Vertigo Treatment in Bel Air & Towson, MD
Vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when you're not. It can be triggered by movements like turning your head too quickly or looking down from a height, but it's ultimately caused by problems in the inner ear, brain, or brainstem. Whatever type of dizziness you're experiencing, it can take a real toll on your quality of life. At Ultimate Health in Bel Air and Towson, we evaluate the cause of your vertigo and provide targeted, conservative care for the types that respond to it.
Understanding and Treating Vertigo and Dizziness
There are two main forms of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo comes from a problem in the inner ear and its balance system, and it often starts suddenly with intense spinning. Central vertigo comes from a problem in the brain or brainstem and needs medical evaluation. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)—a common type of peripheral vertigo caused by displaced inner-ear crystals—and dizziness related to neck dysfunction often respond well to conservative care.
Common Causes of Vertigo
- BPPV (displaced inner-ear crystals)
- Inner ear inflammation, such as vestibular neuritis
- Neck injuries or dysfunction (cervicogenic dizziness)
- Whiplash from car accidents
- Head injuries
- Conditions affecting the brain or brainstem (central vertigo)
Signs and Symptoms
- A spinning or tilting sensation
- Dizziness triggered by rolling over, looking up, or bending down
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Neck stiffness or headaches with dizziness
How We Treat Vertigo at Ultimate Health
After a careful exam to determine the likely cause, we may use canalith repositioning maneuvers for BPPV, gentle chiropractic adjustments or the Activator Method for neck-related dizziness, soft tissue therapy for neck tension, and balance and gaze-stabilization rehab exercises. If your symptoms suggest a central cause, we'll refer you for appropriate medical care.
When to Seek Care
If your symptoms have lasted more than a few days, keep coming back, or are getting in the way of work, sleep, or activity, it's time for an evaluation. Seek immediate medical attention for sudden severe symptoms, loss of bladder or bowel control, unexplained weakness, or symptoms following major trauma. Learn more about our approach on our Why Choose Us page or browse all conditions we treat.
Important Safety Note
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if dizziness comes with a sudden severe headache, slurred speech, facial drooping, weakness or numbness on one side, double vision, or difficulty walking. These can be signs of a stroke or other serious condition.
Vertigo FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with vertigo?
Certain types of vertigo, such as BPPV and neck-related dizziness, often respond well to repositioning maneuvers, adjustments, and targeted exercises.
What is BPPV?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occurs when tiny crystals in the inner ear move out of place, causing brief spinning episodes with certain head movements.
What is the Epley maneuver?
The Epley maneuver is a series of guided head and body positions that help move displaced inner-ear crystals back into place to relieve BPPV.
Can neck problems cause dizziness?
Yes. Dysfunction or injury in the upper neck can contribute to dizziness, often called cervicogenic dizziness.
What's the difference between peripheral and central vertigo?
Peripheral vertigo comes from the inner ear and usually begins suddenly, while central vertigo comes from the brain or brainstem and requires medical evaluation.
How many treatments does vertigo take?
BPPV may improve in just one or a few sessions, while other types of dizziness usually need a longer plan with exercises.
When is dizziness an emergency?
Seek emergency care if dizziness comes with a severe headache, slurred speech, facial drooping, one-sided weakness, vision changes, or trouble walking.
Get Relief From Vertigo
Don't let vertigo hold you back. Call our Bel Air office at (410) 399-2225 or our Towson office at (443) 275-7620, or request your appointment online and let our Bel Air and Towson team help you move and feel better.