Dizziness and Vertigo Treatment in Spokane
Dizziness can make even simple parts of your day feel uncertain. You may feel like the room is spinning, the ground is moving,
or your balance cannot quite catch up with you. At Clear Chiropractic Spokane, we evaluate whether dysfunction or a previous
injury in the upper neck may be contributing to dizziness, vertigo, or ongoing balance problems.
How Neck Issues Trigger Vertigo Symptoms
Dizziness and vertigo can make everyday tasks feel uncertain and overwhelming. While many balance problems involve the inner ear, the neck can also play a role.
The brain relies on information from the eyes, inner ears, neck, muscles, and joints to understand where the body is in space. When signals from the upper cervical spine do not match the information coming from the other systems, some people may experience dizziness, imbalance, or disorientation.
Our doctors evaluate whether a previous injury or dysfunction in the upper neck may be one contributing factor.
What is Cervicogenic Dizziness and Vertigo?
Cervicogenic dizziness and vertigo originate from problems in the cervical spine, particularly in the upper neck where nerve signals from the body integrate with the brainstem. These issues can result from poor posture, whiplash injuries, concussions, or chronic neck tension. The brain relies on accurate information from the neck to maintain balance, and when the signals become distorted, dizziness and vertigo can follow. Because dizziness can also come from the inner ear, vision, medications, blood pressure changes, and other medical conditions, a thorough evaluation is important.
Symptoms of Cervicogenic Dizziness and Vertigo
Unsteadiness, rocking, floating, or spinning sensations
Visual disturbances or difficulty focusing
Nausea or disorientation
The Role of the Vestibular System in Balance
Your balance depends on several systems working together.
The inner-ear vestibular system detects head movement and position. Your eyes provide visual information, while the muscles and joints, including those in the neck, help the brain understand where your body is in space.
When these signals do not match, the brain may have difficulty accurately processing movement and position. This can lead to dizziness, visual discomfort, imbalance, or a feeling that your surroundings are moving.
Understanding the Causes of Balance Disorders
Balance disorders can have many possible causes, and sometimes more than one factor is involved.
Vestibular Disorders– Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, or Meniere’s disease can disrupt the inner ear’s ability to detect motion and orientation.
Neck Issues – Dysfunction or injury to the upper cervical spine (the neck) can affect the proprioceptive signals that the brain uses to maintain balance. This is often seen in people who have experienced whiplash or other neck injuries.
Visual Problems – Conditions such as astigmatism or double vision can make it difficult for the brain to integrate visual information properly, leading to balance issues.
Concussions or Head Injuries: – Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can have long-lasting effects on balance and coordination. After a concussion, the brain may struggle to interpret signals from the vestibular system, eyes, and neck.
Stress and Anxiety – Emotional stress and anxiety can exacerbate balance issues by triggering or amplifying physical symptoms. Stress can cause muscular tension, which in turn may disrupt the proprioceptive feedback needed for balance.
Myofunctional Disorders – Dysfunctional swallowing or breathing patterns, such as mouth breathing instead of nasal breathing, can contribute to TMJ problems over time.
Connective Tissue Disorders (e.g., Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) – Hypermobility in the TMJ may make it prone to dislocation and instability.
The Blair Technique for Cervicogenic Dizziness and Vertigo
At Clear Chiropractic Spokane, we use the Blair Upper Cervical Technique to evaluate and care for the area where the head and neck meet.
Our process may include:
Patient History & Symptom Evaluation– We assess when dizziness occurs, what triggers it, and whether there are accompanying symptoms such as neck pain, headaches, or visual disturbances.
Blair Upper Cervical Palpation & Motion Testing – Gentle tests assess joint function, helping to pinpoint restrictions and asymmetries in the upper cervical spine.
Blair-Specific X-Rays or CBCT Imaging – Unlike standard X-rays, Blair imaging (CBCT) takes customized views of the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) based on the patient’s anatomy. This allows us to see misalignments that could be affecting the brainstem, vestibular pathways, and overall neurological function.
Infrared Thermography or Neurological Scanning – Our practitioners use thermography or computerized scans to assess nervous system function and determine if a correction is needed.
Blair Upper Cervical Treatment for Cervicogenic Dizziness and Vertigo
When an upper cervical correction is recommended, it is planned around the patient’s examination findings and individual anatomy.
Gentle, Non-Manipulative Adjustment – Unlike general chiropractic manipulation, Blair corrections are low-force and tailored to the patient’s unique misalignment. There is no twisting or cracking.
Post-Adjustment Rest Period – Patients rest for a short time to allow the correction to stabilize, ensuring the nervous system adapts properly.
Follow-Up and Stability Monitoring – Regular check-ups assess whether the correction is holding. If the alignment remains stable, fewer adjustments are needed over time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cervicogenic dizziness and vertigo, consider consulting a Blair Upper Cervical Chiropractor to determine if an upper neck misalignment could be the root cause. A precise, individualized approach may be the key to lasting relief.
The Process of Retraining the Brain
Balance rehabilitation may involve helping the brain better process information from the inner ears, eyes, neck, and body.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is provided by trained professionals and may include exercises designed around a patient’s specific diagnosis and symptoms. Upper cervical chiropractic care may also be considered when a neck injury or dysfunction appears to be part of the picture.
Some patients benefit from a collaborative approach involving an upper cervical chiropractor, vestibular physical therapist, ENT, neurologist, neuro-optometrist, or primary care provider.
Find Out What May Be Contributing to Your Dizziness
Dizziness and vertigo can have many possible causes. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether the upper cervical spine may be contributing and whether another provider or form of care is also needed.
Schedule a consultation at our South Hill or North Spokane office to discuss your symptoms, previous injuries, and next steps.
Hear From Our Patients
Read what patients have shared about their experience with Clear Chiropractic and our upper cervical approach.
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