Dizziness Isn't All In Your Head: A Doctor Explains Vertigo + Ways To Treat It

The most prevalent cause of dizziness is vertigo, which accounts for 54 percent1 of dizziness reports in primary care offices. Vertigo2 creates a feeling of spinning within your body2 and also potentially within your environment. This feeling can last seconds or minutes (as in vestibular paroxysm) or hours (as in Menière’s disease or vestibular migraine). In the worst cases, vertigo can last days or even weeks2.

BPPV creates brief dizziness episodes often triggered by specific changes, like moving your head up or down, lying down, turning over, or sitting up. Symptoms of BPPV besides dizziness include nausea, vomiting, and unsteadiness that can increase your risk for falls. Fortunately, BPPV is the easiest type of vertigo to treat. If you suspect you have BPPV, consult with your doctor to discuss effective strategies to reduce or eliminate symptoms.

Treating vertigo typically includes some combination of medication, physical therapy, and psychotherapy. In extreme cases, it may require surgery5, but this is rare. The treatment method and medications used depend on the type of vertigo6 and any underlying conditions. In the case of BPPV, a doctor may be able to help move the calcium crystals that cause the problem out of the ear canal, providing relief. Additionally, a doctor might prescribe medication including diuretics, anti-dizziness medications, anti-nausea medications, anti-anxiety medications, and migraine remedies. However, vertigo often demands a multifactorial approach beyond medication. One option is seeing a chiropractor. Vertigo centers on the nervous system and the structures that surround it, including the spine and its structure, so chiropractic treatments can be a perfect complement to care.

With the right approach, you can effectively manage vertigo. Research has found2 that combined therapy—including regular exercise and balance training—leads to marked improvement in more than 70 percent of patients, even those who've had vertigo for years.

Processed, sugary foods can trigger blood sugar fluctuations, and so do things like alcohol, which can worsen symptoms like dizziness. Studies have found that reducing unhealthy fats and carbohydrates while increasing fiber-rich foods can stabilize triglycerides7 and minimize harm to the inner ear. Eating a whole foods, unprocessed diet with plenty of high-fiber plant foods including leafy and cruciferous vegetables as well as berries and legumes is a great way to stabilize your blood sugar and provide the nutrients your body needs to thrive.

Oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators may contribute to vertigo. One study found people with BPPV had low levels of antioxidants8. Load up on antioxidant-rich foods like berries and nonstarchy vegetables along with anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty-acid-rich foods including wild-caught seafood, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Studies show stress and vertigo go hand in hand9 and often feed off each other. When you’re stressed out, you’re more likely to experience an episode of vertigo, and worrying about vertigo, in turn, increases stress and anxiety. You can learn to manage those emotions with calming practices like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

A number of herbs can provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other benefits that can ameliorate the symptoms of vertigo. Among them include turmeric, cayenne, Ginkgo biloba, and ginger root. Just remember to always talk to your health care practitioner before incorporating new supplements or herbs into your routine.

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