Can a Calgary chiropractor help with vertigo?

Vertigo is common. And disruptive. In 2022, nearly 500,000 Canadians visited an emergency department for dizziness—over 3.5% of all ED visits. That’s a lot of spinning rooms, missed workdays, and anxious nights.

The good news? Many cases are mechanical, testable, and treatable—especially when it’s BPPV or neck-related dizziness. Let’s make this simple and practical. PMC

Vertigo basics, made simple

Chiropractic can help when vertigo or dizziness has a mechanical driver—think inner-ear crystals (BPPV) or neck-related input (cervicogenic dizziness). A Calgary chiropractor starts by separating vertigo (spinning) from lightheadedness (woozy) and disequilibrium (off-balance).

Expect a clear history, neurological screen, and positional tests. If we find red flags or non-mechanical patterns, we coordinate with your GP or emergency care promptly.

That’s how a chiropractor Calgary NW clinic should handle safety.

BPPV: quick-win cases

BPPV happens when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) drift into the wrong inner-ear canal. Classic triggers: rolling in bed, looking up, or quick head turns. We confirm with a Dix–Hallpike-style test; if positive, we perform canalith repositioning (Epley) right away.

Many people feel better within 1–3 visits; some clinics report ~80% symptom-free by 3–4 sessions and modest yearly recurrence (~15%). If that’s your pattern, a chiropractor near me trained in maneuvers can be a game changer. isischiropractic.co.uk

Neck-driven dizziness

Sometimes the neck is the culprit: stiff joints, muscular tension, and altered proprioception can “confuse” balance systems. In these cases, gentle mobilization, targeted soft-tissue work, and movement re-education calm symptoms.

We’ll add vestibular-style drills and posture tweaks you can do at home. If you’re searching chiropractor Calgary for neck + dizziness, this pathway may fit you better than ear-based maneuvers.

How care looks for Vertigo in Calgary

At Axiom, we keep it gentle and evidence-informed. You’ll get a straightforward plan: confirm the driver → treat what’s treatable → teach you self-care that sticks. If you need imaging or a specialist (rare but important), we’ll help you move quickly.

This is the calm, systematic approach you should expect from a Calgary chiropractor.

Assessment playbook

Here’s our typical first-visit flow:

1. Clarify symptoms: spinning vs. lightheadedness vs. imbalance

2. Screen safety: neuro exam, vitals, red flags

3. Differentiate driver: BPPV tests (e.g., Dix–Hallpike) vs. cervical/mechanical tests

4. Treat today: Epley/Semont if indicated; or gentle neck care if cervical

5. Equip you: home drills, flare rules, and follow-up timing
   We’ll also outline “when to call us” and “when to call your doctor” so you’re never guessing.

Treatment toolkit

What we might use (matched to your pattern):

• Canalith repositioning (Epley/Semont) for BPPV

• Gentle mobilization and soft-tissue for cervical drivers

• Vestibular rehab elements (gaze stabilization, habituation)

• At-home progressions (position changes, micro-breaks, walk plan)

• Recurrence plan: what to do if symptoms return
  Curious about safety around the neck? Read our take: Do Chiropractors Cause Strokes?

Your at-home roadmap

Simple habits accelerate recovery. We’ll personalize your list, but these are common winners. Small, repeatable steps beat long, complicated routines.

BPPV home steps

Sleep strategy: semi-reclined for 1–2 nights after a maneuver (if advised)

1. Position awareness: slow rolls in bed; chin-tuck before looking up

2. Re-check window: if symptoms linger >72 hours, return for reassessment

3. Balance snacks: 30–60 seconds of stance drills (near a counter)

4. Avoid marathon screen time right after a flare; use the 20-20-20 eye rule
   Want a quick primer on expectations and consistency? See Once You Go to a Calgary Chiropractor, Do You Have to Keep Going?

Neck-dizzy home steps

Micro-breaks: every 30–45 minutes, stand and roll shoulders 5–10 times

1. Gentle isometrics: light holds into flexion/extension/rotation (pain-free)

2. Gaze drills: pencil push-ups or VOR x1 (if prescribed)

3. Walking plan: 10–15 minutes, 1–2× daily—smooth arm swing, easy pace

4. Pillow check: aim for neutral neck; swap overly tall pillows
   More on fundamentals and scope of practice: Are Calgary Chiropractors Real Doctors?

When to seek medical care

Most vertigo we see in clinic is safe to treat conservatively. But we take red flags seriously. That’s how a chiropractor Calgary NW practice keeps you protected.

Urgent red flags

• Call 911 or go to the ED if you notice:

  • New one-sided weakness, face droop, or speech trouble

  • Severe, sudden headache (“worst ever”) with neck pain

  • Double vision, persistent vomiting, or fainting

  • Hearing loss plus severe spinning after head trauma

  • Progressive neurological changes (worsening numbness/weakness)
    Remember: dizziness drives hundreds of thousands of ED visits in Canada each year, so you’re not overreacting by checking in when something feels off. PMC

Practical next steps

If symptoms match BPPV (positional spins) or neck-related patterns, start conservative care. If symptoms are atypical or worsening, we co-manage with your GP, ENT, or neurology. Either way, you’ll leave with a short list of actions for the next 24–48 hours and a clear follow-up plan.

See how we coordinate care across conditions in our piece What Is a Chiropractor Good For?

Conclusion: steady ground ahead

Vertigo feels scary. But once we identify the driver—BPPV or neck-related in many cases—care becomes focused and effective. For BPPV, maneuvers like Epley can calm symptoms quickly; for cervical patterns, gentle mobilization plus vestibular drills and smart daily habits work well.

We’ll screen for red flags, co-manage when needed, and keep your plan simple, actionable, and measurable. If you’re searching for a Calgary chiropractor who mixes precision with a gentle touch, we’d love to help. Book with Axiom Chiropractic and let’s get you steady again.

Prefer a calm, clear plan with a chiropractor near me who explains every step? It’s easy to Book with Axiom Chiropractic.

Or, if you want to get to know us first, start at Chiropractor Calgary—we’re here to help.

Sources

• Canadian ED burden: ~0.5M dizziness visits (3.5%) in 2022. PMC

• BPPV care pathway, Epley/Semont, outcomes & recurrence. isischiropractic.co.uk

• Chiropractic assessment & treatment for vertigo (BPPV and cervicogenic). chiropractorinoviedo.com+1