Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or off balance, especially when turning your head might not be all in your head. For many people, these sensations stem from an unexpected source: the neck.
This condition is called cervicogenic dizziness, or cervical vertigo, and it’s more common than most people realize. If you’ve been experiencing ongoing dizziness with no clear inner ear or neurological cause, your cervical spine could be playing a major role.
Let’s break down what cervicogenic dizziness really is, why it happens, and how chiropractic care may help you find long-term relief.
What Is Cervicogenic Dizziness?
Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of vertigo that originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine, particularly the joints, muscles, or nerves in the neck.
This kind of dizziness is typically described as:
A sense of unsteadiness or imbalance
Feeling “off” when moving the head or neck
Occasional blurry vision or a spinning sensation
Neck pain or stiffness that comes along with the dizziness
Unlike inner ear vertigo (like BPPV), cervicogenic dizziness is not caused by issues in your vestibular system, but rather from impaired communication between the neck and brain regarding balance and position.
Common Causes of Cervical Vertigo
There are several ways that the neck can contribute to feelings of dizziness:
1. Poor Posture
Forward head posture and slouching, especially from desk jobs or phone use, can create abnormal pressure on the cervical spine, leading to muscle tension and joint restriction.
2. Whiplash or Neck Trauma
Even a minor car accident or fall can disrupt the proprioceptors (position sensors) in the neck, which are key in maintaining balance.
3. Cervical Joint Dysfunction
Misaligned vertebrae or “stuck” spinal joints in the upper neck can send incorrect signals to the brain about head position and movement.
4. Tight Muscles or Trigger Points
Overworked neck and shoulder muscles can irritate nearby nerves and interfere with blood flow, causing dizziness and tension.
5. Nerve Irritation
When nerves in the upper neck are inflamed or compressed, they can affect your body’s ability to regulate equilibrium, especially when moving your head quickly.
How to Know If You Might Have Cervicogenic Dizziness
If you’re not sure whether your dizziness is coming from your neck, here are a few clues:
You also experience neck pain or stiffness
Dizziness increases with neck movement or poor posture
Balance issues feel worse after long periods of sitting or working
Inner ear testing came back normal
Symptoms started after an injury, car accident, or prolonged posture strain
If this sounds like you, it’s worth getting your cervical spine evaluated by a trained professional.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Chiropractors specialize in the structure and movement of the spine, including the upper cervical region most associated with balance. At Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness, we see patients struggling with dizziness, neck tension, and poor posture every week.
Here’s how we help:
✅ Comprehensive Cervical Spine Assessment
We perform gentle, hands-on evaluations to check for joint restriction, muscle tension, and postural imbalances that may be contributing to your symptoms.
✅ Chiropractic Adjustments
Targeted adjustments to the neck and upper spine help restore natural joint motion, reduce nerve irritation, and improve communication between the brain and body.
✅ Soft Tissue Therapy
We use gentle techniques like Active Release Technique (ART) to release tight muscles that may be compressing nerves or limiting circulation to the brain.
✅ Nervous System Support
Chiropractic care helps calm the overactive stress response and supports the autonomic nervous system, which regulates balance, blood pressure, and sensory input.
✅ Customized Stretches and Postural Coaching
We teach simple, specific neck stretches and ergonomic changes that reduce strain and help retrain your body to move better.
Final Thoughts
If dizziness has been affecting your daily life, work, or confidence, don’t ignore it. Especially if you’ve ruled out other causes, your neck could be the missing piece of the puzzle.
Dr. Christina Yang from Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness combines targeted chiropractic adjustments with soft tissue therapy and nervous system support to address cervicogenic dizziness at the root. You’re in good hands, ask a Re-LAX staff member about getting started with simple posture or balance assessments, or booking a consultation with Dr. Yang for holistic support.
📍 Visit us:
Re-LAX Chiropractic + Wellness
8929 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90045
🌐 https://re-laxchiropractic.com
Ready to feel steady and confident again? Book your visit today and let us help you regain balance, naturally.