Vertigo

Vertigo — the sensation that the room is spinning — can be profoundly disabling. Upper cervical chiropractic care at Pura Vida is highly effective for the most common types of vertigo, often producing rapid and lasting relief.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the illusion of movement — either the patient feels as if they are spinning, or the environment appears to spin around them. The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), where calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become displaced in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. Cervicogenic vertigo arises from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine — C1 and C2 proprioceptors send signals to the vestibular system, and their misalignment creates conflicting sensory input perceived as spinning. Chiropractic care addresses both mechanisms effectively through upper cervical adjustments and craniosacral therapy.

Common Symptoms

Spinning sensation triggered by head movement or position change
Nausea and vomiting accompanying dizziness
Loss of balance or unsteady gait
Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement during an episode)
Sensation of pressure or fullness in the ear
Episodes lasting seconds (BPPV) to minutes or hours (Menière's)

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

Displaced otoconia in the semicircular canals (BPPV)
Upper cervical subluxation disrupting vestibular proprioception
Craniosacral restriction at the temporal bones affecting inner ear
Menière's disease from endolymphatic hydrops
Head injury or whiplash disturbing inner ear crystals
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency from cervical misalignment

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Vertigo

Dr. Foss assesses the upper cervical spine and temporal bones for dysfunction contributing to vertigo. SOT craniosacral corrections at the occiput, atlas, and temporal bones normalize proprioceptive signals from the cervical spine to the vestibular system. Canalith repositioning maneuvers (Epley or Semont) are performed for BPPV to guide displaced crystals back to their proper location. Most BPPV patients experience resolution within one to three sessions. Cervicogenic vertigo responds well to sustained upper cervical care over several weeks.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Vertigo?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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