Chiropractor for vertigo in Paris: treatment of vertigo of cervical origin

Yes, a chiropractor can effectively treat cervicogenic vertigo and benign positional vertigo (BPPV). A differential assessment identifies the cause and guides treatment. Improvement is often felt within the first few sessions.

Vertigo affects approximately 15 to 20% of the adult population and is a frequent reason for seeking medical advice. Among the various causes of vertigo, cervical origin (cervicogenic vertigo) is often overlooked and underdiagnosed, even though it accounts for a significant proportion of cases.

Chiropractic is particularly effective for vertigo originating in the cervical spine, by treating dysfunctions of the upper cervical vertebrae that disrupt proprioceptive input and vestibular coordination. At the Sophie Baltaci Chiropractor practice in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, we conduct a comprehensive differential assessment to identify the cause of your vertigo and offer a tailored treatment plan.

Cervicogenic vertigo is often associated with neck pain and to migraines.

Types of vertigo treated in chiropractic

It is essential to distinguish between the different types of vertigo in order to guide treatment.

Cervicogenic vertigo

A sensation of instability, imbalance, or dizziness related to neck movements. Proprioceptive receptors in the upper cervical vertebrae (C1-C3) inform the brain about the head's position. Their dysfunction creates a conflict between visual, vestibular, and cervical information, causing vertigo.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Brief, intense vertigo triggered by changes in head position (lying down, turning over in bed, looking up). Caused by the displacement of otoliths in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. A chiropractor can perform repositioning maneuvers (Epley, Semont).

Dizziness and postural instability

A sensation of floating, unsteadiness while walking, or feeling like you're on unstable ground, without any real rotation. These are often linked to chronic neck tension, a forward head posture, or post-traumatic stress disorder (such as whiplash). These symptoms respond well to chiropractic treatment.

Cervical causes of vertigo

The link between cervical spine and vertigo is medically established and falls within the chiropractic competence.

upper cervical dysfunctions

The C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae contain the highest density of proprioceptors in the body. Their dysfunction (subluxation, restricted mobility) sends erroneous information to the brain, creating a sensory conflict perceived as vertigo. Cervical trauma (whiplash, falls) is a frequent trigger.

Muscular and arterial tension

Tension in the suboccipital and deep cervical muscles impairs cervical proprioception. Compression or irritation of the vertebral artery by cervical dysfunction can also contribute to symptoms. Chiropractic evaluation routinely includes vertebral artery testing to ensure treatment safety.

Chiropractor or ENT for vertigo?

An ENT specialist focuses on the inner ear and vestibular system, essential for diagnosing conditions like Ménière's disease or vestibular neuritis. A chiropractor treats cervicogenic vertigo and BPPV, which do not originate from inner ear pathology.

In practice, both approaches are complementary. If your vertigo is triggered by neck movements, accompanied by cervical pain, or your ENT found no vestibular cause, chiropractic care is often the right next step. At our clinic, we perform a complete assessment and refer to an ENT if tests indicate a non-cervical cause.

Chiropractic treatment for vertigo

The treatment targets the cervical and vestibular causes of vertigo with specialized and safe techniques.

Upper cervical adjustments

Correction of C1-C3 dysfunctions through precise and gentle adjustment techniques (high-velocity, low-amplitude techniques or instrumental techniques). Restoring cervical mobility normalizes proprioceptive afferents and reduces the sensory conflict responsible for vertigo.

Repositioning maneuvers (VPPB)

For positional vertigo, the chiropractor uses the Epley or Semont maneuvers, which reposition displaced otoliths within the semicircular canals. These maneuvers are effective in 80 to 90% of BPPV cases after the first or second session.

Vestibular and postural rehabilitation

Exercises to stabilize gaze, balance, and cervical proprioception to strengthen coordination between the vestibular, visual, and proprioceptive systems. Correction of cervical posture to prevent recurrence.

Procedure for the care

Complete differential balance

Neurological and vestibular examination (Dix-Hallpike test, cephalic impulse test, Romberg test), complete cervical examination, and vertebral artery tests. This assessment is essential to distinguish cervicogenic vertigo from central causes requiring medical referral.

Targeted and progressive treatment

The protocol is tailored to the specific type of vertigo identified. For BPPV: repositioning maneuvers. For cervicogenic vertigo: cervical adjustments, muscle therapy, and rehabilitation. Improvement is often rapid (1 to 4 sessions for BPPV, 4 to 8 sessions for cervicogenic vertigo).

Practical tips between sessions

In addition to chiropractic treatment, these habits help reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes:

• Avoid sudden head movements, especially upon waking. Get up in two stages: sit up first, then stand slowly.
• Monitor your desk posture: screen at eye level, head aligned with your spine. Forward head posture is a major risk factor for cervicogenic vertigo.
• Practice the gaze stabilisation exercises prescribed by your chiropractor: fixate on a point and slowly turn your head left to right, 10 repetitions, 3 times daily.
• Sleep with a pillow that maintains cervical alignment. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, which forces prolonged cervical rotation.
• Reduce stress and fatigue, which worsen cervical tension and amplify vertigo episodes. Daily walking and breathing exercises are beneficial.

Clinical Results and Data

Studies show that repositioning maneuvers are 80 to 90% effective for BPPV. For cervicogenic vertigo, 75% of patients report significant improvement after chiropractic treatment targeting the upper cervical vertebrae. Chiropractic is recognized as a first-line treatment option for vertigo of cervical origin.

When should I consult a doctor for dizziness?

• Dizziness triggered by neck or head movements
• Sensation of dizziness when changing position (lying down, getting up)
• Recurring instability or feeling of imbalance
• Dizziness associated with neck pain or stiffness
• History of cervical trauma (whiplash, fall)
• Dizziness without a cause identified by standard medical examinations

Regain your balance and serenity

Dizziness is not inevitable. At Sophie Baltaci Chiropractor's office in Paris's 2nd arrondissement, we identify the cause of your dizziness and offer targeted and effective treatment. Schedule an appointment for a comprehensive assessment and regain your balance in everyday life.