Vertigo and Dizziness Treatment in Townsville

Written by Dr Daryl Ansell |
Reviewed by Dr Robert Foster |
Last reviewed August 2026

Can a Chiropractor Help with Vertigo or Dizziness?

About This Vertigo and Dizziness Treatment Page

This page explains how we assess vertigo and dizziness at Ansell Chiropractic Centre in Townsville, when neck problems may contribute, when chiropractic care may be appropriate and when referral is recommended.

For detailed information about what causes vertigo, BPPV, vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease, vertigo symptoms and neck-related dizziness, read our Vertigo Causes and Treatment Options guide.

Vertigo and Dizziness Are Not Always the Same

Vertigo usually describes a false sensation that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. Dizziness is a broader term and may include light-headedness, imbalance, unsteadiness or feeling disoriented.

There are many possible causes, including inner-ear disorders such as BPPV, vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease, medication effects, cardiovascular or neurological conditions and, in some people, problems associated with the neck.

Because different causes require different treatment, determining the likely cause is important. Our complete guide to the causes of vertigo and treatment options explains these conditions, symptoms and treatments in greater detail.

The important question on this page is whether your presentation suggests that the neck may be contributing and whether chiropractic care is an appropriate option.

How We Assess Vertigo and Dizziness at Ansell Chiropractic Centre

Because dizziness has many possible causes, assessment begins by understanding exactly what you are experiencing rather than assuming your symptoms originate from your neck.

We may ask:

• Does the room actually spin, or do you feel light-headed or unsteady?
• How long does each episode last?
• Does rolling over in bed or changing position trigger symptoms?
• Does standing quickly make you dizzy?
• Does turning or holding your neck in certain positions affect the symptoms?
• Do you have neck pain, stiffness or headache?
• Have you experienced whiplash or another neck injury?
• Are there hearing changes, ringing in the ears, nausea or visual symptoms?
• Do you have a history of migraine?
• Have there been recent illnesses or medication changes?

Depending on your presentation, examination may include assessment of neck movement and joint function, muscle tension, posture, basic neurological signs, balance and coordination.

We also look for findings suggesting that your symptoms would be better assessed by your GP, a vestibular physiotherapist or another healthcare provider.

The aim is not to find a reason to provide chiropractic treatment. It is to determine whether chiropractic care appears appropriate and, if not, help direct you towards the right type of assessment.

Can Neck Problems Contribute to Dizziness?

Sometimes.

The joints and muscles of the neck contain sensory receptors that provide the brain with information about the position and movement of your head. This information normally works together with signals from your eyes and inner-ear balance system.

When neck function is disturbed, particularly following injury or when movement is painful and restricted, altered sensory information from the neck may contribute to feelings of imbalance, disorientation or unsteadiness in some people. This is often described as cervicogenic dizziness or neck-related dizziness.

A neck contribution may be more plausible when dizziness occurs with:

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Restricted neck movement
• Headache
• Symptoms aggravated by sustained neck posture
• Previous whiplash or neck injury
• Symptoms associated with particular neck movements

However, having neck pain and dizziness together does not prove that the neck is responsible. Vestibular, neurological and medical causes may also need to be considered.

If neck pain is a major part of your presentation, you can also read about our approach to neck pain treatment in Townsville.

How Chiropractic Care May Help When the Neck Is Involved

When assessment suggests that cervical dysfunction may be contributing to dizziness or imbalance, chiropractic treatment focuses on the musculoskeletal problems identified during the examination.

Depending on your individual presentation, care may include:

• Gentle chiropractic manual therapy
• Mobilisation of restricted neck or upper-back joints
• Soft-tissue techniques
• Exercises to improve neck movement and control
• Posture and movement advice
• Balance or coordination exercises where appropriate
• Strategies for gradually returning to normal activities

Treatment is modified according to your age, health, symptoms, examination findings and preferences. Chiropractic manipulation is not automatically required.

The aim is to improve relevant neck function and monitor whether your symptoms respond as expected. Chiropractic care is not presented as a treatment for every form of vertigo or dizziness.

People whose symptoms began following a neck injury may also find our whiplash treatment information useful.

Why Choose Ansell Chiropractic Centre for Vertigo or Dizziness?

Ansell Chiropractic Centre has provided chiropractic care to the Townsville community for more than 40 years.

Patients attending our Mundingburra clinic can expect:

• Careful assessment before treatment
• Consideration of whether chiropractic care is actually appropriate
• Screening for neurological and medical warning signs
• Clear explanations of what we find
• Treatment tailored to the individual
• Imaging only when clinically indicated
• Collaboration with GPs and other healthcare providers when necessary
• No long-term prepaid treatment plans

Our clinic is located at 159 Ross River Road, Mundingburra, with on-site parking and convenient access from Aitkenvale, Annandale, Douglas, Cranbrook, Pimlico, Hyde Park, Hermit Park, Gulliver, Rosslea, Kirwan and surrounding Townsville suburbs.

When We Recommend Referral Instead

Knowing when chiropractic care is not appropriate is an important part of assessing a person with vertigo or dizziness.

We may recommend further assessment when symptoms appear more consistent with an inner-ear disorder, vestibular migraine, cardiovascular problem, medication reaction, neurological condition or another medical cause.

Depending on your presentation, this may include referral to:

• Your GP for medical assessment or further investigation
• A vestibular physiotherapist for vestibular assessment and rehabilitation
• An audiologist when hearing symptoms are present
• An ENT specialist for suspected inner-ear disorders
• A neurologist when neurological or migraine-related causes require investigation
• Emergency medical care when urgent warning signs are present

For example, positional vertigo such as BPPV may require specific vestibular assessment and repositioning manoeuvres rather than chiropractic treatment.

Referral does not necessarily mean something serious is wrong. It means another healthcare provider may be better placed to investigate or treat the suspected cause.

When Vertigo or Dizziness Needs Urgent Medical Attention

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chiropractic help vertigo?

Chiropractic care may help some people when dizziness is associated with neck pain, restricted neck movement, posture strain, upper cervical irritation or cervicogenic headache patterns. It is not the right treatment for every cause of vertigo, so assessment and referral are important.

What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?

Vertigo usually describes a spinning or movement sensation, as though you or the room is moving. Dizziness is a broader term and may include lightheadedness, faintness, wooziness, imbalance or unsteadiness.

What causes vertigo when rolling over in bed?

Brief spinning when rolling over in bed may be caused by BPPV, a common inner-ear condition. Other causes are also possible, so recurring or severe symptoms should be assessed by a qualified health professional.

When should I worry about dizziness?

You should seek urgent medical care if dizziness or vertigo occurs with facial drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, double vision, severe headache, fainting, chest pain, new confusion, difficulty walking, sudden hearing loss or symptoms after head trauma.

Do I need a GP, ENT specialist or vestibular physiotherapist?

You may need referral if your symptoms suggest an inner-ear disorder, hearing involvement, vestibular migraine, medication-related dizziness, blood-pressure issues, neurological signs or if the diagnosis is unclear. We refer when another provider is more appropriate.

Can neck pain and headaches be linked with dizziness?

Yes, some people experience dizziness with neck pain, headaches, muscle tension or restricted neck movement. This does not prove the neck is the cause, but it is one reason a careful neck and neurological assessment may be useful.

Book a Vertigo and Dizziness Assessment in Townsville

If vertigo, dizziness or imbalance is affecting your everyday activities and you are wondering whether a chiropractor may be able to help, we can assess your presentation and explain the most appropriate next step.

For comprehensive information about what causes vertigo, vertigo symptoms, BPPV, vestibular conditions and the different treatment options, visit our Vertigo Causes, Treatment Options and Neck-Related Dizziness guide.