True Chiropractic Heidelberg
BPPV & Vertigo Chiropractor in Heidelberg
Dizziness and vertigo can be disorienting and disruptive. At True Chiropractic we assess the underlying causes and work with you on a clear approach to managing your symptoms.
No referral needed • Same-week appointments • Same chiropractor every visit • HICAPS on-site
Understanding your condition
What Is BPPV and Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or movement when you are still. It is not a condition itself but a symptom — one that can arise from several different sources. The most common cause is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when calcium carbonate crystals (called otoliths or ‘ear rocks’) become displaced from their normal position in the inner ear and migrate into one of the semicircular canals.
When the head moves, these displaced crystals create abnormal fluid movement in the canal, sending incorrect movement signals to the brain. The result is a brief but intense sensation of spinning, usually triggered by specific head positions — rolling over in bed, looking up, bending forward, or sitting up quickly.
A second important category is cervicogenic dizziness — dizziness that originates from the cervical spine (neck) rather than the inner ear. The upper cervical joints are densely packed with proprioceptive receptors that contribute to your brain’s sense of balance and spatial orientation. When these joints are not moving properly, the signals they send can become inaccurate, producing sensations of unsteadiness, lightheadedness, or dizziness that are often associated with neck pain or stiffness.
Common causes
What Can Cause Vertigo and Dizziness?
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BPPV (Displaced Ear Crystals)
The most common cause of vertigo. Calcium crystals in the inner ear migrate into the semicircular canals and disrupt the normal fluid signals your brain uses to detect head position.
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Cervicogenic Dizziness
Dysfunction in the upper cervical spine joints can produce inaccurate proprioceptive signals, leading to dizziness, unsteadiness, or spatial disorientation. Often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness.
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Whiplash or Neck Injury
Trauma to the cervical spine can disrupt normal joint mechanics and proprioception, contributing to persistent dizziness or balance problems that develop after an accident or fall.
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Medication Side Effects
Some medications can cause dizziness as a side effect. If you have recently started a new medication and developed dizziness, discuss this with your GP.
Signs and symptoms
How BPPV and Cervicogenic Dizziness Present
The symptom profile differs between BPPV and cervicogenic dizziness, which is why a thorough assessment is important before treatment begins.
BPPV typically presents as:
• Brief episodes of intense spinning (seconds to under a minute)
• Triggered by specific head movements — rolling over in bed, looking up
• Nausea with more severe episodes
• Nystagmus (involuntary rapid eye movement)
• Dizziness that resolves when the head stops moving
• No associated hearing loss or tinnitus (if hearing changes occur, see a GP)
Cervicogenic dizziness typically presents as:
• Dizziness associated with neck movement or sustained head positions
• Unsteadiness or a sensation of floating rather than spinning
• Associated neck pain, stiffness, or restricted movement
• Symptoms that worsen with prolonged screen use or desk work
• History of neck injury, whiplash, or postural problems
• Headaches originating from the base of the skull
If your dizziness is accompanied by sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, vision changes, difficulty speaking or swallowing, or weakness in the limbs, seek urgent medical attention immediately — these are red flag symptoms requiring emergency assessment.
The chiropractic approach
How Chiropractic Assessment Can Help With Vertigo
The role of chiropractic care depends entirely on the cause of your dizziness. This is why accurate diagnosis is the starting point.
For BPPV, the most effective treatment is a repositioning manoeuvre — most commonly the Epley manoeuvre — which guides the displaced crystals back to their correct position in the inner ear. This is a safe, well-researched procedure that can often produce rapid symptom resolution in a single session. Dr Lee is trained in assessment and delivery of repositioning manoeuvres for BPPV.
For cervicogenic dizziness, the approach focuses on restoring normal movement and proprioceptive input from the upper cervical spine. This may include spinal mobilisation or manipulation of restricted cervical joints, soft tissue work for associated muscle tension, and exercises to retrain balance and cervical proprioception.
For cases where dizziness has another cause — such as Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or medication side effects — Dr Lee will identify this during assessment and refer you to the appropriate practitioner if chiropractic care is not the right approach for your specific presentation.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ: Vertigo and Dizziness
Can a chiropractor help with BPPV?
Yes. A chiropractor trained in vestibular assessment can perform the Epley manoeuvre or other repositioning techniques for BPPV, which are the primary recommended treatment for this condition. Assessment first confirms that BPPV is the correct diagnosis before any treatment is applied.
How do I know if my dizziness is BPPV or something else?
BPPV produces brief, intense spinning triggered by specific head movements that resolves within a minute. Cervicogenic dizziness tends to be a more sustained unsteadiness linked to neck movement. Other conditions such as Ménière’s disease involve longer episodes with hearing changes. A proper clinical assessment is the most reliable way to differentiate these.
How many sessions does it take to resolve BPPV?
BPPV often responds quickly — many patients experience significant improvement after one or two repositioning sessions. Cervicogenic dizziness typically requires a longer course of care depending on the degree of cervical dysfunction involved.
When should I see a GP or go to emergency instead?
Seek urgent medical attention if dizziness is accompanied by sudden severe headache, vision changes, facial drooping, arm or leg weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, or falls. These symptoms may indicate a neurological emergency unrelated to the vestibular system.
Book an assessment
See a Chiropractor for Vertigo and Dizziness in Heidelberg
Dr Nicholas Lee • BSc, BHSc/BAppSc (Chiropractic) • AHPRA Registered
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to vertigo and dizziness, a thorough assessment is the right starting point. Dr Lee will take the time to understand your history, examine your presentation, and give you a clear picture of what is happening and what the most appropriate approach looks like for your situation.
True Chiropractic is located at 124–126 Mount Street, Heidelberg — 2 minutes from Heidelberg Station. No referral required.
Ready to Book Your Assessment?
True Chiropractic • 124–126 Mount Street, Heidelberg • No referral needed • HICAPS on-site • Same-week appointments
Important: The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. True Chiropractic complies with AHPRA guidelines for health practitioner advertising.