If you’ve ever felt dizzy or lightheaded, especially when moving your head, you might be dealing with something called cervical vertigo. At ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors, we often see patients with these symptoms, and many are surprised to learn their neck might be the source of the problem. Let’s break it down together in simple terms.
What is Cervical Vertigo?
Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition where dizziness stems from the neck. This can happen due to injury, poor posture, or even chronic neck tension. Your neck contains many nerves, muscles, and joints that help maintain balance. When something goes wrong in that area, it can send confusing signals to your brain.
Common Symptoms of Cervical Vertigo
Many people describe cervical vertigo as a sensation of spinning, lightheadedness, or feeling off-balance. It often gets worse with certain head movements. You might also experience headaches, neck pain, or stiffness along with the dizziness.
Some people confuse it with inner ear issues or general vertigo, but cervical vertigo has its own unique characteristics. That’s why proper evaluation is crucial.
What Causes Cervical Vertigo?
Several factors can lead to cervical vertigo:
- Whiplash or neck trauma
- Degenerative disc disease
- Poor posture from long hours at a desk
- Tension or tight muscles in the neck
- Misalignments in the cervical spine
At ProCare, we often find that a combination of these factors is at play. Identifying the root cause is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan.
How is Cervical Vertigo Diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be tricky since dizziness has many potential causes. Our team at ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors starts with a thorough history and physical exam. We ask about your symptoms, daily habits, injuries, and more.
We also perform orthopedic and neurological tests to check your balance, muscle tone, and spinal alignment. Sometimes, imaging like X-rays or MRIs is needed to rule out other issues.
Chiropractors are trained to detect subtle changes in joint function that may be contributing to your dizziness.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Here’s the good news: chiropractic care can help reduce or even eliminate cervical vertigo. When the joints in your neck aren’t moving properly, they can affect your nervous system. Gentle adjustments can restore normal motion and relieve pressure on sensitive nerves.
We also use soft tissue therapies and exercises to support your recovery. These help reduce muscle tension and improve posture. When everything works in harmony, your symptoms can improve significantly.
What to Expect During Treatment
If you’ve never seen a chiropractor before, don’t worry. We explain everything step-by-step. Your first visit includes a full consultation, examination, and often, your first adjustment.
Most patients with cervical vertigo respond well to a combination of spinal adjustments, posture correction, and home exercises. Our goal is to help your body heal naturally without drugs or surgery.
We tailor each treatment plan to your needs. Some patients feel relief within a few visits, while others need a bit more time depending on the severity of their condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cervical vertigo permanent?
No, it doesn’t have to be. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, many people recover fully.
Can I treat it on my own?
While stretching and posture exercises can help, it’s best to get evaluated. Trying to “self-correct” may lead to more problems.
Is chiropractic care safe for dizziness?
Absolutely. Chiropractic adjustments are safe and effective when performed by licensed professionals, like our team at ProCare.
How long until I see results?
Everyone heals differently, but many patients report feeling better within the first few treatments.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
Nope! You can book an appointment with us directly—no referral necessary.
Tips for Preventing Cervical Vertigo
While we’re here to help you heal, prevention is always better than cure. Here are a few simple tips:
- Practice good posture, especially when sitting at a desk
- Take breaks during long periods of sitting or working
- Stay active and stretch your neck and shoulders regularly
- Avoid cradling your phone between your ear and shoulder
- Use supportive pillows that align your spine while sleeping
Making small daily changes can go a long way in keeping your neck healthy and your balance steady.
Final Thoughts from the Team at ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors
Cervical vertigo can be frustrating and even scary, but it’s not something you have to live with forever. At ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From accurate diagnosis to personalized care plans, we’re passionate about helping you feel your best.
If you or someone you know is struggling with dizziness that seems related to neck issues, give us a call. Let’s find the root cause and work together toward lasting relief.
We’re ready when you are.
