DIZZINESS & VERTIGO
When the World Starts Spinning
Dizziness and vertigo can feel disorienting and frustrating — especially when scans and blood tests come back “normal.”
But balance is not managed by a single organ. It’s a full-body process involving your inner ear, eyes, neck, nervous system, and sense of spatial awareness.
A breakdown in any of these systems can create a sense of instability, spinning, or light-headedness.
Why Dizziness & Vertigo Happens
Vertigo is often labeled as an inner ear problem, but many people experience dizziness due to dysfunction in the cervical spine, vestibular system, or autonomic nervous system. Common contributors include:
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Joint fixation or muscle tension in the upper neck
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Dysfunction in the vestibular system (inner ear balance centers)
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Unintegrated head or eye movement patterns
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Chronic stress, which disrupts autonomic regulation and blood flow
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Previous concussions or whiplash injuries
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Sensory mismatch between visual input and body orientation
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These disruptions create confusion in the body’s balance centers, triggering symptoms that may be constant or come and go unpredictably.
Types of Dizziness & Vertigo
Identifying the true source of dizziness is essential for choosing the right form of care. Dr. Marcin helps patients distinguish between:
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Cervicogenic Dizziness
Caused by joint dysfunction or muscular tension in the upper neck, often following trauma or poor posture.
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Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Involves small calcium crystals in the inner ear disrupting balance. Triggered by certain head positions.
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Vestibular Hypofunction
A reduced response from one or both inner ear systems, leading to imbalance or motion sensitivity.
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Visual-Vestibular Mismatch
A conflict between what the eyes and body sense, common in screen overuse or after head injuries.
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Dysautonomia or Orthostatic Intolerance
Involves poor nervous system regulation of blood pressure and heart rate when standing or moving.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Dr. Marcin’s approach goes beyond symptom treatment to identify which systems are contributing to instability. His process may include:
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Precise upper cervical adjustments to restore head-neck coordination
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Vestibular exercises and visual tracking retraining
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Breathwork and vagus nerve stimulation to regulate the autonomic system
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Postural training and gentle movement therapy
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Lifestyle adjustments to support nervous system recovery and reduce sensory overload
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The goal is to bring the body’s orientation systems back into coherent communication, so balance becomes natural again.
Dr. Marcin’s Perspective
Dizziness is rarely “just in the ears.” It’s a systemic issue, one that requires attention to how the brain, spine, and senses integrate movement and orientation. With the right approach, the nervous system can learn to regulate again.
Respond to the Signal.
Healing your dizziness or vertigo holistically starts with taking the first step.
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Roots Health Clinic
Get hands-on support with care that addresses the root cause of your dizziness. Book a visit with Dr. Marcin to begin recovery and restore long-term function through expert chiropractic and nervous system-based care.
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FAQ's
What’s the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is a general feeling of lightheadedness or imbalance, while vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. Vertigo often has a clearer neurological or vestibular cause.
Can chiropractic care help with vertigo or balance issues?
Yes. Chiropractic care, especially when focused on the upper cervical spine and nervous system regulation, can improve balance, reduce dizziness, and restore coordination between the body, brain, and inner ear systems.
What causes dizziness that doesn’t show up on medical tests?
If scans and blood tests are clear, dizziness may stem from cervical joint dysfunction, nervous system dysregulation, poor breathing mechanics, or unintegrated visual-vestibular patterns — all of which are treatable with the right approach.
How do I know if my dizziness is coming from my neck?
Cervicogenic dizziness often comes with neck stiffness, pain, or a feeling of heaviness. Symptoms may worsen with head movement or sustained postures, and improve with spinal care or posture correction.
Can stress or anxiety cause vertigo symptoms?
Yes. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which can heighten sensory sensitivity, alter blood flow, and disrupt balance regulation — all of which may lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.