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Vertigo and dizziness can make even simple daily tasks feel difficult. Dr Oliver Dans uses chiropractic assessment to identify the cause and work toward addressing it.
Dr Oliver Dans
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or movement when you are still. It is not just general dizziness, though the two are often confused. Understanding which type of vertigo or dizziness a patient is experiencing matters, because the underlying cause and the appropriate approach differ significantly between types.
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals, disrupting the normal signals sent to the brain about head position. The result is brief, intense spinning sensations typically triggered by specific head movements such as rolling over in bed or tilting the head back. BPPV responds well to specific repositioning techniques. A thorough assessment is needed first to confirm the diagnosis and identify which canal is affected before any treatment is applied.
Cervical vertigo originates in the neck rather than the inner ear. The upper cervical spine contains specialised receptors that help the brain interpret head position and balance. When these receptors are disrupted through joint restriction, muscle tension, or nerve irritation in the neck, the result can be dizziness, unsteadiness, and a sense of disorientation that is closely tied to neck movement or posture.
Cervical vertigo is frequently overlooked because it does not show up on standard vestibular tests. A chiropractic assessment that evaluates cervical function alongside vestibular signs is often what identifies it.
Vestibular disorder chiropractic care addresses presentations where the balance system more broadly has been disrupted, whether through inner ear dysfunction, neurological changes, or a combination of cervical and vestibular factors. These cases tend to be more complex and benefit from a thorough assessment that considers all contributing elements rather than treating a single suspected cause.
The relationship between neck function and dizziness is one of the most underrecognised connections in musculoskeletal health. The upper cervical spine, particularly the top two vertebrae, has a dense concentration of proprioceptive receptors that constantly send positional information to the brain. When this region is not moving correctly, those signals become inaccurate, and the brain struggles to reconcile conflicting information from the eyes, inner ear, and neck.
The result is often described as feeling off-balance, lightheaded, or as though the room is subtly shifting. Patients with cervicogenic dizziness frequently also have neck stiffness, headaches, or a history of neck injury, though the dizziness itself may not feel obviously connected to the neck.
When dizziness originates in the cervical spine, chiropractic for dizziness focuses on restoring normal joint movement in the neck. This helps reduce the inaccurate signals being sent to the brain that produce the sensation of dizziness or imbalance.
As a vertigo chiropractor, Dr Oliver’s approach begins with distinguishing between the different types of vertigo and dizziness before any treatment is applied. The assessment considers the vestibular system, cervical spine function, posture, and neurological signs, and treatment is directed based on what is found.
Where BPPV is identified, specific repositioning manoeuvres such as the Epley manoeuvre are used to guide the dislodged crystals back to where they belong. These techniques are well-established and often produce rapid improvement when the correct canal is identified and the technique is properly applied.
For cervical vertigo treatment, targeted adjustments to the upper cervical spine help restore normal joint movement and improve the accuracy of the proprioceptive signals being sent to the brain. The technique is gentle and adapted to each patient’s presentation.
For more complex vestibular disorder presentations, Dr Oliver’s assessment looks at the full picture, considering whether inner ear, cervical, or broader neurological factors are involved. Where the presentation warrants further investigation or a referral to a specialist, Dr Oliver will advise accordingly.
For many patients with dizziness and balance issues, addressing postural habits and movement patterns is an important part of the care plan. Understanding which positions or movements are aggravating symptoms helps inform both treatment and the practical changes that can reduce recurrence.
If you are currently experiencing vertigo or dizziness, getting assessed sooner rather than later means less time spent managing symptoms and more time understanding what is behind them. Dr Oliver structures the initial assessment to be straightforward and thorough.
Your first visit begins with a thorough history of your symptoms, including when they started, what triggers them, and what has or has not helped. Dr Oliver will then conduct a physical assessment of the vestibular system and cervical spine. He will explain what he is finding throughout and will not begin any treatment until you have a clear understanding of what has been found and what the proposed approach involves.
The first visit includes a full assessment and initial treatment within the $79 new patient fee.
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Dr Oliver Dans holds a Masters in Chiropractic and has additional qualifications in Applied Kinesiology. His training in nervous system function and craniosacral work informs his approach to vestibular and cervical dizziness presentations, which sit at the intersection of spinal health and neurological regulation.
Dr Oliver practises from the Golden Plains Medical Centre in Bannockburn, where he works alongside local GPs and sees patients from Bannockburn, Lethbridge, Meredith, Inverleigh, and across the Golden Plains Shire.
Book your first consultation with Dr Oliver, which includes a full assessment, clear explanation, and initial treatment for your vertigo or dizziness symptoms.
It depends on what type of vertigo you have. BPPV and cervical vertigo are two of the most common presentations, and both have established chiropractic approaches. Dr Oliver’s assessment identifies which type is present before any treatment is applied. For vestibular disorders with a more complex origin, chiropractic assessment can still add value in identifying the cervical contribution and determining whether further referral is appropriate.
BPPV stands for Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. It occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear move into the wrong canal, producing brief but intense spinning sensations triggered by head movements. Chiropractic assessment can identify whether BPPV is present and, where it is confirmed, apply repositioning techniques such as the Epley manoeuvre to address it. BPPV has a strong evidence base for this type of intervention.
Cervical vertigo is dizziness that originates in the neck rather than the inner ear. It is produced by disruption to the proprioceptive receptors in the upper cervical spine, which play a key role in balance and spatial orientation. It is often associated with neck stiffness, headaches, or a history of neck injury, and it tends not to show up on standard vestibular tests. Chiropractic assessment and cervical vertigo treatment can be an effective approach when the cervical spine is identified as the contributing factor.
It depends on what type of vertigo you have, which is why the assessment comes first. BPPV and cervical vertigo are both conditions where chiropractic care has a clear role. More complex vestibular disorders may involve factors beyond the scope of chiropractic care, in which case Dr Oliver will advise on the appropriate referral pathway.
BPPV often responds quickly, sometimes within one to three sessions, when the correct repositioning technique is applied. Cervical vertigo and more complex vestibular presentations typically require a more sustained approach as the underlying cervical dysfunction is addressed over time. Dr Oliver will give you a realistic outline at your first visit based on what the assessment finds.
No. You can book directly without a referral or prior diagnosis. If you have had any previous imaging, vestibular testing, or GP assessment relating to your dizziness, bring those details along as they will help inform Dr Oliver’s assessment. If existing results are not available, the first visit assessment will determine what is needed.
Dizziness and vertigo often overlap with other presentations. These pages may also be relevant to you.
