Understanding Vertigo and Why It Happens
Vertigo is commonly described as the sensation that you or the world around you is spinning, even though there is no actual movement. This feeling can be disorienting and may interfere with daily activities such as walking, driving, or even standing up.
One of the most common forms of vertigo is called Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). While the name may sound complicated, it becomes easier to understand when the individual terms are broken down.
- Benign means the condition is not life-threatening.
- Paroxysmal refers to episodes that occur suddenly and last for a short period of time.
- Positional indicates that symptoms are triggered by certain head movements or body positions.
- Vertigo describes the spinning or whirling sensation.
Together, these terms describe a condition in which brief episodes of dizziness or spinning occur when the head changes position.
Why Vertigo Happens
BPPV is believed to occur when tiny calcium crystals inside the inner ear become displaced. These crystals normally help the body sense movement and maintain balance.
However, when they move into areas of the inner ear where they do not belong, they can interfere with the fluid that regulates balance. This disruption causes the inner ear to send incorrect signals to the brain about the body’s position, leading to the sensation of spinning or dizziness.
Researchers have also found that BPPV is sometimes associated with other health conditions, including:
- Diabetes
- Inner ear infections
- Migraines
- Osteoporosis
While these conditions may contribute to vertigo, many people experience symptoms without a clear explanation for why the problem began.
Finding Relief from Vertigo
Medical doctors often recommend medications to manage vertigo symptoms. Others may suggest a procedure known as the Epley maneuver, which involves repositioning the head in a specific way to guide the crystals back to their proper location.
Although these treatments can provide relief for some individuals, they do not always address the underlying cause. As a result, vertigo can return over time. In fact, studies suggest that vertigo may recur in up to 50% of patients within five years.
Because of this, many people begin looking for approaches that focus on potential underlying causes of the condition.
The Upper Cervical Spine and Vertigo
One area that has gained increasing attention in recent years is the upper cervical spine, particularly the C1 (atlas) and C2 (axis) vertebrae located at the top of the neck.
This region is extremely important because it sits directly beneath the skull and surrounds the brainstem, which helps coordinate balance, spatial awareness, and communication between the brain and body.
If the upper cervical spine becomes misaligned—often due to past head or neck injuries, falls, accidents, or sports impacts—it may affect the way the nervous system processes balance information.
A misalignment in this area can potentially influence:
- Communication between the brain and inner ear
- Blood flow to the brain
- Cerebrospinal fluid circulation
- The nervous system’s ability to regulate balance signals
When these systems are disrupted, the inner ear may send confusing or inaccurate signals, contributing to dizziness or vertigo.
How NUCCA Care May Help Vertigo Patients
At Advanced Spinal Care, we evaluate the alignment of the upper cervical spine using a specialized technique known as NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association).
NUCCA care focuses on restoring proper alignment of the atlas vertebra, which plays a critical role in supporting the head and protecting the nervous system.
Unlike traditional chiropractic adjustments, the NUCCA technique is:
- Extremely gentle
- Highly precise
- Non-invasive
- Free of twisting, cracking, or popping of the neck
Using careful measurements and imaging, a very small correction is made to help guide the vertebra back into proper alignment.
When the upper cervical spine is properly aligned, stress on the nervous system may be reduced. Many patients report improvements in balance, fewer vertigo episodes, and greater overall stability.
Some patients even experience complete resolution of their vertigo symptoms once the misalignment is corrected and maintained.
A Natural Approach to Balance and Stability
Vertigo can be frustrating and disruptive, especially when symptoms return repeatedly. Exploring the role of the upper cervical spine and nervous system may provide valuable insight into why vertigo occurs in the first place.
If you suffer from vertigo and are searching for a natural, drug-free approach, a NUCCA evaluation may help determine whether an upper cervical misalignment could be 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/