09/30/2025
Seasonal Vertigo and Dizziness: Insights from a Chiropractor
Practicing in the rural community of Washington, Iowa, I've observed a noticeable uptick in patient complaints of vertigo and dizziness during the fall months. Many people have experienced or heard of vertigo, or are even aware of its most common form, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when small particles, known as otoliths or "ear stones," become dislodged and float within the fluid of the inner ear's semicircular canals, causing the brain to receive false signals about head movement and resulting in sudden, intense spinning sensations.
While BPPV is a key contributor to balance issues, in this article, I want to discuss something I've observed through pattern recognition in my practice, which is a seasonal uptick in vertigo and dizziness during the fall months, which I theorize is linked to environmental and physiological changes in our agricultural region. From the dust kicked up during harvest to shifting weather patterns, these changes can disrupt the body's balance systems. This seasonal pattern seems tied to several environmental and physiological factors prevalent in our area which I will outline.
Harvest Time: Dust and Allergens in the Air
In Iowa's heartland, fall harvest brings a surge in airborne irritants like dust from combines and pollen from maturing crops such as corn and soybeans. These particles can inflame the sinuses and inner ear, leading to eustachian tube dysfunction or allergic reactions that manifest as dizziness or vertigo. Allergies are a well-documented trigger for balance issues, with symptoms often peaking during high-dust periods in rural areas. Patients with conditions like allergic rhinitis may find their vertigo exacerbated, as mucus buildup creates pressure imbalances affecting the vestibular system.
Plant Changes: Shifts in Humidity Levels
With plants and leaves entering dormancy in fall, the local environment often sees a drop in humidity as foliage dies off and transpiration decreases, leading to drier air. This reduction can dry out mucous membranes in the nose and throat, promoting dehydration, sinus irritation, or fluid imbalances in the inner ear, all of which may contribute to vertigo or dizziness. Studies link humidity fluctuations to symptom exacerbation in vestibular disorders, with lower levels potentially worsening conditions like Meniere's by affecting ear fluid dynamics. In temperate areas like Iowa, this change resulting in drier autumn air compounds other seasonal stressors.
Barometric Pressure Changes from Weather Shifts
Autumn in the Midwest often involves erratic weather fronts, causing rapid fluctuations in barometric pressure. These shifts can influence the body's baroreceptors and inner ear fluids, potentially disturbing otoliths or triggering episodes in conditions like Meniere's disease or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Research indicates that it's the variability in pressure, common ahead of storms or cold snaps, that correlates with increased dizziness reports. In our variable Iowa climate, this aligns closely with the seasonal complaints I hear.
Daylight Changes: Impacts on Circadian Rhythm and Sleep
As daylight hours shorten in fall, disruptions to circadian rhythms can alter sleep patterns, leading to fatigue that indirectly heightens vertigo susceptibility. This transition can throw off the body's internal clock, exacerbating symptoms through hormonal imbalances or reduced restorative sleep. While not a direct cause, poor sleep from these changes stresses the vestibular system, making individuals more prone to dizziness when combined with other environmental factors.
The Role of the Nervous System and Subluxations
At the core of these issues is the body's primary regulatory system: the nervous system. Environmental stressors can dysregulate neural pathways, and vertebral subluxations, misalignments in the spine (particularly the cervical region), may amplify symptoms by impeding proprioceptive signals, vestibular function, or autonomic balance. In my practice, I've seen how these misalignments make the body less adaptable to seasonal changes, turning minor irritants into significant vertigo episodes.
Practical Solutions for Managing Seasonal Vertigo and Dizziness
While understanding these factors is key, there are steps that can be taken to help alleviate symptoms. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, but here are strategies to consider.
For allergy-related triggers, addressing symptoms naturally can provide relief. Nasal irrigation, such as using a sinus rinse with a saline solution effectively clears irritants and reduces congestion. Other natural remedies include quercetin-rich foods (like onions or apples) for anti-inflammatory effects, stinging nettle tea to combat histamine, or essential oils like eucalyptus for opening nasal passages. These approaches can be integrated into daily routines to mitigate harvest dust and allergen impacts.
Improving indoor air quality is equally vital. Regularly changing your furnace filter helps filter and trap dust, pollen, and other allergens, enhancing HVAC efficiency and reducing airborne irritants that could worsen dizziness. Complement this with an air purifier in key rooms; these devices remove particles including mold and pet dander, leading to noticeable improvements in respiration, potentially helping balance symptoms.
Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in addressing the root causes, particularly when subluxations are involved. Targeted adjustments can restore proper nerve function, improve vestibular signaling, and enhance overall balance, often reducing vertigo episodes after just a few sessions. Techniques like the Epley maneuver for BPPV offer non-invasive relief, helping the body better adapt to seasonal stressors.
Finally, if you suspect vertigo, seek evaluation from a healthcare provider promptly. While many cases are benign, professional assessment rules out underlying issues like infections or neurological conditions.
