Vertigo is the sensation that you or the room is moving when neither is. It has several possible causes, and one that is frequently overlooked is the upper neck. The joints at the top of the cervical spine feed constant positional information to the brain, and when that input is disturbed it can conflict with what the inner ear and eyes are reporting, producing dizziness and unsteadiness.
Cervicogenic Dizziness
This is dizziness originating in the neck. It tends to come with neck pain or stiffness, gets worse with head movement or after holding a position, and often feels more like unsteadiness or floating than the violent spinning of an inner-ear attack. It is common after whiplash, and common in people with long-standing neck problems.
Other Causes Worth Ruling Out
- BPPV — brief intense spinning triggered by specific head positions, from displaced crystals in the inner ear
- Inner-ear conditions such as Meniere's disease or vestibular neuritis
- Blood pressure changes, particularly on standing up
- Medication side effects — extremely common and easy to overlook
Dr. Hansen examines to work out which pattern yours fits. If it is not a neck problem, he will say so and point you to the right person.
See a Doctor Urgently If
Dizziness arrives with sudden severe headache, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side, double vision, or difficulty walking. That combination needs emergency care immediately, not a chiropractic appointment.
How Dr. Hansen Treats the Neck-Related Kind
Because this involves the very top of the cervical spine, care uses upper cervical specific technique — toggle recoil, Kale HIO knee-chest, or occipital lift. These are precise, low-force corrections rather than twisting, which matters a great deal when someone is already dizzy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help vertigo?
Where the dizziness is coming from the neck, often yes. Where it is inner-ear or cardiovascular, no — and the exam is what tells the two apart.
How do I know if my dizziness is from my neck?
Neck-related dizziness usually travels with neck pain or stiffness, worsens with head movement, and feels more like unsteadiness than spinning. Specific tests during the exam help confirm it.
Is it safe to adjust my neck if I'm dizzy?
Dr. Hansen examines before treating and uses gentle, low-force upper cervical techniques. Tell him exactly what triggers your dizziness — that information shapes how he works.
Could this be from an old car accident?
Yes. Cervicogenic dizziness after whiplash is well recognised, and it can begin long after the crash itself.
Last reviewed 2026-09-10 by Hansen Chiropractic. This page is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary.
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