You roll over in bed and the room tilts. Or you glance over your shoulder to change lanes and feel a wave of dizziness that takes a few seconds to settle. Vertigo is unsettling, and it's even more frustrating when no one can tell you why it keeps happening.
There are a lot of possible causes. But for some people, especially those who also have neck pain or an old neck injury, the neck turns out to be a big part of the picture.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the feeling that you or the room around you is spinning or moving when nothing is actually moving. It's a little different from feeling lightheaded or faint, although most people use the words dizzy and vertigo interchangeably. Spells can last a few seconds or much longer, and they often come with nausea or unsteadiness.
What Causes Vertigo?
The most common causes are:
- BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo): Tiny crystals in the inner ear drift out of place and cause short bursts of spinning when you move your head.
- Cervicogenic dizziness: Dizziness that comes from stiff joints, tight muscles or injury in the upper neck.
- Inner ear problems: Inflammation or conditions like Meniere's disease.
- Whiplash and head injuries: Car accidents, falls and sports collisions.
- Other health issues: Blood pressure changes, medications, dehydration, heart problems or neurological conditions.
How Can the Neck Cause Dizziness?
The joints and muscles at the top of your neck constantly tell your brain where your head is. Your eyes and inner ear send that information too. When the neck is stiff, tight or injured, its signals can stop matching the others, and your brain ends up confused about where you are in space. That mismatch can feel like dizziness or unsteadiness. It usually shows up alongside neck pain, stiffness or headaches.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Vertigo?
A chiropractor can help vertigo and dizziness that are linked to the neck, such as cervicogenic dizziness or dizziness after whiplash. Getting the upper neck moving normally and relaxing the muscles around it can calm those mixed signals. If your vertigo comes from the inner ear, the heart, blood pressure or the brain, you'll need care from a medical provider, and Dr. Moss will tell you if that's the case.
What Happens at a Vertigo Visit at True Works Chiropractic?
First, Dr. Moss will ask a lot of questions. When does the dizziness happen? How long does it last? Does turning your head set it off? Then he'll check how your neck moves, look at your posture, run some simple balance tests and take digital X rays if they're needed.
If your dizziness looks like it's coming from the neck, your plan might include gentle manual adjusting for the upper neck, myofascial release for tight neck and shoulder muscles, and cervical traction to ease pressure. You'll also get a few balance and neck exercises to practice at home. If something points to another cause, he'll refer you to the right specialist.
Is It Safe to See a Chiropractor for Dizziness?
Chiropractic care for neck related dizziness is generally considered safe when it starts with a careful exam that screens for warning signs. Dr. Moss keeps techniques gentle and tailors them to your comfort, age and health history.
When Is Dizziness an Emergency?
Call 911 right away if dizziness comes with a sudden severe headache, chest pain, fainting, slurred speech, a drooping face, weakness or numbness on one side of the body, double vision or trouble walking. These can be signs of a stroke or another serious problem.
How Long Does It Take to Feel Steadier?
Many people with neck related dizziness notice fewer or milder spells within the first few weeks. It depends on what's causing it, how long it's been going on and whether neck pain or an old injury is involved. Dr. Moss will give you an honest timeline at your first visit.
What Can You Do at Home to Feel Less Dizzy?
- Get up slowly, especially first thing in the morning
- Drink enough water and try not to skip meals
- Take breaks from looking down at your phone or laptop
- Keep floors clear and use railings on stairs
- Jot down when spells happen and what you were doing, so you can share the pattern at your visit
FAQ Common questions
Vertigo FAQs
Yes. Stiff joints, tight muscles or an injury in the upper neck can lead to cervicogenic dizziness.
Often, yes. Dizziness after a crash is frequently tied to a neck injury. Our whiplash recovery guide explains more.
BPPV is an inner ear problem that's usually treated with specific head repositioning moves. Ask Dr. Moss at your visit whether your symptoms sound like BPPV and what care makes sense for you.
They can be. Our neck pain chiropractor guide covers the most common causes of neck pain and how they're treated.
Book a Vertigo Evaluation in Arlington, TX
If your dizziness comes with a stiff or sore neck, it's worth finding out whether the two are connected. Dr. Michael Moss, D.C. will listen, screen carefully and explain your options. New patients start with our $99 new patient special.
Call (817) 718 1052 or schedule online. We're at 5801 W Interstate 20, Suite 350, Arlington, TX 76017, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.