How to Fix Cervicogenic Dizziness (Neck-Related Dizziness Relief)

Dr. Jon Saunders, B.Kin., D.C. | Updated April 2026

In recent years, we’ve seen a growing number of patients in our Newmarket clinic struggling with dizziness and vertigo—especially dizziness that appears to be coming from the neck.

For many, it’s frustrating:

• it comes and goes
• it’s hard to explain
• and it often persists even after other tests come back normal

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

If you want to understand how this is assessed and treated, visit our Cervicogenic Dizziness page

Dizziness vs Vertigo — What’s the Difference?

It’s important to understand the distinction:

• Dizziness → lightheadedness, imbalance, or unsteadiness
• Vertigo → a spinning or movement sensation

Both can feel unsettling, and both can sometimes be linked to the neck.

How Your Body Controls Balance

Your body relies on three systems working together:

• Visual system (eyes)
• Vestibular system (inner ear)
• Cervical proprioception (neck)

When these systems are in sync → balance feels normal.

When one system is off → your brain receives conflicting information → you feel dizzy.

Common Causes of Dizziness (That Should Be Ruled Out First)

1. Medications & Blood Pressure

Some medications can cause dizziness, including those for:

• blood pressure
• allergies
• infections
• mood

Also, feeling dizzy when standing up may be related to:

• orthostatic hypotension

Always check with your doctor if unsure.

2. Inner Ear Problems (BPPV)

A very common cause of vertigo is:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Typical signs:

• dizziness when rolling in bed
• symptoms when looking up
• sudden spinning episodes

The Epley Maneuver is often very effective.

After successful completion of the Epley Maneuver, you should keep your head upright for 48 hours (no looking up or down). As well, try to sleep in a seated/inclined position (no horizontal sleeping) at 45 degrees for a couple of nights.  Then try to sleep on the unaffected side thereafter to help prevent it from returning.

For more information, you can also visit our BPPV page.

When the Neck Is the Source of Dizziness

If other causes have been ruled out, the neck becomes a very important piece of the puzzle.

This is called: Cervicogenic Dizziness

It is commonly seen in people with:

• past car accidents (whiplash)
• concussions
• sports injuries
• chronic neck pain
• arthritis
• prolonged poor posture
• heavy screen use

Even long hours sitting and looking down can trigger it.

How the Neck Can Cause Dizziness

The upper neck is rich in mechanoreceptors — sensors that tell your brain:

• where your head is
• how it’s moving
• what position your body is in

If these signals become distorted or inconsistent, your brain receives: mixed messages

That mismatch can result in:

• dizziness
• imbalance
• visual discomfort
• motion sensitivity

Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Dizziness

People with neck-related dizziness often also have:

• neck pain or stiffness
• headaches or migraines
• tight upper traps
• pressure at the base of the skull
• visual sensitivity
• dizziness with head movement
• a “floating” or off-balance feeling

If this sounds familiar, also visit our Neck Pain or Cervicogenic Headaches pages.

How to Fix Cervicogenic Dizziness

Fixing dizziness from the neck requires addressing the root mechanical issue.

1. Proper Neck Assessment

This is critical.

At our clinic, we evaluate:

• neck mobility
• posture
• upper cervical alignment
• muscle tension
• neurological function
• movement patterns

2. Improve Neck Mobility

Restricted movement in the upper neck can contribute to dizziness.

Treatment may include:

• gentle chiropractic adjustments
• mobilization techniques
• soft tissue work

3. Reduce Muscle Tension

Tight muscles can overload the system.

We often address:

• upper traps
• levator scapulae
• suboccipital muscles
• sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM)

4. Correct Posture

Posture is a major driver.

Forward head posture and prolonged sitting often:

• overload the upper neck
• distort proprioception
• worsen symptoms

See our Forward Head Posture page for more information.

5. Vestibular-Ocular Rehabilitation (Very Important)

One of the most effective tools is: VOR (Vestibular-Ocular Reflex training)

This retrains:

• your eyes
• inner ear
• neck

to work together again.

🎥 VOR video

When Should You Get Checked?

You should consider an assessment if:

• dizziness keeps returning
• symptoms last weeks or months
• you’ve had a past neck injury
• you also have neck pain or headaches
• your tests came back “normal” but symptoms persist

This is very common in cervicogenic dizziness cases.

Treatment for Cervicogenic Dizziness in Newmarket

At Chiropractic on Eagle, we help patients in:

• Newmarket
• Aurora
• East Gwillimbury
• Bradford

better understand and manage neck-related dizziness and vertigo.

If your dizziness is coming from your neck, treating the neck properly can make a significant difference.

Summary: What You Should Do

If you’re dealing with dizziness:

• Rule out medications and blood pressure
• Check for inner ear causes (BPPV)
• Assess your neck and posture
• Address mobility and muscle tension
• Begin simple VOR exercises

A combination approach usually works best.

Not Sure Where Your Dizziness Is Coming From?

A proper assessment can help determine whether your dizziness is coming from:

• your inner ear
• your neck
• or a combination of both

👉 Book an Appointment

P.S. Not sure if your dizziness is coming from your neck? Watch this to find out: