Diagnosed with BPPV? How we can help.
Understanding BPPV: Causes, Symptoms, and How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Help
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo—a sudden sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. Though it may sound alarming, BPPV is generally not serious and can often be effectively treated.What Is BPPV?
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia become dislodged from their usual position inside the utricle of the inner ear and migrate into one or more of the semicircular canals. These canals help detect head movement and maintain balance. When these crystals move, they send false signals to the brain, causing brief but intense episodes of vertigo, especially with changes in head position.
Common Symptoms of BPPV
Sudden dizziness or spinning sensation triggered by head movements (looking up, rolling over in bed, bending down)
Loss of balance or unsteadiness
Nausea or vomiting during vertigo attacks
Short episodes, usually lasting less than a minute
Unlike other causes of vertigo, BPPV does not typically cause hearing loss or tinnitus.
Causes and Risk Factors
Head trauma or injury
Age-related degeneration of the inner ear structures
Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis (inner ear infections)
Prolonged bed rest or inactivity
Idiopathic (no known cause in many cases)
Conventional Treatments for BPPV
The most common medical treatment for BPPV is the Epley maneuver, a series of guided head and body movements performed by a healthcare professional to reposition the displaced crystals back to their proper location.
Medications to control nausea or dizziness may be prescribed but do not treat the root cause.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Support BPPV Recovery
The upper cervical spine (C1 and C2 vertebrae) plays a critical role in neurological communication between the brainstem and the inner ear. Misalignments here can affect:
Blood flow to the vestibular system
Neural pathways controlling balance
Muscle tension and proprioception around the head and neck
A study published in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research reported patients with vertigo symptoms, including BPPV, who received precise upper cervical adjustments experienced reduced frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes [Smith et al., 2018].
By gently correcting misalignments in the upper neck, upper cervical chiropractic care may help restore proper nerve function and support the natural healing process, complementing repositioning maneuvers.
Why Choose Upper Cervical Care?
Non-invasive and drug-free: Avoid the side effects of medication.
Targeted and gentle: Adjustments are precise and tailored to your anatomy.
Long-term support: Helps address underlying causes, not just symptoms.
References
Smith, J., et al. (2018). Effects of upper cervical chiropractic care on patients with vertigo and dizziness: A clinical study. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research.
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). (2020). Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo
Bhattacharyya, N., et al. (2017). Clinical practice guideline: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (Update). Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 156(3_suppl), S1-S47.
