Vertigo Improved Following Chiropractic

The Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research released the results of a case study on October 25, 2021, documenting the improvement of vestibular vertigo in a woman who had previously was diagnosed as having had a stroke two years ago. Vertigo is a symptom of the feeling of dizziness, off-balance, lightheadedness, disorientation, disequilibrium, or a spinning sensation.

The study reports that vertigo occurs in approximately 1.8% of the general population, up to as high as 30% in the elderly. Vertigo is often triggered by a change in the position of the head. Typical symptoms that people report with vertigo include a spinning feeling, tilting to one side, swaying, feeling unbalanced, or being pulled to on direction.

In this case, a 44-year-old woman went to the chiropractor because she had heard chiropractic might be able to help with her vertigo. Two years before seeking chiropractic help, the woman reported her problems to her MD. At that time, her MD gave her the diagnosis of a history of stroke, vertigo, and high blood pressure. The woman’s family did have a history of stroke and high blood pressure, so the woman was given blood pressure medication by her MD and scheduled to be monitored. Eventually, the stroke was ruled out as a cause of the vertigo, and she was referred to an ear nose and throat specialist.

The chiropractor performed an examination which included a history, observation, range of motion, postural analysis, and spinal palpation. From her examination, it was determined that subluxations were present.

Specific forms of chiropractic adjustments were performed over an initial three-month period. As the care progressed, the woman reported a decrease in her symptoms after each chiropractic visit. She reported that she was able to get back to a more normal routine which included driving, which she was unable to do with the severe vertigo. The woman was very pleased with the results especially since her medical physicians told her she might not ever get better and may have to learn to live with her situation.

In summing up this case, and the difference between a medical approach and a chiropractic approach to vertigo patients, the authors of the study related that the woman "…no longer has to worry about being dizzy while driving or typing at her desk, allowing her to relieve her stress of not accomplishing her daily tasks that require these two activities. While most patients with vertigo undergo vestibular neurectomy surgery or vestibular rehabilitation exercises to help with vertigo, this patient no longer has to do either and is enjoying her life free of vertigo."