Vertigo is the feeling that the world is moving when it is not. The room spins, balance falters, and simple movements like turning the head or rolling over in bed can trigger an episode. Vertigo is a symptom rather than a single condition, which is why patients often cycle through specialists without finding a clear answer.
Causes range. Inner ear problems are the most well-known and include conditions like benign positional vertigo. But vertigo also commonly stems from upper cervical misalignment, where vertebrae at the top of the neck affect the nerves and blood flow that govern balance. Migraines, head injuries, and reduced cerebral blood flow can all produce vertigo as well. Most patients who have lived with vertigo have heard several different explanations, and the truth is often a combination.
Dr. Lena Hartwell starts with a careful look at the upper cervical spine, because that is where chiropractic can make the biggest difference. The exam identifies whether the upper neck is contributing to the symptoms. If it is, a specific adjustment to the involved vertebra often produces noticeable change. If the source is purely inner ear or another system, Dr. Lena Hartwell will tell you and refer when appropriate. Many vertigo patients are surprised at how much of their problem traces back to the neck. Others have a mixed picture and benefit from chiropractic care alongside other forms of help. The point is to get an honest assessment of what role the spine plays before committing to any single path.
Take the first step toward better health. Schedule your new patient visit today.

Pain, numbness, or weakness in the limbs caused by nerve compression at the spine.
Learn More
Bulging, herniated, or extruded spinal discs that compress nerves and limit movement.
Learn More
Hand and wrist pain, numbness, or weakness from median nerve compression.
Learn More
Spinal misalignment, disc problems, or muscle strain limiting daily movement and quality of life.
Learn More
Sharp, radiating pain down the leg caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve at the spine.
Learn More
Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that affects posture, motion, and long-term function.
Learn More
Injuries from job-related accidents, repetitive motion, or sustained poor posture on the job.
Learn More
Neck injury from sudden back-and-forth motion, most often from rear-end collisions.
Learn More
Persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited motion that interferes with daily activity.
Learn More
A physiologic state that shifts posture, weight, and ligament tension in ways that strain the spine.
Learn More
Stiffness, soreness, or sharp pain in the cervical spine that limits motion and daily activity.
Learn More
Recurring head pain often driven by tension and misalignment in the upper neck.
Learn More