What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they're actually still. It's different from lightheadedness or feeling faint — vertigo involves a distinct rotational or tilting sensation that can be mild or completely disabling.
The most common type is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear. But vertigo can also originate from the cervical spine — called cervicogenic vertigo — where dysfunction in the upper neck disrupts the proprioceptive signals your brain uses for balance.
After a car accident, vertigo is one of the most commonly overlooked symptoms. Patients focus on neck and back pain while dismissing dizziness as "stress" or "concussion fog." Left untreated, post-traumatic vertigo can persist for months and significantly impact quality of life.
Vertigo & Dizziness Symptoms
Common Causes of Vertigo
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
Tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) become dislodged in the inner ear and migrate into the semicircular canals, sending false movement signals to the brain.
Cervicogenic Vertigo
Misalignment or dysfunction in the upper cervical spine disrupts proprioceptive input, causing the brain to receive conflicting signals about head position and balance.
Post-Accident Trauma
Whiplash and head trauma from car accidents can trigger both BPPV (by dislodging inner ear crystals) and cervicogenic vertigo (through cervical spine injury) simultaneously.
Meniere's Disease
Excess fluid in the inner ear causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Less common but must be ruled out.
Vestibular Neuritis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve — often following a viral infection — causes sudden, severe vertigo that can last days to weeks.
How We Treat Vertigo
Epley Maneuver (Canalith Repositioning)
A series of guided head positions that move displaced inner ear crystals out of the semicircular canals — the gold-standard treatment for BPPV.
Upper Cervical Adjustments
Precise corrections to the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) restore proper proprioceptive signaling between the cervical spine and the brain.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Specific eye-tracking and balance exercises that retrain the vestibular system to process movement signals correctly.
Cervical Spine Rehabilitation
Strengthening and coordination exercises for the deep cervical flexors and neck stabilizers to support proper proprioception.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We differentiate between BPPV, cervicogenic vertigo, and central causes using Dix-Hallpike testing, cervical orthopedic exams, and neurological screening.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- ⚠ Vertigo with sudden severe headache
- ⚠ Dizziness with slurred speech or facial drooping (possible stroke)
- ⚠ Vertigo with double vision or inability to walk
- ⚠ Sudden hearing loss with vertigo
- ⚠ Loss of consciousness with dizziness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor help with vertigo?
Yes. Chiropractic care is effective for both cervicogenic vertigo (through spinal adjustments) and BPPV (through canalith repositioning maneuvers).
Is vertigo common after a car accident?
Very common. Both inner ear crystal displacement and cervical spine injury from whiplash can trigger vertigo that develops days or weeks after the crash.
How quickly does vertigo treatment work?
BPPV often resolves in 1–3 visits with the Epley maneuver. Cervicogenic vertigo typically takes 4–8 weeks of consistent care.
Can neck problems cause dizziness?
Absolutely. The upper cervical spine sends critical balance and position data to the brain. Dysfunction here produces cervicogenic dizziness and vertigo.
Will my vertigo come back after treatment?
BPPV has a recurrence rate of about 15% per year. Cervicogenic vertigo is less likely to recur with proper rehabilitation and maintenance care.