Understanding Vertigo and Dizziness: How Chiropractic Care Can Help If you’ve ever felt the world spin around you or experienced lightheadedness that threw you off balance, you’re not alone. Vertigo and dizziness are two of the most common reasons people visit a healthcare provider—and yet, they’re also some of the most commonly misunderstood conditions. At Discover Life Chiropractic, we specialize in identifying the real root causes behind vertigo and dizziness—often hidden in plain sight within the upper cervical spine. Our unique approach, including the highly effective Blye Cranial Technique, allows us to deliver consistent, long-term results to patients who’ve tried everything else without success. What’s the Difference Between Vertigo and Dizziness? While often used interchangeably, vertigo and dizziness are not the same: Vertigo is the sensation that you or your environment is spinning or moving when no actual movement is occurring. It often comes with nausea, loss of balance, and difficulty standing or walking. Dizziness is a more general term that can describe lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or a feeling of being faint. Understanding the difference is important, but identifying the cause is even more critical. The Cervical Spine Connection One of the most overlooked sources of vertigo and dizziness lies in the upper cervical spine—the top bones of your neck (C1 andC2) that protect the brainstem and coordinate balance signals from your eyes, inner ear, and body. Research and clinical experience have shown that misalignments or instability in the upper cervical spine can disrupt the neurological signals responsible for balance and spatial orientation. This can result in symptoms of vertigo and dizziness, even when no inner ear problem is found. At Discover Life Chiropractic, we use upper cervical stress x-rays to look for excessive motion or misalignment that doesn't show up on standard imaging. This allows us to detect issues that are often missed by traditional healthcare providers. The Myth of the “Crystals in Your Ear” A common diagnosis given to patients with vertigo is BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), which is thought to result from calcium crystals (otoconia) dislodging into the inner ear’s semicircular canals. While BPPV can be a real condition, it is frequently misdiagnosed—especially when the symptoms persist or don't respond to simple maneuvers like the Epley. In our clinical experience, many patients who were told they had inner ear crystals actually had underlying cervical spine dysfunction that was triggering or mimicking vertigo symptoms. Once this was addressed through precise chiropractic adjustments, the symptoms resolved—often permanently. The Blye Cranial Technique: A Unique Advantage Discover Life Chiropractic is one of the few clinics to incorporate the Blye Cranial Technique, a gentle, hands-on method designed to restore motion and alignment to the cranial bones and upper cervical spine. This technique is especially effective in balancing the neurological and structural systems that control equilibrium and spatial orientation. By combining Blye Cranial Technique with spinal-specific care, we’ve helped countless patients eliminate vertigo and dizziness—even after years of frustration and failed treatments. Don’t Just Cope—Get the Right Diagnosis and Care If you’re tired of living with vertigo or dizziness—or if you’ve been told it’s “just crystals” or “in your head”—it may be time for a second opinion. Call Discover Life Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation. We’ll take the time to understand your symptoms, evaluate your spine using cutting-edge diagnostics, and create a customized care plan to get you steady on your feet again. 📞 253 472-4400 📍 5015 Tacoma Mall Blvd. E-102 Tacoma, WA 9840 Balance is possible. Let’s discover what’s really behind your symptoms—together.

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