Vertigo & Dizziness

Vertigo and dizziness can make you feel as though the world is spinning, leaving you unsteady, nauseated, and unable to function normally. At Quest Chiropractic And Acupuncture in Itasca, IL, we evaluate the cervical spine, vestibular system, and neurological factors that contribute to vertigo and provide treatment that targets the underlying cause. Patients from Itasca, Roselle, Wood Dale, Bloomingdale, and throughout DuPage County come to our office for answers when standard medical approaches have not resolved their symptoms.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when neither is actually in motion. It is different from lightheadedness or simple unsteadiness — vertigo involves a distinct rotational or tilting sensation and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, and difficulty walking.

The most common types include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) that become dislodged in the inner ear, sending false motion signals to the brain. BPPV produces brief but intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head positions.

Cervicogenic vertigo originates from dysfunction in the cervical spine. The upper cervical vertebrae contain dense concentrations of proprioceptors — sensory receptors that tell your brain where your body is in space. When these vertebrae become misaligned or restricted, the conflicting signals between the neck, inner ear, and visual system can produce dizziness and vertigo.

Post-traumatic vertigo can follow head injuries, whiplash, or concussions. The combination of cervical spine damage and vestibular disruption from trauma often creates persistent dizziness that requires targeted treatment.

How We Treat Vertigo and Dizziness

Our evaluation begins with a detailed history of your symptoms — when they started, what triggers them, how long episodes last, and what associated symptoms you experience. We perform cervical spine assessment, neurological testing, and specific positional tests to determine whether your vertigo is cervicogenic, vestibular, or a combination.

For BPPV, we perform canalith repositioning maneuvers (such as the Epley or Semont maneuver) that guide the displaced crystals back to their proper location in the inner ear. These maneuvers are often effective within one to three sessions.

For cervicogenic vertigo, chiropractic adjustments to the upper cervical spine are central to treatment. Restoring proper alignment and motion to the C1 and C2 vertebrae normalizes proprioceptive input and resolves the sensory mismatch that produces dizziness. Acupuncture supports this by reducing inflammation and calming the overactive neurological pathways involved in vertigo.

We may also incorporate vestibular rehabilitation exercises that retrain the brain’s ability to process balance signals from the inner ear, eyes, and neck. These exercises gradually reduce sensitivity to the movements and positions that trigger your symptoms.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Vertigo

• Correction of upper cervical misalignments causing dizziness
• Effective canalith repositioning for BPPV episodes
• Reduced frequency and severity of vertigo attacks
• Improved balance and spatial orientation
• Decreased nausea and associated symptoms
• Drug-free treatment approach
• Identification of cervical spine contributions often missed by other providers
• Vestibular rehabilitation for long-term stability

Why Choose Quest Chiropractic And Acupuncture

Vertigo is frustrating because it often goes undiagnosed or is managed only with anti-nausea medication that does nothing to address the cause. Our office specifically evaluates the cervical spine connection to vertigo, which is frequently overlooked in standard medical workups. By combining upper cervical adjustments, BPPV repositioning maneuvers, acupuncture, and vestibular rehab, we offer a thorough treatment approach that resolves the problem rather than masking it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dizziness is coming from my neck? Cervicogenic vertigo is often associated with neck pain or stiffness, worsens with specific head movements, and may have started after a neck injury or prolonged period of poor posture. If your dizziness has not responded to inner ear treatments or if you have a history of cervical spine problems, there is a good chance your neck is involved. Our examination includes tests that differentiate between cervical and vestibular sources.

How quickly does vertigo respond to chiropractic treatment? BPPV often resolves within one to three sessions of repositioning maneuvers. Cervicogenic vertigo typically improves progressively over several weeks of cervical adjustments and rehabilitation. Some patients notice improvement after their first visit, while others require a course of consistent care before episodes significantly decrease.

Is vertigo dangerous? Vertigo itself is not usually dangerous, but the disorientation and balance problems it causes can increase your risk of falls. In rare cases, vertigo can be a sign of a more serious neurological condition. Our evaluation screens for red flags that would require referral, ensuring you receive appropriate care for your specific situation.

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Stop living at the mercy of dizziness and vertigo. Call Quest Chiropractic And Acupuncture at (847) 320-0859 or schedule an appointment online to find out what is causing your symptoms and start effective treatment.