Vertigo & Vestibular
Vertigo
A true spinning sensation, usually inner-ear related.
True vertigo — a genuine sensation of spinning or that the environment is moving — is most often vestibular, or inner-ear, in origin and may need specific medical or vestibular assessment.
Neck findings can sometimes coexist with vertigo, but they are evaluated separately from the vestibular question, since confusing the two can delay the right care.
Why this matters
Vertigo is frightening and can be genuinely disabling, so getting the right assessment first matters more than moving quickly into any single type of care.
Once the source of vertigo has been reasonably clarified, any relevant neck findings can be addressed on their own terms.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
The vestibular system, the eyes, and the neck all feed into the sense of balance. Screening each of these areas helps show where the problem is more likely to sit.
This kind of screening supports, rather than replaces, the medical evaluation vertigo typically requires.
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
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Sudden vertigo with neurological symptoms is a medical emergency.
- Vertigo with weakness, numbness, or slurred speech
- Vertigo with double vision or difficulty swallowing
- New, severe vertigo that does not settle
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.