Vertigo Treatment in Lynnwood, WA
Vertigo is not a disease by itself — it is a signal that something in the body’s balance system needs attention, whether in the inner ear, neck, or nervous system. For many older adults, symptoms may improve over time, but proper evaluation and gentle, targeted care can make a meaningful difference in safety, stability, and confidence.
At Alderwood Back and Neck Pain in Lynnwood, WA, Dr. Darcy Szigety, DC offers natural, non‑invasive vertigo care. We focus on finding what is triggering your symptoms and how your spine, neck, and nervous system are involved.
If you are searching for vertigo treatment in Lynnwood, this page will walk you through causes, options, and how chiropractic may help.
Call (425) 775-6767 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is more than simply feeling lightheaded. It is a false sense of movement, where you may feel like you are spinning, tilting, or rocking — or as if the room is moving around you, even when you are perfectly still.
Vertigo is a symptom, not a disease. It often begins in the body’s balance system, which includes:
- The inner ear balance system.
- The vestibular nerve that carries signals to the brain.
- The brain’s balance centers themselves.
- The inner ear balance system.
How Vertigo Behaves:
- Episodes may last a few seconds (such as when rolling over in bed or looking up).
- More intense spells may last minutes to hours.
- Many older adults report feeling off-balance, relying on walls or furniture for support, and experiencing a fear of falling when symptoms begin.
Important to Know:
- Vertigo is common, especially with aging.
- It is not “in your head.”
- These sensations occur because the balance system is sending mixed signals that the brain is trying to interpret.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Common vertigo symptoms can vary in strength from mild to severe:
- Spinning or rocking sensation: Feels like you or the room are moving even when you are still.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness: A floating or off‑balance feeling, especially with head movement.
- Nausea and vomiting: Your stomach reacts to the mismatch between what your eyes see and what your inner ear feels.
- Headaches or pressure in the head: The strain of vertigo can trigger head pain or fullness.
- Sweating or feeling clammy: Many people feel flushed or sweaty during a vertigo attack.
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus): You may notice buzzing, ringing, or fullness in one or both ears.
- Blurred or double vision: Your eyes may have trouble stabilizing during an episode.
- Difficulty walking or standing: You might stumble, drift to one side, or feel unsafe on your feet.
- Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements, often side to side, that can be seen by a provider.
Hearing changes in one ear: Some conditions cause temporary or ongoing hearing loss.
Types of Vertigo
Vertigo has two main categories:
- Peripheral vertigo: Peripheral vertigo is the most common type and occurs when there is a problem in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve that helps control balance.
- Central vertigo: Central vertigo, on the other hand, begins in the brain—typically in the brainstem or cerebellum—and may come with more complex neurological symptoms. Because of this, central vertigo often requires additional medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Common causes include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear move into the wrong place and confuse your balance system.
- Meniere’s disease: Inner ear fluid buildup causes vertigo, ringing, and hearing changes.
- Labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis: Infections or inflammation in the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
- Vestibular migraine: Migraine processes affecting balance centers, with or without headache.
- Head or neck injury: Concussions, whiplash, or falls can disrupt both the neck and inner ear.
- Stroke or other central conditions: Less common, but serious; require urgent medical care.
- Medication side effects: Certain drugs can damage or irritate inner ear function.
Vertigo is your body’s warning light. The key is figuring out what is underneath it.
Vertigo Treatment Options
Common medical and rehab options:
- Medications
- Antihistamines, anti-nausea medications, or other prescriptions to calm symptoms (managed by your medical doctor).
- Antihistamines, anti-nausea medications, or other prescriptions to calm symptoms (managed by your medical doctor).
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
- Targeted exercises that train your brain and inner ear to work together again.
- Helps with balance, gaze stability, and motion sensitivity.
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers
- For BPPV, specific head movements are used to move inner ear crystals back where they belong.
- For BPPV, specific head movements are used to move inner ear crystals back where they belong.
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Hydration, sleep, stress management, and careful movement habits.
- Hydration, sleep, stress management, and careful movement habits.
Chiropractic care does not replace emergency or medical treatment. It can be a supportive, non‑invasive option for many patients once serious causes are ruled out.
Chiropractic Treatment for Vertigo
If you are feeling tired, dizzy, or unsteady and suspect that your symptoms may be related to recurring vertigo, it may be time to seek vertigo care in Lynnwood, WA. Mild cases can sometimes resolve on their own, but when dizziness begins to interfere with daily activities or increases your risk of falling, a qualified healthcare professional should evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Standard treatment options may include the following:
- Spinal and cervical adjustments
- A well‑aligned spine supports your nervous system.
- The neck protects nerves that help coordinate balance information.
- Gentle adjustments can reduce joint irritation and muscle tension that may be confusing your balance signals.
- Improved nerve communication
- When the neck and upper back move better, signals between your inner ear, eyes, and brain can be clearer.
- When the neck and upper back move better, signals between your inner ear, eyes, and brain can be clearer.
- Supportive exercises and posture coaching
- Simple neck, shoulder, and balance exercises.
- Guidance on head movements and posture that may reduce triggers.
About positional maneuvers:
- Some chiropractors are trained in canalith repositioning maneuvers (like the Epley maneuver) for BPPV.
- These are specific head and body movements that help guide loose crystals in the inner ear back to the correct spot.
- Studies show these maneuvers are often very effective for BPPV, but results still vary by person.
Chiropractic vertigo care is:
- Non‑invasive
- Medication‑free
- Tailored to your history, exam findings, and comfort level
Your chiropractor should always work with your medical provider when needed and refer out if something does not fit a chiropractic scope.
What Our Patients Say
“I came in terrified to drive because the world would tilt when I turned my head. After a few gentle neck treatments and balance exercises, my episodes are shorter and less intense. I finally feel like myself again.”
“My vertigo would hit every time I rolled over in bed. The team explained everything clearly, worked on my neck, and gave me simple home tips. Now I can sleep without bracing for a spin.”
“Everyone was so patient and kind. They never rushed me, and they always checked how I was feeling after each visit. My balance is better, and I feel more confident walking and working.”
Book An Appointment
Please use the booking tool below to book an appointment or by calling us on (425) 775-6767
FAQs - Vertigo Treatment
What does vertigo feel like?
Most people describe vertigo as a spinning or rocking feeling. It may feel like you are moving when you are not or like the room is sliding or tilting around you. It is different from just feeling “off” or a bit lightheaded.
Is vertigo the same as dizziness?
Not exactly. Dizziness is a broad term. It can include feeling faint, woozy, or off balance. Vertigo is more specific. It is the illusion of movement or spinning, either of you or your surroundings, often linked to inner ear or brain balance issues.
How does the Epley maneuver work?
The Epley maneuver is a series of head and body movements used for certain cases of BPPV. The goal is to move tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear back to the correct chamber so they stop triggering false “movement” signals. It is gentle, but should be done by someone trained in the technique.
Is chiropractic safe for vertigo?
For most people, chiropractic is considered a safe, non‑invasive option when provided by a licensed chiropractor. The key is proper evaluation first. Serious causes like stroke must be ruled out by medical providers. Once cleared, chiropractic can work alongside your doctor’s care to support your recovery.
How long until I feel better?
Some patients notice changes within a few sessions. Others need several weeks of consistent care, especially when vertigo has been going on for a long time. Recovery time depends on the cause, your general health, and how closely you follow home instructions. Results are individual and cannot be guaranteed.
Content Reviewed by
