Can Your Neck Be Causing Your Dizziness?

Have you been experiencing unexplained dizziness? Well, you’re not alone. Many people experience dizziness, and most assume it’s caused by an inner ear problem like vertigo. But did you know your neck, especially the upper cervical spine, can actually trigger dizziness symptoms?

This is where NUCCA comes in. At NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, we specialize in Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic Care, which focuses on correcting these misalignments at the top of the neck.

That being said, in this article we will discuss how neck misalignment can induce symptoms similar to vertigo, how it’s different from inner ear problems, as well as highlight what you can do to find relief. Let’s get right into it.

dizziness, vertigo, chiropractic

Can Dizziness Be Caused by Neck Problems?

If you’ve ever felt lightheaded, off-balance, or like the room is spinning, you could suspect that your inner ear is to blame for this, however there’s much more to it. While the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays an important role in balance, it’s only part of the picture.

Your neck, namely the upper cervical spine, is equally as important. When this region is misaligned or under stress, it can transmit incorrect signals to the brain regarding your body’s position, causing dizziness, confusion, and unsteadiness.

How Is Neck-Related Dizziness Different from Inner Ear Vertigo?

To put it simply, inner ear vertigo frequently causes the sensation that the entire room is spinning. It’s frequently induced by certain head motions and can cause symptoms such as nausea, hearing abnormalities, or ringing in the ears.

In contrast, neck-related dizziness, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, feels more like:

  • A floating or rocking sensation
  • Lightheadedness
  • A sense of imbalance
  • Headaches or neck stiffness
  • Among more unique symptoms

You may also find that your symptoms intensify after extended periods of sitting, staring at displays or rotating your head.

What Role Does the Cervical Spine Play in Balance?

Your body maintains balance using three main systems:

  • #1. Visual input from your eyes,
  • #2. Vestibular input from your inner ears,
  • #3. Proprioceptive input from your neck and spine.

That said, here’s how it works. The upper cervical spine has a complex network of sensors that communicate with your brain about where your head and body are in space. If your neck gets misaligned, tight, or injured, it might produce mixed signals that contradict what your eyes and ears are perceiving. Even if you have healthy ears, this sensory mismatch might cause vertigo or dizziness.

Why Is Cervical Vertigo Often Misdiagnosed?

There is a simple explanation for this. The majority of people who experience dizziness go to their primary care physician or an ENT. They get hearing exams, balance examinations, and even MRIs. However, if the problem is with the neck, these tests may produce normal results, leaving patients with no solutions.

Cervical vertigo is frequently ignored because many healthcare practitioners do not evaluate the alignment or mobility of the upper cervical spine. That is where NUCCA treatment makes a difference. We focus on detecting and correcting small misalignments that impair the nervous system and equilibrium.

How Do I Know If My Dizziness Is Coming from My Neck?

Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you’re experiencing these types of symptoms:

  • Does your dizziness worsen when you move your head or after sitting for too long?
  • Do you also have neck stiffness, shoulder tension, or headaches?
  • Have you had a whiplash injury or developed bad posture as a result of desk employment or screen time?
  • Have ENT or neurologist examinations returned “normal”?
  • Have standard vertigo therapies, such as Epley exercises, been ineffective?

If you responded yes to any of these questions, your cervical spine may be causing your discomfort and getting the proper treatment is extremely important in order to find relief.

Can Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Help with Dizziness?

The simple answer is yes. At NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, we use a highly precise and gentle technique to correct upper cervical misalignment. The NUCCA approach employs gentle pressure rather than cracking or twisting to facilitate the restoration of proper spinal alignment.

By reducing obstruction in the upper cervical spine, we can reestablish correct communication between your body and brain, typically resulting in a significant improvement in dizziness, balance, and even mental clarity.

What Does the NUCCA Procedure for Dizziness Involve?

Our care procedure begins with a thorough examination of your posture, spinal alignment, and medical history. We employ imaging and non-invasive tests to determine where your spine is misaligned.

Once we understand your concerns we build a personalized care plan that may include:

  • Precise NUCCA adjustments to realign the upper cervical spine.
  • Postural exercises to support long-term spinal health.
  • Stretching and strengthening routines for the neck and upper back.
  • Lifestyle recommendations for ergonomics and daily habits.

All that being said, many patients report dramatic improvement after only a few sessions and have helped people of all ages regain and maintain their health.

Take a look at this article NUCCA has published in 2025.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor?

There are many long-term benefits that come from seeing a chiropractor regularly. Long-term chiropractic therapy at NUCCA Wellness Clinic improves posture, reduces chronic neck strain, and supports normal nervous system function, in addition to relieving dizziness.

Our gentle, but effective, upper cervical adjustments restore spinal balance, which may prevent future issues like joint degeneration, headaches, and poor sleep.

Many patients even notice increased energy, attention, and stress resilience. Overall, regular treatment keeps your body aligned, balanced, and functioning at its best in the long run.

Find Relief from Neck-Related Dizziness at NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago

At NUCCA Wellness Clinic of Chicago, we understand how frustrating it is to live with dizziness without knowing the reasons why. For that reason, we are committed to restoring your sense of balance, clarity, and control.

If you’re ready to see if your cervical spine is causing your issues, book a consultation with our medical experts. Simply give us a call or fill out a contact form with your information to book your consultation!