Why Chiropractic Adjustment Helped My Vestibular Migraine Symptoms

Honestly, when I first heard about a chiropractic adjustment helping with vestibular migraine, I was a little skeptical. I’ve tried everything from prescription meds to acupuncture—and while some things helped, others just… didn’t. But chiropractic? I wasn’t sure what cracking my spine had to do with the spinning room and nausea that had become a regular (and unwanted) part of my life. Turns out, there’s more to it than I thought. So if you’re here wondering whether your chiropractor might have the answer to those dizzy spells, hang tight—we’re diving deep.

What Is a Vestibular Migraine, Really?

Vestibular migraines are a particular kind of monster. They don’t always come with head pain, but instead, they mess with your balance. You might feel like the room is spinning, you’re on a boat, or your coordination is just off. It’s not your average headache. And what makes it worse is that these symptoms can sneak up unexpectedly.

Unlike typical migraines, vestibular ones are more tied to the inner ear and brain signals that control your balance. According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms can include vertigo, light sensitivity, nausea, and even motion sickness. Sounds fun, right?

Common Triggers You Might Be Overlooking

• Stress and sleep disruptions
• Hormonal changes
• Dietary triggers like caffeine or chocolate
• Weather shifts
• Sensory overload (bright lights, loud noise)

All of these can stir the pot and bring on a vestibular migraine. But let’s be real—avoiding every trigger can feel like trying to dodge raindrops during a storm.

So, Where Does Chiropractic Come Into Play?

This is where things got interesting for me. After visiting this article on chiropractic migraine treatment, I figured I had nothing to lose by giving it a shot. Vestibular migraine symptoms often stem from disruptions in the brain’s communication with the body, especially through the spine and neck. Chiropractors believe that misalignment—especially in the cervical spine (neck)—can mess with your nervous system and possibly contribute to those dizzy spells.

During adjustments, chiropractors aim to correct these misalignments, restoring balance (literally and figuratively). Anecdotally, I started noticing my vertigo attacks became less intense, and the foggy head syndrome? Way less frequent. And I’m not the only one. There are dozens of clinical reports showing improvements in migraine patterns with consistent chiropractic care.

Chiropractic Approaches That May Help

1. Cervical Spine Adjustments: Gently realigning vertebrae to relieve pressure on nerves and improve blood flow.
2. Postural Correction: Especially useful if you’re stuck at a desk all day or prone to slouching.
3. Soft Tissue Therapy: Loosening up muscle tension that can aggravate headaches and migraines.

Some chiropractors even blend in vestibular rehabilitation exercises. These helped me gradually tolerate motion better, reducing the abruptness of attacks. It’s not just about cracking bones—it’s about targeting the source of neurological disruption.

What the Research (and Experience) Suggests

The scientific jury is still out on definitive conclusions, but that’s common with migraine research. One study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found a reduction in migraine days among participants receiving chiropractic adjustments. For vestibular migraine, the anecdotal evidence and case studies are starting to pile up.

In my case, working chiropractic sessions into my migraine routine has helped round out the overly clinical, pill-based approach I was stuck in. It also led me to discover some lifestyle tweaks I wasn’t considering—like improving sleep posture, which I learned more about through this sleep position guide.

Why Alignment May Matter More Than You Think

Think of your spine like a superhighway for messages between your brain and body. If there’s a “traffic jam” because of misalignment, it can cause a ripple effect—affecting circulation, nerve function, and muscle tension. All of which are common culprits in migraine attacks, particularly the vestibular type.

This idea is explored in-depth in this article on neurological migraine causes, which explains how central nervous system dysregulation plays a major role in migraine onset. Combine that with neck pain (which a lot of us migraine folks deal with), and you start seeing the full picture.

Signs Your Spine Might Be Messing with Your Head

• Recurring stiffness in the neck
• Clicking or grinding sounds when you move your head
• Headaches that start in the neck and radiate upward
• Frequent dizziness or off-balance sensations

Sound familiar? It might be worth chatting with a licensed chiropractor—ideally one who’s experienced in migraine-specific care.

When Chiropractic Isn’t the Whole Answer

Let’s be real—chiropractic care isn’t a silver bullet. For me, it worked best when combined with lifestyle changes, dietary tweaks, and yes, even the occasional med. The goal isn’t to replace everything with chiropractic, but to add it to your toolkit. If you’re serious about tackling migraines from all angles, this is just one powerful piece of the puzzle.

You can dive deeper into other treatment strategies on the migraine treatment pillar page and check the general migraine overview at Healthusias’ main migraine hub.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Session

Walking into my first chiropractic session was like stepping into a whole new world. No fluorescent lights. No paper gowns. No 10-minute rushed consultation. Instead, it started with a real conversation. Most chiropractors will sit down with you for a full assessment—asking about your migraine history, symptoms, lifestyle habits, and what triggers you’ve noticed.

Then comes the physical exam. They’ll check your posture, spinal alignment, and how your body responds to specific movements. If your vestibular migraine symptoms are tied to neck tension or misalignment (spoiler: they often are), you’ll probably hear about it here. It’s a surprisingly holistic process.

The Adjustment Experience (Spoiler: It’s Not Scary)

I was bracing myself for bone-crunching noises and dramatic neck twists, but the reality was gentler. The adjustments were targeted, controlled, and usually over in seconds. Some involved a simple, firm pressure applied while I was lying on a table. Others used a small hand-held device (an “activator”) that gently nudges specific vertebrae into better position.

And after a few sessions? That constant heaviness in the base of my skull began to let up. The dizzy spells became less frequent. Was it magic? Nah. Just science and alignment.

Combining Chiropractic with Other Vestibular Migraine Strategies

I’m a big believer in using every tool available—especially when your brain’s in revolt. Here’s what worked alongside my chiropractic sessions:

1. Vestibular rehab therapy (VRT): Simple eye and balance exercises that retrain your brain to process movement better.
2. Magnesium and B2: I learned about these through this B-vitamin guide. These supplements were game-changers in lowering frequency.
3. Hydration tracking: You’d be surprised how many of my worst migraines hit on days I was too busy to drink enough water. Chronic dehydration is a known trigger. More on that here.
4. Neck strengthening and stretching: My chiropractor gave me targeted exercises to keep my posture on point between sessions.

Every one of these helped round out my care in a way meds alone never did.

Signs You Might Be a Good Candidate for Chiropractic Adjustment

Wondering if chiropractic might be the right fit for you? Here are a few clues:

• You experience neck pain or stiffness alongside your vestibular migraines
• Your migraines started or worsened after a head or neck injury
• You notice dizziness when you turn your head too fast
• You’ve already ruled out major neurological causes
• Standard treatments haven’t delivered consistent relief

If you’re nodding along to a few of these, it may be worth reaching out to a chiropractor—ideally one who understands migraine mechanics. Bonus if they’ve worked with patients on vertigo or vestibular disorders.

What Risks or Side Effects Should You Know About?

Let’s talk honestly. Chiropractic care isn’t risk-free. While complications are rare, you could experience temporary soreness, fatigue, or a mild headache after treatment. It’s not super common, but it’s something to keep in mind—especially if you’re in the middle of a vestibular migraine episode. Personally, I found it helpful to schedule my adjustments on lower-symptom days.

Always go to a licensed and experienced chiropractor. If you’ve had spinal surgery or a history of strokes, definitely consult your primary doctor first.

And don’t forget: vestibular migraine symptoms can also overlap with serious issues, so ruling out conditions like Meniere’s disease or neurological disorders is crucial. There’s a great overview on differential diagnoses here.

Supporting Tools That Pair Well With Chiropractic

If you’re going the chiropractic route, there are a few extra tools worth looking into. I discovered this list of migraine-friendly devices and found a few gems:

• Blue-light blocking glasses: Helped with eye strain and prevented light-triggered migraines during work hours.
• Cefaly device: It’s a headband-like stimulator that targets the trigeminal nerve—feels weird at first, but I felt results.
• Neck pillows: Supporting proper spinal alignment while sleeping reduced morning migraines for me.

These aren’t magic fixes, but they help keep things stable between chiropractic visits.

Taking the First Step: How to Start Safely

If this article’s got you thinking about trying chiropractic care for your vestibular migraines, here’s how to get started:

1. Research providers in your area who list migraine or vestibular issues in their specialties.
2. Schedule a consultation—many chiropractors offer a first visit at a discounted rate or even free.
3. Bring your migraine history, a list of symptoms, and any scans or medical notes with you.
4. Ask questions! You want someone who’s not only skilled but can explain things in a way that makes sense.

I found mine through a friend who had similar issues—and honestly, I wish I’d tried it sooner.

Looking for more background on migraine symptoms and types? This overview of vestibular migraines breaks it down clearly. You can also explore the wider picture in the main migraine resource page and the section on tools and devices to keep building your toolkit.

Bianca Nala

Bianca Nala is a compassionate Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in primary and respiratory care. As a health writer for Healthusias.com, she combines her clinical expertise with a talent for clear, relatable storytelling to help readers better understand their health. Bianca focuses on topics like asthma, COPD, chronic cough, and overall lung health, aiming to simplify complex medical topics without losing accuracy. Whether she’s treating patients or writing articles, Bianca is driven by a single goal: making quality healthcare knowledge accessible to everyone.