Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Helped with Chiropractic

On November 4, 2024, the Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research published the results of a case study documenting the resolution of a case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) after chiropractic care. The Merck Manual describes this condition by saying, "Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a common disorder causing short episodes of vertigo (a false sensation of moving or spinning) in response to changes in head position that stimulate the posterior semicircular canal of the inner ear."

The author of this study begins by noting that while there is no difference in the incidence between male or female, vertigo is linked to increased age. He states, "Research has indicated that vertigo does not discriminate in gender but does have a higher prevalence with increased age. In several studies it has been noted the correlation between vertigo and age. As there was an increase in age there was an increased incidence of vertigo."

In this case, a 75-year-old woman sought out chiropractic care for help with a variety of complaints. At that time, she was suffering with vertigo, aching and stiff neck muscles and throbbing pain in her lower back. On a scale of 0 to 10 with 10 being the worst, the woman rated her vertigo at 10 and her neck pain as a 7.

The woman reported that she started experiencing her problems after falling out of bed onto a concrete floor and landed on the left side of her head and jaw. She had seen an E.E.N.T. (ears, eyes, nose, throat) specialist where she was diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo and given medication.

Upon arrival at the chiropractic office, it was noted that she was walking slowly. She reported that normal house chores, or moving her head, or even sitting made her problems worse. Her vertigo episodes would last between 10 and 60 seconds. Resting was difficult as certain positions would make her feel like she was falling out of bed.

After a chiropractic examination, it was determined that multiple vertebral subluxations were present. With this finding, specific chiropractic adjustments were started to address the subluxations.

The study reports that after the woman's sixth adjustment, she was no longer experiencing any symptoms of vertigo. Additionally, the study notes that her other symptoms had also resolved.

In this study's conclusion, the author notes, "With a greater understanding of the mechanism of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, chiropractors can better manage these patients who may be suffering from this disorder." He continued, "Chiropractic care was shown to be beneficial to a patient with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and cervical pain."