Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy—it’s a disruption in your body’s ability to maintain balance and recognize spatial orientation. This sensation often stems from dysfunction in the vestibular system, part of the inner ear responsible for keeping you steady and aware of your surroundings.
How the Ear Works
The ear consists of three parts:
- Outer ear – the part everyone sees
- Middle ear – transmits sound vibrations
- Inner ear – contains the vestibular system and converts sound waves into signals the brain can interpret
When the vestibular system isn’t functioning properly, it can lead to Vertigo, making even simple movements feel disorienting.
Common Causes of Vertigo
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – A sudden spinning sensation, often triggered by head or neck movement. Falls, car accidents, or even standing up quickly can cause this.
- Meniere’s Disease – Causes Tinnitus, ear pressure, and temporary hearing loss. While more common in people in their 40s and 50s, it can affect anyone.
- Vestibular Neuronitis – Inflammation of the vestibular nerve can send incorrect signals from the brain to the body, making you feel like you’re moving when you’re not. Often triggered by colds or flu.
- Labyrinthitis – Swelling or irritation of the inner ear caused by viral or bacterial infections, allergies, or respiratory conditions, sometimes leading to hearing loss.
When Vertigo Might Be More Than an Inner Ear Problem
While brief episodes of Vertigo can occur from standing too quickly or minor accidents, chronic Vertigo may indicate a misalignment in the upper cervical spine. The top two vertebrae in your neck—the Atlas and Axis—are closely connected to the brainstem. Misalignments in this area can disrupt communication between your brain and body, sometimes mimicking or contributing to inner ear problems.
Finding Relief
An upper cervical chiropractor can examine your neck for misalignments and correct them using gentle, precise adjustments. Addressing the root cause in the upper cervical spine can improve balance, reduce dizziness, and restore proper brain-body communication.
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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/