Dizziness & Vertigo

Dizziness, also known as vertigo, is a common condition that may present as faintness, unsteadiness, perceptions of spinning and disorientation. There are numerous causes of dizziness: inner ear (vestibular) issues; nervous system conditions; cardiovascular conditions; and cervical spine (neck) dysfunction. 

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common causes of vertigo. Dr. Van Wagenen is trained in non-surgical canalith repositioning procedures that have success rates ranging from 74% to 93% after 1 or 2 treatments (1, 2). 

Cervicogenic dizziness, or dizziness related to cervical spine dysfunction, is commonly misdiagnosed as benign positional paroxysmal vertigo and is treated differently. Dizziness aggravated by change in head position (e.g. rolling over in bed) is a classic symptom found in both conditions. There is not a specific test for cervicogenic dizziness. It is diagnosed when diagnostic testing and/or treatment for other potential causes have been ruled out. Our patients commonly report significant, immediate relief of symptoms after manual therapy treatment. 

Multiple research studies (3) show "consistent beneficial effects of using manual therapy as an intervention to treat cervicogenic dizziness". Patients reported significant improvements with both intensity and frequency of dizziness episodes after receiving manual therapy.  

(1) Wolf et al (1999) Laryngoscope. 
(2) Fyrmpas et al (2013) Eur Archives of  Oto-Rhino-Laryngology. 
(3)Yaseen et al (2018) Journal of Physical Therapy Science.