Vertigo is the sensation that either you or the environment around you is spinning. This unsettling feeling can make even simple daily activities difficult. Vertigo affects approximately 5–10% of people under the age of 40, but after age 40 the number rises dramatically—up to 40% of adults experience vertigo or dizziness at some point. In fact, between 1995 – 2004, vertigo accounted for about 2.5% of all emergency department visits in the United States.
For some people, vertigo occurs suddenly and resolves quickly. For others, it can become a recurring or chronic condition that significantly affects quality of life.
When Dizziness May Signal a Neurological Problem
Recent research suggests that feeling dizzy or lightheaded after standing up—especially after sitting for several minutes—may indicate a problem with the central nervous system.
The nervous system plays a critical role in regulating:
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Blood flow
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Oxygen delivery to the brain
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Balance and coordination
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Communication between the brain and body
If this system is not functioning properly, dizziness upon standing can occur. Some researchers believe this type of symptom may even predict neurological problems later in life, including conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. While more research is still needed, persistent dizziness should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Understanding What Causes Vertigo
The exact cause of vertigo is not always easy to identify, but the systems responsible for balance are well known.
Vertigo usually involves the vestibular system, which includes:
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The inner ear, where fluid and tiny crystals help detect motion and orientation
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The vestibular nerve, which sends balance information to the brain
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The brainstem and central nervous system, which process those signals
The inner ear contains fluid-filled canals and microscopic crystals that move when your head changes position. These movements send signals to the brain that tell it where your body is in space. If these signals become distorted or mismatched, the brain may interpret this as spinning or movement—even when you are standing still.
This disruption in communication can lead to the classic symptoms of vertigo.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic May Help Vertigo
The upper cervical spine, specifically the atlas vertebra (C1) and axis vertebra (C2), plays a critical role in the communication between the brain and body. These vertebrae sit directly beneath the skull and surround the brainstem, which coordinates many automatic functions including balance and spatial awareness.
If the atlas becomes misaligned, it can interfere with normal nervous system function. Because the brainstem and vestibular pathways pass through this area, even a small misalignment can affect how balance signals are processed.
This disruption can contribute to symptoms such as:
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Vertigo
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Disequilibrium
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Dizziness
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Balance problems
Upper cervical chiropractors use precise imaging and analysis to determine whether a misalignment is present. If one is found, a gentle and highly specific adjustment is performed to restore the atlas to its proper position.
Research on Upper Cervical Care and Vertigo
In one study involving 60 patients suffering from vertigo, individuals received upper cervical chiropractic adjustments. The results were remarkable:
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48 patients experienced complete resolution of vertigo
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12 patients reported significant improvement in symptoms
These outcomes suggest that restoring proper alignment in the upper cervical spine can improve communication between the brain and body, allowing the nervous system to function more normally.
The NUCCA Difference
NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) care is a highly specialized form of upper cervical chiropractic. Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments that may involve twisting or cracking the neck, NUCCA adjustments are:
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Gentle and precise
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Non-invasive
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Drug-free
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Focused specifically on the atlas vertebra
Using detailed measurements and imaging, NUCCA practitioners determine the exact direction and degree of misalignment before performing a correction. When the atlas is restored to its proper alignment, the nervous system can function more efficiently, often leading to improvements in symptoms like vertigo.
Many patients report not only relief from dizziness but also improvements in balance, posture, and overall neurological function.
Finding Natural Relief from Vertigo
Vertigo can be frightening and disruptive, but many cases are connected to underlying issues within the nervous system and upper cervical spine. By addressing the root cause rather than simply masking symptoms, NUCCA care offers a natural and long-lasting approach to relief.
If you suffer from vertigo or chronic dizziness, a NUCCA evaluation may help determine whether an upper cervical misalignment is contributing to your symptoms.
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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/