Vertigo and Your Neck – What’s the Connection?

When it comes to vertigo, one of the biggest questions that come up is “What can I do to make this go away?”  For people living with this condition day-to-day, it can cause a lot of anxiety not knowing when the next episode might occur.  Symptoms of vertigo are often triggered by a change in head position.  People in the midst of a vertigo attack might feel as if they are swaying, spinning, tilting, and unbalanced.  Additionally, nausea, vomiting, headache, and hearing changes may also be experienced.

Vertigo and dizziness can feel overwhelming, especially when episodes are triggered by simple head movements. Many patients in Sioux Falls, SD, don’t realize that vertigo may be linked to misalignment in the upper neck. At Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls, we focus on identifying and correcting these issues using the precise Blair Upper Cervical Technique.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a type of dizziness that creates the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning, tilting, or swaying. Common symptoms include nausea, balance problems, headaches, and visual disturbances, often triggered by changes in head position.

Understanding the Upper Cervical Spine

There are seven vertebrae that make up the cervical spine in the neck.  At the very top of the neck sits a uniquely shaped bone called the atlas.  The atlas (C1), combined with the skull above and the axis (C2) vertebra below gives us the freedom to move the head in all directions.

The upper cervical spine—specifically the atlas (C1) and axis (C2)—plays a vital role in balance and spatial awareness. These vertebrae protect the brainstem, which processes signals from the inner ear about your body’s position. When these signals are disrupted due to misalignment, the brain may interpret incorrect information, leading to vertigo symptoms like spinning or imbalance.

Looking at the Research

More and more evidence is starting to show that there is a connection between the position of your atlas and the onset of spinning.  In one particular study, 60 cases of chronic vertigo were assessed.  The participants had experienced vertigo symptoms for between 1 and 37 years.  There were a few commonalities found that point towards upper cervical chiropractic care being a successful, natural approach toward finding relief:

• 56 of the 60 vertigo patients recalled some type of head or neck injury
• All 60 vertigo patients were found to have atlas misalignments
• 100% of cases either improved or were completely symptom-free following a period of upper cervical chiropractic care

If you have been suffering from vertigo, then the next logical step would be to have your atlas alignment assessed by an upper cervical chiropractor.  Contact us at Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls for a complimentary consultation to see if we can help you get to feeling better.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Can Help Vertigo

Upper cervical chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper alignment in the neck to improve communication between the brain and body. Patients often experience:

• Reduced frequency of vertigo episodes
• Improved balance and coordination
• Less nausea and dizziness
• Better overall nervous system function

Common Causes of Vertigo Related to the Neck

Many vertigo sufferers have a history of head or neck trauma, even from minor incidents. Common causes include:

• Car accidents or whiplash
• Sports injuries
• Falls or slips
• Poor posture (tech neck)
• Repetitive strain

These events can shift the upper cervical spine out of alignment, affecting the brainstem and inner ear communication.

Vertigo Relief in Sioux Falls, SD

If you’re searching for vertigo relief in Sioux Falls or nearby communities, upper cervical chiropractic care offers a natural, non-invasive solution. At Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls, we specialize in the Blair technique to address the root cause of vertigo—not just the symptoms.

References:

http://www.webmd.com/brain/vertigo-symptoms-causes-treatment#1

Elster E, Sixty Patients With Chronic Vertigo Undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care to Correct Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis. J Vert Sublux Res 2006; Nov 8:1-9.