Vertigo is a false sensation of movement that can cause a person to feel off balance, disoriented, or nauseous.
For many people, vertigo feels like the room is spinning. However, vertigo can also present as:
- A sensation of tilting or swaying
- Feeling pulled in one direction
- General dizziness or instability
While some individuals experience occasional episodes, others suffer from chronic vertigo that interferes with daily life.
Why Vertigo Happens
Vertigo is not a condition in itself—it’s a symptom that something in the body’s balance system is not functioning properly.
Your sense of balance depends on coordination between:
- The brain
- The inner ear
- The eyes
- The nervous system
If any part of this system is disrupted, it can create a mismatch in signals—leading to the sensation of movement when none is actually occurring.
The Upper Neck Connection
One commonly overlooked factor in vertigo is the upper cervical spine, particularly the atlas vertebra (C1).
The atlas sits at the base of the skull and plays a crucial role in protecting the brainstem and supporting proper neurological function.
When an accident or injury causes the atlas to become misaligned, it can:
- Interfere with brainstem function
- Disrupt communication between the brain and body
- Affect blood flow and cerebrospinal fluid circulation
This type of dysfunction can contribute to symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance.
How Injuries Can Lead to Vertigo
Many people with vertigo have a history of:
- Car accidents (even minor ones)
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Repetitive strain or posture-related stress
Even if the injury occurred years ago, the effects on the upper neck can persist and influence how the body functions over time.
A Precise and Gentle Approach: NUCCA Care
At Advanced Spinal Care, we use the NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) technique to evaluate and correct misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
This approach is:
- Highly precise, using detailed imaging to measure alignment
- Gentle and non-invasive, with no cracking or twisting
- Customized, based on each patient’s unique anatomy
The correction itself is low-force and often described as very subtle—yet it can have a significant impact on how the body functions.
What Patients May Experience
When alignment is restored and nervous system interference is reduced, many patients report:
- Decreased vertigo episodes
- Improved balance and stability
- Less dizziness and nausea
- Greater confidence in daily activities
While every case is different, addressing the root cause can often lead to meaningful, long-term improvements.
Take the Next Step
If you’re looking for a different approach—one that focuses on how your body is functioning rather than chasing symptoms—Advanced Spinal Care may be a good place to start.
Schedule a consultation to have your upper cervical spine and nervous system evaluated and learn more about how NUCCA care supports long-term health and function.
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Dr. Craig Lapenski at Advanced Spinal Care, in Graham, Washington is one of 27 Board Certified NUCCA Doctors worldwide. His clinic serves the highest quality upper cervical care in the Pacific Northwest. Dr. Lapenski also serves a number of patients who are out of state including Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kansas, Montana, Nevada, New York, and more! He is uniquely trained to correct problems in the upper cervical spine (upper neck). This vital area is intimately connected to the central nervous system and problems in this area have been shown to be an underlying cause of a variety of different health problems, including migraines, headaches, fibromyalgia, vertigo, neck pain, back pain, and more. More information can be found on our website at https://www.nuccawashington.com/