Vertigo & Dizziness Treatment in Omaha

Two areas we evaluate when you feel dizzy

1. BPPV: an inner-ear cause of positional vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) happens when tiny calcium crystals move from their usual location into an inner-ear semicircular canal. Changing head position can move those crystals and trigger a brief spinning sensation.

• The room spins when you roll over in bed or lie down.
• Looking up or bending over brings on an episode.
• Spinning comes in short bursts, sometimes with nausea.

These clues help guide an examination; they do not confirm BPPV by themselves. We use positional testing, including the Dix-Hallpike test when appropriate, to look for the characteristic eye movements and identify the involved side. Different canals may require different tests and treatments.

2. Cervical vertigo: evaluating the neck’s possible role

We also assess your cervical spine when dizziness occurs alongside neck pain, stiffness, or restricted movement. This includes evaluating neck movement, muscle tension, and alignment findings—sometimes described as cervical misalignment. Neck findings alone do not establish the cause of dizziness. Cervical vertigo, also called cervicogenic dizziness, is a debated diagnosis, and a direct link between cervical misalignment and spinning vertigo has not been established. Inner-ear disorders, vestibular migraine, medication effects, and other medical causes need consideration before attributing symptoms to the neck. When your examination identifies a neck problem that is appropriate for chiropractic care, we explain options for addressing that problem and coordinate further evaluation when needed. Explore our chiropractic approach →

How we perform the Epley maneuver

The Epley maneuver is a guided sequence of head and body positions that uses gravity to move displaced crystals out of the affected posterior semicircular canal and back toward the utricle.

1. Evaluate first. We review your symptoms, perform appropriate testing, and consider whether your neck mobility and health history allow the maneuver safely.
2. Choose the correct side and procedure. Treatment depends on which ear and canal are involved. Epley is commonly used for posterior-canal BPPV.
3. Guide each position. We support you through the sequence, pause as appropriate, and monitor your symptoms. Temporary spinning or nausea can occur.
4. Reassess and plan follow-up. We check your response and explain what to do if symptoms persist or return.

Our experience combining chiropractic care and Epley

In our clinical experience at Life Source Chiropractic, some of our best responses have occurred when we combine the Epley maneuver with chiropractic care for an associated neck problem. When clinically appropriate, this may include upper cervical care before the maneuver. This reflects our experience with selected patients, rather than proof that the combination works better than Epley alone. Repositioning maneuvers are the established treatment for posterior-canal BPPV; chiropractic care is considered separately for examination findings in the neck. Your plan depends on your diagnosis, preferences, and response.

When dizziness needs medical attention

Seek emergency care for sudden dizziness with a new severe headache or neck pain, weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking, double vision, fainting, or difficulty standing or walking. Sudden hearing loss also needs urgent medical evaluation. For recurring positional spinning, persistent imbalance, or dizziness that limits daily life, arrange an evaluation. If your findings suggest a cause outside our scope, we help guide you toward an appropriate medical or vestibular specialist.

Questions about vertigo care

Learn more: Dr. Wiese’s BPPV and Epley guide · BPPV clinical guideline · Bárány Society position on cervical dizziness. This page provides general education; an examination is needed for individual advice.