Vertigo is a false sensation of movement that can cause a person to feel as though they are spinning or that their surroundings are moving. This sensation often disrupts balance and may also be accompanied by nausea or disorientation.
For many people, vertigo appears as the feeling that the room is spinning. However, the term actually refers to any incorrect perception of motion. Some individuals experience vertigo only occasionally, while others deal with chronic episodes that can significantly interfere with daily life.
How Does Vertigo Occur?
Research has explored several possible factors that may influence vertigo. One study found that a large percentage of individuals who experienced whiplash in motor vehicle accidents later showed a reduction in the amount of fluid that cushions the brain, known as cerebrospinal fluid.
Cerebrospinal fluid plays an important role in protecting the brain and spinal cord while also helping maintain a stable environment for the nervous system. Changes in the movement or circulation of this fluid may affect the body’s sense of balance.
It is therefore not uncommon for people who have experienced head or neck injuries to later report episodes of vertigo.
Balance in the body is regulated by several systems working together, including:
- The eyes, which help determine orientation in space
- The inner ears, which contain structures responsible for balance
- Sensory receptors in the limbs, joints, and spine
- The central nervous system, which processes and interprets all of these signals
When these systems communicate effectively, the body can maintain proper balance and spatial awareness. Disruptions in this communication can contribute to sensations such as dizziness or vertigo.
The Upper Cervical Spine and Balance
The uppermost bone of the spine is known as the atlas (C1). This vertebra sits at the base of the skull and surrounds the lower portion of the brainstem, an area that plays an important role in coordinating communication between the brain and the body.
Because the atlas supports the head and allows for a wide range of movement, it is also one of the most mobile bones in the spine. This mobility makes it more susceptible to misalignment following trauma such as:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Sports injuries
- Falls
- Other impacts involving the head or neck
When the atlas shifts out of its normal alignment—a condition often referred to as Atlas Subluxation—it may create structural stress in the upper cervical spine. This can influence posture and potentially affect how signals are transmitted between the brain and the body.
Some clinicians have also suggested that alignment in this region may influence blood circulation and the movement of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord.
A Precise Approach with NUCCA
At Advanced Spinal Care in Washington, we focus on evaluating and correcting alignment of the upper cervical spine using a specialized method known as NUCCA.
NUCCA stands for the National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association and is designed specifically to address misalignment of the atlas vertebra.
This technique differs from many traditional chiropractic approaches in several ways:
- Detailed imaging and measurements are used to determine the precise position of the atlas
- Adjustments are extremely gentle and highly specific
- The procedure does not involve twisting, cracking, or popping the neck
- Each correction is customized to the patient’s individual anatomy
During a NUCCA correction, a light and carefully directed pressure is applied to encourage the atlas vertebra to return toward its proper alignment. Because of the precision involved, the goal is to restore structural balance and allow the body to stabilize rather than relying on repeated forceful adjustments.
Supporting the Body’s Natural Balance
Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on correcting Atlas Subluxation rather than treating individual symptoms. When the head and neck are properly aligned, the body may have a greater opportunity to maintain efficient nervous system communication and overall balance.
Many individuals seek this approach because it focuses on restoring structural alignment and supporting the body’s natural function.
Schedule a NUCCA Evaluation
If you experience vertigo—especially if you have a history of head or neck trauma—it may be helpful to evaluate the alignment of the upper cervical spine.
A NUCCA consultation can help determine whether Atlas Subluxation may be present and whether correcting that alignment could support improved structural balance.
To schedule your NUCCA evaluation, click the button below.
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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/