Why Does Vertigo Keep Coming Back? New Research Reveals the Hidden Link Between Inflammation and Recurring Dizziness

Written by Dr Julian Simpson — Chiropractor with 15+ years of experience, Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation, and author/reviewer of 800+ health articles.

Why Does Vertigo Keep Coming Back? New Research Reveals the Hidden Link Between Inflammation and Recurring Dizziness

Struggling With Recurring Vertigo in Sunbury or Melton?

Few health problems are as frustrating as vertigo.

One moment you're getting ready for work, helping the kids get organised, or preparing for another commute down the Calder Freeway or Western Highway. The next, the room suddenly feels like it's spinning.

For many people across Sunbury, Melton and surrounding communities, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) can seem to disappear after treatment, only to unexpectedly return weeks or months later.

While BPPV has traditionally been viewed as a simple mechanical problem of the inner ear, exciting new research suggests there may be much more to the story. Scientists are now discovering that inflammation throughout the body may influence whether vertigo becomes a recurring problem.

What Is BPPV?

BPPV is one of the most common causes of dizziness and vertigo.

The condition occurs when tiny calcium crystals, known as otoconia, become displaced within the inner ear's balance system. These crystals move into areas where they shouldn't be, sending incorrect signals to the brain about movement and position.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden spinning sensations

• Dizziness when rolling over in bed

• Vertigo when looking up or bending down

• Nausea

• Balance difficulties

• Brief episodes lasting seconds to minutes

Although BPPV is highly treatable, recurrence remains common and can significantly affect quality of life.

Why Recurring Vertigo Matters

Research shows that BPPV doesn't simply affect balance.

Repeated episodes can lead to:

• Reduced confidence when walking

• Increased fall risk

• Avoidance of physical activity

• Difficulty driving or travelling

• Lost productivity at work

• Increased healthcare visits

For active families throughout Sunbury and Melton, recurring vertigo can interfere with everything from weekend sport to everyday household activities.

What Did The New Research Discover?

Researchers followed 300 patients diagnosed with BPPV and monitored them for six months after treatment.

The findings revealed that approximately:

• 26% of patients experienced a recurrence of vertigo within six months

The researchers investigated whether common markers of inflammation found in routine blood tests could help predict who was more likely to experience a relapse.

Key Finding #1: Higher Inflammation Was Linked to Higher Recurrence Risk

Patients whose vertigo returned had significantly higher levels of inflammatory markers, including:

• Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR)

• C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

• Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII)

Compared with patients who remained symptom-free, those experiencing recurrence consistently showed evidence of greater systemic inflammation.

Key Finding #2: NLR Was The Strongest Predictor

The most significant finding involved the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR).

Researchers found that for every increase in NLR, the likelihood of BPPV recurrence increased significantly.

NLR demonstrated the strongest predictive ability among all inflammatory markers studied.

Key Finding #3: Inflammation May Affect The Inner Ear

Scientists believe inflammation may influence:

• Inner ear blood flow

• Vestibular nerve function

• Otoconia stability

• The health of the delicate structures responsible for balance

Rather than being solely a mechanical issue, BPPV may also be influenced by broader whole-body health factors.

Why This Matters For Your Overall Health

This research highlights something healthcare providers have increasingly recognised over recent years:

Your body doesn't work in isolated systems.

Inflammation associated with:

• Poor sleep

• Chronic stress

• Metabolic conditions

• Physical inactivity

• Obesity

• Cardiovascular disease

may influence many aspects of health, including balance and vestibular function.

This reinforces the importance of taking a holistic approach to health rather than focusing solely on symptom relief.

What Does Evidence-Based Care Look Like?

Whether you're dealing with vertigo, neck pain, headaches or lower back pain, modern healthcare research consistently supports a comprehensive, multimodal approach.

For example, lower back pain remains one of the world's leading causes of disability, accounting for approximately 24% of all global disability-adjusted life years linked to workplace ergonomic factors.

Clinical Practice Guidelines worldwide show remarkable agreement regarding conservative spinal care:

• 90% of guidelines recommend Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) for lower back pain

• 100% recommend SMT as part of care for neck pain

Importantly, research consistently shows the best outcomes occur when manual therapy is combined with other evidence-based strategies rather than used in isolation.

What A Multimodal Care Plan May Include

A personalised management programme may involve:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Understanding contributing factors such as:

• Posture

• Movement patterns

• Vestibular function

• Occupational demands

• Exercise habits

• General health status

2. Hands-On Care

Depending on individual findings, treatment may include:

• Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT)

• Joint mobilisation

• Soft tissue techniques

• Vestibular rehabilitation approaches

3. Tailored Exercise Programmes

Exercise may help:

• Improve balance

• Enhance mobility

• Strengthen supporting muscles

• Optimise recovery

4. Patient Education

Understanding your condition often improves outcomes by helping you:

• Recognise triggers

• Manage flare-ups

• Maintain long-term improvements

5. Active Self-Management

Developing sustainable habits that support long-term health and resilience.

Why A Holistic Approach Works BestResearch consistently demonstrates that the best outcomes occur when healthcare combines multiple evidence-based strategies rather than relying on a single modality.A multidisciplinary approach addresses:Physical functionMovement qualityExercise capacityLifestyle factorsStress managementPatient educationLong-term preventionThis whole-person approach helps optimise recovery while empowering patients to actively participate in their own health journey.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

Safety is understandably one of the most common questions patients ask.

The good news is that extensive clinical reviews have demonstrated that serious complications associated with conservative manual therapy are exceptionally rare.

In fact, conservative care is widely considered a safe frontline treatment option for many musculoskeletal conditions, particularly when compared with the well-documented risks associated with prolonged prescription medication use.

As with any healthcare intervention, a thorough assessment and appropriate clinical decision-making remain essential.

Supporting Sunbury and Melton Families With Evidence-Based Care

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we understand that recurring dizziness, neck stiffness, headaches and back pain can make everyday life more difficult.

Our approach focuses on identifying the factors contributing to your symptoms, providing personalised care, and helping you build long-term strategies that support better movement, function and wellbeing.

Whether you're managing long hours at a desk, spending time travelling between Melbourne and the western suburbs, or simply wanting to stay active with your family, our experienced team is here to help.

Take The Next Step Towards Better Balance And Better Health

If recurring vertigo, dizziness, neck pain or back pain is affecting your quality of life, the team at Health Wise Chiropractic in Sunbury and Melton is here to support you.

Through thorough assessment, evidence-informed care, tailored exercise programmes and practical education, we'll help you understand what's driving your symptoms and create a personalised plan designed to optimise your health for the long term.

How Chiropractic Care May Help

At Health Wise Chiropractic, we take a comprehensive approach to posture-related care.

Treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Postural assessment

• Soft tissue therapy

• Corrective exercises

• Ergonomic advice

• Laser therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Spinal decompression therapy

We focus on addressing both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical stress contributing to neck dysfunction.

About the Author

Dr Julian Simpson is an Australian chiropractor with over 15 years of experience in musculoskeletal healthcare and rehabilitation.

He is a Board Member of the Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation and has reviewed and written more than 800 evidence-based health articles focused on spinal health, rehabilitation, sports injuries and conservative care approaches.

His treatment focus includes:

• Chiropractic adjustments

• Sports chiropractic

• Massage therapy

• Shockwave therapy

• Laser therapy

• Non-surgical spinal decompression

Dr Simpson provides patient care through Healthwise Chiropractic, serving communities including Sunbury, Melton, Diggers Rest and surrounding regions.

Reference Doğan B, Baklacı D. Association between systemic inflammatory markers and recurrence risk in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a retrospective cohort study. Acta Biochim Pol. 2026 Mar 23;73:16188. doi: 10.3389/abp.2026.16188. PMID: 41948030; PMCID: PMC13050786.