Vertigo & Vestibular
Cervicogenic Dizziness
Unsteadiness or disorientation associated with neck position and movement.
Also called: Neck-related dizziness.
Cervicogenic dizziness is usually described as unsteadiness or a floating sensation rather than true spinning, and it typically tracks with neck pain and neck movement. It is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other causes of dizziness are ruled out first.
Because dizziness has many possible sources, this label is only appropriate once other, potentially more significant, causes have been reasonably considered by the relevant medical evaluation.
Why this matters
People often describe it as feeling slightly off rather than dizzy in the classic sense, and it commonly affects driving, busy visual environments, and turning the head quickly.
Once other causes have been reasonably excluded, addressing neck movement and position sense may be a relevant part of a broader plan.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
The upper neck sends dense position information to the same systems that process balance and eye movement, which is why neck problems can produce dizziness-like symptoms without the inner ear being involved.
Evaluation looks at how neck movement and position sense relate to reported symptoms, alongside standard balance testing.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
This is a concern where medical evaluation, imaging or co-management may be the right first step. Dr. Mike Geran will say so plainly if that is what the history and examination suggest.
Common questions
- How is cervicogenic dizziness different from vertigo?
- It is usually described as unsteadiness rather than true spinning, and it tends to track closely with neck position and movement. True spinning vertigo is more often related to the inner ear and is evaluated differently.
- Do I need to see a doctor before coming in for this?
- Yes. Dizziness should be medically evaluated first to rule out other causes, some of which need urgent medical care.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Dizziness has many possible causes, some of them medical and urgent. Sudden severe vertigo, double vision, slurred speech, weakness or fainting requires emergency medical care.
- Sudden severe vertigo or spinning
- Double vision, slurred speech, or facial weakness
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Balance & Coordination — Balance is a whole-nervous-system task. It is also one of the easier things to measure and re-measure.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Atlantoaxial Instability — Excessive movement between the first two neck bones — a medical finding requiring caution.
- Auto Accident Injury — Musculoskeletal injuries following a motor vehicle collision.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.