Vertigo
Vertigo is more than feeling off-balance — it can be debilitating. We assess the neck and balance system to find a path to relief.
Vertigo — the sensation that you or the room is spinning — can be frightening and disabling. While there are several causes, the neck and balance system frequently play a role, and that is where chiropractic care can help.
The neck-and-balance connection
The upper neck feeds your brain crucial position information. When those joints are restricted — often alongside neck pain — the mismatched signals can contribute to dizziness and unsteadiness.
How we approach vertigo
We carefully screen to rule out causes that need medical referral, then use gentle care to restore upper-neck motion and support better balance. Related symptoms of dizziness are addressed together.
What it feels like — and why it happens.
Common symptoms
- A spinning or tilting sensation
- Unsteadiness or feeling off-balance
- Nausea with episodes
- Symptoms triggered by head or neck movement
- Difficulty focusing the eyes
- Neck stiffness alongside episodes
Common causes
- Restricted upper-neck joints
- Inner-ear disturbances
- Neck injury or whiplash
- Poor posture and muscle tension
- Stress and fatigue
- Mismatched balance signals
Who’s at risk — and when to get checked.
Risk factors
- Prior neck injury or whiplash
- Forward-head posture and neck tension
- Prolonged screen and desk time
- History of inner-ear issues
- High stress and poor sleep
- Sudden head movements
When to seek care
- Recurring spinning or unsteadiness
- Vertigo triggered by neck movement
- Dizziness with neck pain or stiffness
- Episodes that disrupt daily activity
- Sudden severe vertigo, weakness, or slurred speech (seek urgent care)
- Vertigo after a head injury (seek urgent care)
From problem to outcome.
A clear, four-part path — so you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.
The Problem
Vertigo can stem from inner-ear, neurological, or cervical (neck) causes. Restricted upper-neck joints can disrupt the position signals your brain relies on for balance.
How We Evaluate
We screen thoroughly to identify red flags that require medical referral, then assess upper-neck motion and balance to find a contributing cause we can address.
How We Treat It
When the neck is involved, gentle, specific care restores motion to the upper cervical spine and supports the balance system, often reducing symptoms.
Expected Outcome
Many patients with neck-related vertigo experience fewer and milder episodes as upper-neck function improves.
What progress looks like.
Every body is different, but here’s the general arc of care most patients follow.
Screen
Rule out causes that need medical referral.
Restore
Gentle care to improve upper-neck motion.
Reinforce
Support balance and prevent recurrence.
Questions about vertigo
When the neck contributes to vertigo, gentle chiropractic care can help by restoring upper-neck motion and improving the position signals your brain uses for balance. We always screen first and refer out for causes that need medical care.
Clues include vertigo triggered by neck movement, accompanying neck stiffness, or a history of neck injury. Our assessment helps determine whether the neck is a factor.
Yes. We use gentle, specific techniques appropriate for the upper neck and balance system, and we tailor everything to your comfort and findings.
Connected care, connected answers.
Understanding the full picture helps you make confident decisions about your health.
Real stories from Forza patients.
Real Arlington Heights patients who came to Forza for relief — and found measurable, lasting results.
“I have been struggling with sinus issues, vertigo and dizziness for the past few months. I’ve tried many things but nothing was helping. Friends recommended me Hawkeye Chiropractic. I was a little skeptical but decided to try it. After the initial consultation, Dr. Drew had made a personal plan for me to follow. Two visits later my symptoms were gone, and I was feeling amazing. Dr. Drew and his team will not only give you the highest level of professionalism but will always make you feel welcomed and ease! Don’t hesitate and call Hawkeye Chiropractic. You will not regret it!”
Evgenya MarinovaGoogle review · Nov 13, 2023
“Dr. Drew is amazing! I went to see him a week ago with horrific dizzy spells (think room spinning like you drank a whole 5th of Vodka spinning) and with just 3 adjustments, I am already feeling a million times better. He is incredibly educated when it comes to the spine and nerves and how they all factor in and I cannot say enough about how grateful I am to him for helping me! Only 4 out of 36 adjustments done, and he's already my favorite chiropractor. I can honestly say he's just landed a patient for life with me!”
Facebook review · Nov 15, 2019
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