Vertigo is a spinning sensation that makes you feel like you or your surroundings are moving when they're not. Unlike general dizziness, vertigo often stems from inner ear problems or issues in the upper cervical spine. While most causes are treatable and not serious, persistent vertigo warrants professional evaluation.
Upper cervical chiropractic care can effectively address cervicogenic vertigo, dizziness caused by neck misalignment, by restoring proper alignment to the atlas and axis vertebrae, reducing nerve interference, and improving blood flow to the brain and vestibular system.
By downloading the Digital Patient Chart mobile app you can better control your patient portal.
Key Facts
Related article
Upper Cervical Chiropractic for Migraine Relief: What Patients Should Know
Oct 13, 2025- Prevalence: Nearly 40% of adults experience vertigo at least once; affects 15-20% of adults annually
- Common Causes: BPPV (most common), vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, cervical misalignment
- Treatment Success: Epley maneuver effective in 50-90% of BPPV cases; upper cervical care shows 67%+ improvement
- Duration: Episodes last seconds to days depending on cause
- Specialists: Upper cervical chiropractor, neurologist, or physical therapist
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating health problems or diseases. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about specific medical conditions.
What Is Vertigo?
Related article
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Healing
Oct 27, 2025Vertigo is a false sensation of movement, typically spinning or whirling, when you're actually standing still. It's often described as feeling like the room is spinning around you, or like you're spinning while the world stays still. Vertigo is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying condition affecting your balance system.
It's important to understand that vertigo is different from general dizziness. While dizziness encompasses feelings of lightheadedness, faintness, or unsteadiness, vertigo specifically creates an illusion of motion. This distinction matters because the causes and treatments differ significantly.
Your body maintains balance through a complex system involving your inner ear (the vestibular system), your eyes, and sensors in your muscles and joints that tell your brain where your body is in space.
When any part of this system malfunctions, particularly the inner ear or the upper cervical spine that carries nerve signals to and from the brain—vertigo can result.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo has two main categories of causes: peripheral (inner ear problems) and central (brain-related). A third category, cervicogenic vertigo, originates from the neck and is particularly relevant to upper cervical chiropractic care.
Peripheral Causes (Most Common)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause of vertigo. Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and migrate into the ear canals, where they trigger false signals about head movement. Causes brief, intense spinning when you change head position.
Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually from a viral infection. Causes sudden, severe vertigo lasting days to weeks.
Labyrinthitis: Infection or inflammation of the inner ear that affects both balance and hearing.
Meniere's Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing), and ear fullness.
Cervicogenic Vertigo (Neck-Related)
Cervicogenic vertigo occurs when problems in the cervical spine, particularly the upper neck, disrupt the signals your brain relies on for balance.
The upper cervical area is critical because:
- The brainstem, which processes balance information, sits just above the atlas vertebra
- Vertebral arteries pass through the cervical spine to supply blood to the brain's balance centers
- Proprioceptors in neck muscles send position information to the brain
- Misalignment of the atlas (C1) or axis (C2) can interfere with all these functions
Common causes of cervicogenic vertigo include whiplash injuries, poor posture, neck trauma, and gradual misalignment from daily activities. A history of head or neck trauma, even from years ago, is frequently found in patients with cervicogenic vertigo.
Central Causes (Less Common but More Serious)
Stroke or TIA: Disrupted blood flow to the brain's balance centers
Multiple Sclerosis: Nerve damage affecting balance pathways
Acoustic Neuroma: Benign tumor on the vestibular nerve
Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Vertigo occurring with or without migraine headache
Signs and Symptoms
Vertigo symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, but common experiences include:
Primary Symptoms
- Spinning sensation: Feeling like you or your environment is rotating
- Loss of balance: Difficulty standing or walking straight
- Nausea and vomiting: Common during or after vertigo episodes
- Nystagmus: Involuntary, jerking eye movements
- Sweating: Often accompanies severe episodes
Symptoms by Type
BPPV: Brief episodes (under one minute) triggered by specific head movements—rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending down
Meniere's Disease: Episodes lasting 20 minutes to several hours, accompanied by hearing changes, tinnitus, and ear pressure
Cervicogenic Vertigo: Dizziness associated with neck pain, stiffness, or movement; often worsens with certain head positions; may include neck tenderness and reduced mobility
Vestibular Neuritis: Sudden, severe vertigo lasting days, often following a viral illness, without hearing loss
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOU EXPERIENCE:
- Sudden, severe vertigo with headache, especially "the worst headache of your life"
- Vertigo with numbness, weakness, slurred speech, or vision changes (stroke signs)
- Vertigo with high fever and stiff neck (possible meningitis)
- New vertigo after a head injury
- Difficulty walking, double vision, or severe imbalance—Call 911
How Is Vertigo Diagnosed?
Accurate diagnosis of vertigo requires identifying the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider will use a combination of history, physical examination, and possibly specialized tests.
Medical Evaluation
Detailed History: Description of symptoms, triggers, duration, associated symptoms, and any history of neck injury or trauma
Dix-Hallpike Test: A positioning test to diagnose BPPV—the provider moves your head into specific positions while observing for vertigo and nystagmus
Neurological Examination: Assessment of eye movements, coordination, cranial nerves, and balance
Hearing Tests: To identify inner ear involvement
Imaging: MRI or CT scan if central causes are suspected
Upper Cervical Assessment
For cervicogenic vertigo, upper cervical chiropractors use specialized diagnostic tools:
- Cervical Range of Motion Testing: Assessing neck mobility and whether movement reproduces symptoms
- Precision X-rays: Specialized views to identify atlas and axis misalignment
- Thermographic Scanning: Measures temperature differences indicating nerve interference
- Postural Analysis: Evaluating head tilt, shoulder balance, and spinal alignment
Treatment Options
Treatment for vertigo depends entirely on the underlying cause. The good news: most types of vertigo respond well to appropriate treatment.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care
For cervicogenic vertigo and dizziness related to neck problems, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a targeted, drug-free solution. The Blair technique is particularly effective because it:
- Restores proper alignment: Precise corrections to the atlas and axis vertebrae remove interference to the nervous system
- Improves blood flow: Proper alignment allows optimal circulation through the vertebral arteries to balance centers in the brain
- Reduces nerve interference: Correcting misalignments relieves pressure on nerves that affect the vestibular system
- Addresses root cause: Rather than masking symptoms with medication, upper cervical care corrects the structural problem
- Research Support: A retrospective case series published in the Journal of Contemporary
Chiropractic found that patients receiving upper cervical care combined with vestibular rehabilitation showed an average improvement of 67% in their dizziness symptoms within 30 days.
Living With Vertigo: Management Tips
While seeking treatment, these strategies can help you manage vertigo and reduce its impact on daily life:
During an Episode
- Sit or lie down immediately in a quiet, dark room
- Avoid sudden head movements
- Focus on a stationary point if possible
- Stay hydrated but avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Don't drive or operate machinery
Daily Prevention Strategies
- Move slowly: Rise from bed gradually; avoid quick head turns
- Sleep elevated: Use two pillows to keep your head slightly raised
- Avoid triggers: Limit salt, caffeine, and alcohol; manage stress
- Stay active: Gentle exercise helps the brain compensate for balance issues
- Good posture: Maintain proper neck alignment, especially at work
- Home safety: Remove trip hazards; install grab bars in bathrooms
When to See a Doctor
While occasional brief dizziness may not require medical attention, you should seek evaluation if:
- Vertigo episodes are recurring or becoming more frequent
- Episodes last more than a few minutes
- Vertigo is accompanied by hearing loss or tinnitus
- You have neck pain or stiffness with your dizziness
- Balance problems affect your daily activities
- You have a history of head or neck trauma
- Over-the-counter medications don't help
- You're afraid of falling or have fallen due to vertigo
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does vertigo last?
The duration varies dramatically depending on the cause. BPPV episodes typically last less than one minute, though they may recur with certain movements. Vestibular neuritis can cause vertigo lasting days to weeks. Meniere's attacks typically last 20 minutes to several hours.
Cervicogenic vertigo may cause persistent dizziness until the underlying neck problem is corrected. With proper treatment, most types of vertigo can be resolved or significantly improved.
Can a chiropractor help with vertigo?
Yes, particularly for cervicogenic vertigo—dizziness originating from neck problems. Upper cervical chiropractors specialize in correcting misalignments in the atlas and axis vertebrae that can interfere with balance signals between the brain and body.
Research shows significant improvement in dizziness symptoms following upper cervical care. However, proper diagnosis is essential, as not all vertigo stems from neck problems.
What's the difference between peripheral and central vertigo?
Peripheral vertigo originates from the inner ear or vestibular nerve and is the most common type. It typically causes severe spinning but has a good prognosis.
Central vertigo stems from problems in the brain (stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis) and often causes less intense spinning but with other neurological symptoms like difficulty walking, double vision, or weakness. Central causes require prompt medical evaluation.
Can neck problems cause dizziness?
Absolutely. Cervicogenic dizziness is well-documented, though sometimes underdiagnosed. The upper cervical spine plays a crucial role in balance through its connection to the brainstem, vertebral arteries, and proprioceptive sensors in neck muscles.
Misalignment, injury, or dysfunction in this area can disrupt balance signals and cause dizziness, vertigo, or unsteadiness—particularly when associated with neck pain or movement.
Is vertigo dangerous?
Most vertigo is caused by benign conditions and is not life-threatening. However, vertigo can be dangerous because it increases fall risk, especially in older adults.
Additionally, sudden severe vertigo with neurological symptoms (weakness, slurred speech, severe headache, double vision) could indicate stroke and requires emergency care. Always seek evaluation for new, severe, or persistent vertigo to rule out serious causes.
Do I Need to See a Doctor? Quick Assessment
Check all that apply to your current symptoms:
- Vertigo episodes occur more than once a week
- Episodes last more than a few minutes
- You have neck pain or stiffness with your dizziness
- Vertigo affects your ability to work or do daily activities
- You have a history of head or neck injury
- You also experience hearing changes or ringing in your ears
- Over-the-counter medications don't help
- You've fallen or are afraid of falling due to balance problems
Your Results:
0-1 "Yes" answers: Monitor symptoms. Try home management strategies. See a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 1-2 weeks or worsen.
2-3 "Yes" answers: Professional evaluation recommended within 1-2 weeks. Your vertigo may benefit from specific treatment.
4+ "Yes" answers: Schedule an appointment within a few days. Multiple factors suggest you would benefit from a comprehensive evaluation.
Any emergency symptoms: Seek immediate medical care (see warning signs above).
Ready to Find Relief From Vertigo?
Schedule your consultation at Upper Cervical LA in Carson, California
Don't let vertigo control your life. Upper cervical care may be the answer you've been looking for.
Vertigo is a common but disruptive symptom that makes you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning. While most causes are treatable and not serious, persistent vertigo deserves professional attention to identify the underlying cause and get appropriate treatment.
For many people, particularly those with a history of neck injury or whose dizziness is accompanied by neck symptoms, cervicogenic vertigo may be the culprit.
Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a gentle, drug-free approach to addressing the root cause, misalignment in the upper neck that interferes with the balance system.
If you've been struggling with vertigo and haven't found answers, or if conventional treatments haven't fully resolved your symptoms, consider an upper cervical evaluation. The connection between your neck and your balance system may hold the key to lasting relief.
References
1. Steward T. Improvement of dizziness following an upper cervical chiropractic technique and individualized vestibular rehabilitation program. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. 2023.
2. UCSF Health. Vertigo: Conditions. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/vertigo
3. Stanton M, Freeman AM. Vertigo. StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf. Updated September 2025.
4. WebMD. Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Updated January 2025.
5. Medscape. Dizziness, Vertigo, and Imbalance. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2149881-overview
6. Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists. How Common is Vertigo in Adults? September 2024.
7. Wrisley DM, Sparto PJ, Whitney SL, Furman JM. Cervicogenic dizziness: a review of diagnosis and treatment. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2000;30(12):755-766.
8. Drugs.com. Vertigo Guide: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options. Updated February 2024.
9. Reiley AS, et al. Point prevalence of vertigo and dizziness in a sample of 2672 subjects. PMC. 2016.
10. Medical News Today. Vertigo: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Updated January 2024.
———
Last medically reviewed: November 2025
Upper Cervical LA | Carson, California | uppercervicalla.com
Leave a comment