Can Neck Problems Cause Dizziness? What The Research Shows
Written By Dr. Tyler Steward, DC - 5 Minute Read
Can Neck Problems Cause Dizziness?
This is a common question that, for many years, was quite controversial and still is the subject of debate in the scientific community today. In fact, the Barany Society, which is the world’s authority on vestibular disorder classifications, states that Cervical Dizziness has a lack of research and at this time they are unable to make diagnostic or treatment recommendations. [1] The difficulty in diagnosing neck-related dizziness is that most traditional vestibular tests stress both the neck and the inner ear simultaneously. Therefore, a positive vestibular test initially points to the inner ear as the cause, by default.
So, what do we know about the neck as a cause of dizziness? Well, there actually is quite a substantial amount of research linking the neck to dizziness. Unfortunately, most of this research is based on concepts, case studies, and cohort data. I published a narrative review study in the Cureus Journal of Medical Sciences specifically on this topic. [2]
We will assess the Atlas Subluxation Complex (ASC) as the specific neck issue that leads to dizziness. An ASC is a condition where the upper cervical spine misaligns, causing neurological dysfunction. This misalignment typically comes from accidents and injuries. The upper cervical spine is filled with sensitive anatomy, including nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lymphatic tracts. The improper positioning and biomechanics from the injury results in altered function of this sensitive anatomy.
My research found two plausible mechanisms by which an ASC can cause dizziness.
Mechanism 1: The Nerves
We have a substantial amount of tiny neurological sensors in the muscles surrounding our upper neck. These sensors, or proprioceptors, detect when the neck moves. Misalignment from an ASC alters proprioceptor signals, confusing the brain and causing dizziness.
Mechanism 2: The Blood Vessels
There are many blood vessels that pass from the body to the brain by way of the upper cervical spine. In fact, the vertebral artery makes four 90º turns within the region. Misalignment from an ASC will alter the fluid dynamics, resulting in dizziness.
So, what can be done about the neck as a cause of dizziness?
At The Steward Clinic, we use advanced diagnostics to assess spinal alignment, such as Cone Beam CT and precision spinal alignment correcting using Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. Although clinical trials have yet to be conducted, there is promising lower-level evidence supporting the effectiveness of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for dizziness. In fact, I have published a retrospective case series in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic on patients that I treated with Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for dizziness. [3] The average objective improvement for the cohort was ~70% after an initial trial of care. I also published a case study in the Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research on a case of Meniere’s Disease that improved after undergoing Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care. [4]
When Should You Consider Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care?
We help people of all ages who are experiencing dizziness or other issues related to the upper cervical spine. We are located in River Falls, WI, and serve patients who travel from Hudson, Ellsworth, New Richmond, rural St. Croix and Pierce County, as well as the East Minneapolis Metro, including Woodbury and Stillwater.
When is Upper Cervical Evaluation and Treatment Appropriate?
Upper Cervical Care is likely to be effective in patients who have neck pain and/or restricted range of motion, along with their dizziness.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic evaluation may prove beneficial for patients who’ve had other imaging and tests that were normal.
When Is Upper Cervical Care Not Appropriate?
Anyone who has had an initial and new bout of vertigo without a prompt Emergency Care evaluation first.
Anyone who has classic BPPV symptoms and has not been evaluated and/or treated for BPPV (we can do this at The Steward Clinic)
Anyone who has untreated autoimmune, infectious, or metabolic conditions. Upper Cervical Care may be a great addition to their care routine, but the underlying physiology must be addressed first.
CITATIONS:
Seemungal BM, Agrawal Y, Bisdorff A, Bronstein A, Cullen KE, Goadsby PJ, Lempert T, Kothari S, Lim PB, Magnusson M, Marcus HJ, Strupp M, Whitney SL. The Bárány Society position on 'Cervical Dizziness'. J Vestib Res. 2022;32(6):487-499. doi: 10.3233/VES-220202. PMID: 36404562; PMCID: PMC9837683.
Steward T. Atlas Subluxation Complex, National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association Intervention, and Dizziness Improvement: A Narrative Review of Historical Perspectives, Literature Synthesis, and a Path for Future Care. Cureus. 2025 Feb 19;17(2):e79310. doi: 10.7759/cureus.79310. PMID: 40125217; PMCID: PMC11927947.
