about head position and movement. It can be effectively treated with specific repositioning maneuvers performed by a trained clinician.
Can a chiropractor treat vertigo?
Yes. Chiropractors are trained to perform the Epley maneuver and other repositioning techniques for BPPV, which is the most common cause of vertigo. They also treat cervicogenic vertigo — vertigo caused by cervical spine dysfunction — through chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy to the neck.
What is cervicogenic vertigo?
Cervicogenic vertigo arises from dysfunction in the joints, muscles, or nerves of the cervical spine that disrupts normal balance and spatial orientation signals to the brain. It is often associated with neck pain, stiffness, or a history of neck injury such as whiplash. Chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine are the primary treatment for this type of vertigo.
How quickly can vertigo be resolved with treatment?
For BPPV, many patients experience significant or complete resolution of vertigo within one to three treatment sessions using the Epley or other repositioning maneuvers. Cervicogenic vertigo typically responds over the course of several weeks of chiropractic care. The timeline varies depending on the underlying cause and how long the condition has been present.
Is vertigo dangerous?
Most vertigo is not dangerous in itself, but it significantly increases fall risk — especially in older adults. Vertigo that is sudden in onset, severe, or accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as sudden vision changes, speech difficulty, severe headache, or weakness should be evaluated urgently as it may indicate a more serious underlying condition.
What triggers vertigo episodes?
BPPV vertigo is typically triggered by specific head movements — rolling over in bed, looking up, bending forward, or quickly turning the head. Cervicogenic vertigo is often triggered by neck movements or sustained positions. Other forms may be triggered by stress, fatigue, certain foods (in Meniere’s disease), or changes in blood pressure.
Can vertigo come back after treatment?
BPPV can recur — approximately 50% of patients experience a recurrence within five years of initial treatment. However, it can be treated successfully again using the same repositioning techniques. Maintaining good cervical spine health through chiropractic care may help reduce the frequency of recurrence for cervicogenic vertigo.