Have you ever felt like the room is spinning, even though you’re standing still? Or maybe you’ve experienced sudden lightheadedness, loss of balance, or nausea that disrupts your daily life. These symptoms, known as vertigo and dizziness, are not only unsettling but also interfere with work, driving, and even simple activities like walking.
At Family Chiropractic of Clark, we often meet patients surprised to learn that neck alignment plays a significant role in balance and inner-ear function. With gentle chiropractic care, it’s possible to reduce these episodes and regain confidence in your daily activities.
Understanding Vertigo vs. Dizziness
Though people often use the terms interchangeably, they describe slightly different sensations:
- Vertigo → the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning.
- Dizziness → a broader sensation of lightheadedness, imbalance, or feeling faint.
Both can stem from multiple causes, but the neck-spine connection is often overlooked.
The Neck-Balance Connection
Why does your neck matter so much for balance?
- Proprioception (Body Awareness)
The cervical spine contains sensors that communicate with the brain about head position. Misalignments in the neck can distort these signals, leading to balance problems. - Blood Flow to the Brain
The vertebral arteries travel through the cervical vertebrae to supply blood to the brain and inner ear. Poor posture or misalignments may affect this flow, contributing to dizziness. - Nerve Irritation
Neck tension or misalignments can irritate nerves that interact with the inner ear and balance centers. - Whiplash or Injury
Even minor car accidents or sports injuries can disrupt neck alignment, causing recurring vertigo episodes months later.
Common Triggers of Vertigo and Dizziness
- Inner ear infections or disorders (such as BPPV).
- Stress and muscle tension in the neck.
- Poor posture and “text neck” from screen use.
- Cervical spine misalignments.
- Head or neck injuries.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic care doesn’t treat vertigo like medication does — instead, it addresses the underlying structural imbalances that may cause or worsen it. At Family Chiropractic of Clark, we focus on:
1. Gentle Cervical Adjustments
Realigning the neck reduces nerve irritation and restores clear communication between the brain and balance centers.
2. Soft Tissue Release
Relieving tension in neck and shoulder muscles helps reduce pressure on nerves and improves posture.
3. Posture and Lifestyle Coaching
We guide patients on workstation ergonomics, movement breaks, and exercises that improve stability.
4. Complementary Exercises
Techniques like the Epley maneuver (for BPPV) and balance exercises can be incorporated alongside chiropractic adjustments.
At-Home Strategies for Relief
While professional care is key, small daily habits can support recovery:
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can intensify dizziness.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they affect inner ear fluid balance.
- Practice neck stretches to keep muscles flexible.
- Move slowly when standing up or changing head positions.
- Track triggers in a journal to identify patterns (stress, diet, posture, etc.).
When to Seek Care Immediately
Not all dizziness is spine-related. Seek urgent medical care if dizziness is accompanied by:
- Sudden severe headache.
- Blurred vision or slurred speech.
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body.
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat.
These can indicate medical emergencies such as stroke or cardiac issues.
Final Thoughts
Vertigo and dizziness don’t have to control your life. If your symptoms are related to posture, neck misalignments, or past injuries, gentle chiropractic care may be the missing piece.
At Family Chiropractic of Clark, we specialize in helping patients restore balance naturally, without relying only on medications.
