Understanding the Sudden Spins
Have you ever rolled over in bed or looked up quickly—only to feel the world spin around you? If brief episodes of dizziness strike when you change position, you may be experiencing positional vertigo, a surprisingly common condition that disrupts balance, comfort, and confidence.
Known medically as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), this condition affects thousands of people every year—often without warning. While it’s most commonly seen in older adults, teens and younger adults can also be affected, especially after head injuries or long periods of poor posture.
What Is Positional Vertigo?
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium crystals—called otoconia—in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals. These canals are responsible for detecting head motion. When these crystals are in the wrong place, they send false signals to the brain, creating the illusion of spinning or movement.
Common symptoms of BPPV include:
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Sudden, brief episodes of spinning dizziness (usually under a minute)
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Dizziness triggered by rolling over in bed, bending forward, or looking up
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Nausea or unsteadiness following these episodes
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Anxiety or fear about moving due to symptom unpredictability
What Causes It?
In many cases, positional vertigo seems to occur spontaneously. However, several known triggers and risk factors include:
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Head injuries or trauma to the neck
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Prolonged periods of lying down or inactivity
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Degeneration of the inner ear due to aging
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Vestibular disorders or infections
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Structural issues in the upper cervical spine
The Overlooked Neck-Vertigo Connection
Although BPPV is commonly viewed as an inner ear issue, increasing research points to the alignment of the upper cervical spine as a significant contributing factor.
The upper cervical spine (C1 and C2 vertebrae) is responsible for housing the brainstem and facilitating communication between the brain and body. Misalignment in this area can:
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Disrupt proprioception (your brain’s sense of balance and spatial awareness)
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Interfere with blood flow to the inner ear and brain
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Affect the function of nerves involved in balance and coordination
For many individuals, lasting relief from positional vertigo comes by addressing the often-overlooked root cause—misalignments in the cervical spine.
Natural and Holistic Approaches to BPPV Relief
Many individuals find relief from BPPV through gentle, non-invasive methods that support the body’s natural healing abilities. Common approaches include:
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The Epley Maneuver – A series of guided head and body movements that help reposition inner ear crystals and restore balance.
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Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) – A specialized form of physical therapy that improves balance, coordination, and the brain’s response to motion.
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Lifestyle Support – Staying well-hydrated, managing stress, and practicing posture-friendly habits can all contribute to better vestibular health.
These holistic methods can be highly effective, especially when combined with care that supports the nervous system and spinal alignment—which is where upper cervical chiropractic care can make a powerful difference.
How Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care Can Help
Upper cervical chiropractic care offers a proactive, gentle, and drug-free approach that addresses the neurological and structural factors contributing to vertigo—often providing lasting relief and complementing or even enhancing traditional treatments.
This specialized form of chiropractic care focuses on the precise alignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck (the atlas and axis). Even a small misalignment in this area can place pressure on the brainstem, restrict nerve function, and disrupt balance regulation.
Benefits of upper cervical chiropractic care for those with positional vertigo may include:
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Improved nervous system communication
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Reduced episodes of dizziness and imbalance
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Enhanced blood flow to the brain and inner ear
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Long-term postural and spinal health support
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Fewer recurrences of vertigo
Restoring Balance Naturally
If you’re struggling with unexplained dizziness or spinning that’s triggered by simple movements, positional vertigo could be the cause—but the source may be deeper than just the inner ear. Addressing spinal alignment through upper cervical chiropractic care provides a whole-body solution that supports balance, posture, and neurological function.
Don’t let positional vertigo disrupt your life. With the right care, you can move confidently and regain your sense of stability.