Cervicogenic Dizziness Care in Redmond, WA

Gentle NUCCA upper cervical care for dizziness and unsteadiness that comes with neck pain. No twisting, no cracking.

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What Is Cervicogenic Dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness is a sense of unsteadiness, imbalance or disorientation that occurs together with neck pain or stiffness. Unlike inner-ear vertigo, it rarely causes a strong spinning sensation. Episodes often last minutes to hours and tend to follow neck movement or sustained neck positions.

There is no single test that confirms it. Cervicogenic dizziness is considered a diagnosis of exclusion: it is identified once other causes of dizziness, such as inner-ear, neurological and blood vessel problems, have been ruled out.

Common Symptoms

• Unsteadiness, imbalance or feeling "off" rather than true spinning
• Dizziness that starts with or follows neck pain or stiffness
• Dizziness that worsens with turning your head, looking up or long screen time
• Reduced neck range of motion
• Headaches, often at the base of the skull
• A foggy or disoriented feeling
• Trouble with balance in the dark or on uneven ground
• Eye strain or difficulty keeping your vision steady when moving your head

Common Causes

• Whiplash and neck injuries. Dizziness is common after car accidents and falls. One systematic review notes it affects 20–58% of people after flexion-extension (whiplash) injuries.
• Concussion, which often injures the neck at the same time
• Chronic neck pain and stiffness
• Forward head posture and long hours at a desk or screen
• Arthritis or degeneration in the upper neck
• Joint hypermobility, including hypermobile EDS

Why the Upper Neck Affects Balance

How NUCCA Chiropractic May Help

NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association) care is a precise, low-force chiropractic approach focused on the alignment of the head and upper neck, where many of the neck's balance sensors are concentrated. For people who already feel unsteady, a gentle approach matters.

What to Expect

Free consultation: Every new patient starts with a free consultation with Dr. Schallmann to review your dizziness history, any testing you've had, and whether NUCCA care is a good fit. The examination and x-rays are not part of the consultation. They are separate services with their own fees, and we'll explain all costs before anything is done.

Visits 1 and 2 (1 hour each): If you move forward, your first visit includes an examination and precision upper cervical x-rays. Your second visit reviews the findings and includes your first gentle NUCCA correction.

Weeks 1–4, calming things down: Short visits (about 15 minutes) focus on establishing a stable alignment. You're only adjusted when your checks show a correction is needed.

Months 2–3, building stability: As your alignment holds longer, visits become less frequent. We track how often you feel dizzy and how strong it is.

Ongoing: Many patients move to periodic check-ups and come in after a flare or new injury.

When You May Need Other Providers

Because so many conditions cause dizziness, a team approach works best. Depending on your symptoms, that may include:

• Primary care physician to check blood pressure, medications and general health causes
• Vestibular physical therapist for balance retraining, gaze stability exercises and BPPV treatment
• ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist for inner-ear testing
• Neurologist for vestibular migraine, concussion and other neurological causes
• Concussion clinic if your dizziness began after a head injury

We're glad to coordinate with your other providers and share findings with your permission.

When NUCCA May Not Be the Right Fit

• You have any of the red flags above. These need emergency care first.
• Your dizziness is true spinning triggered by lying down or rolling over, which often points to BPPV and responds to repositioning maneuvers
• You have hearing loss, ringing or ear fullness with your dizziness, which needs ENT evaluation
• Your dizziness happens mainly when standing up, which can point to blood pressure or circulation causes
• Your dizziness has no connection to neck pain or neck movement

What the Research Shows

Research supports manual therapy for cervicogenic dizziness, though the studies to date tested physical therapy techniques (gentle joint glides and mobilizations), not NUCCA specifically. There are no clinical trials yet on NUCCA care for cervicogenic dizziness. We share this research because it supports the role of the neck in dizziness and the value of gentle, hands-on neck care.

Research findings describe groups of patients, not guaranteed individual outcomes. Your evaluation will determine whether NUCCA care is appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can neck problems really cause dizziness?

Yes. The upper neck contains many position sensors that help your brain keep you balanced. When the neck is injured or painful, those signals can conflict with what your eyes and inner ears report, which can cause unsteadiness.

How is cervicogenic dizziness different from vertigo?

Vertigo usually means a spinning sensation, often from the inner ear. Cervicogenic dizziness more often feels like unsteadiness or being "off balance," and it is closely tied to neck pain and neck movement.

How do I know if my dizziness is coming from my neck?

There is no single test. Clues include dizziness that started with or after neck pain, dizziness that changes with neck movement, and normal inner-ear testing. Your physician, ENT or vestibular therapist can help rule out other causes.

Is it safe to have chiropractic care when I'm dizzy?

NUCCA care uses no twisting, no thrust and no quick head movements, which many dizzy patients appreciate. We also screen for warning signs before any care begins and will refer you for medical evaluation when needed.

Can whiplash cause dizziness?

Yes. Dizziness is common after whiplash, and it can appear days or weeks after the injury. Learn more on our Auto Injuries / Whiplash page.

Should I also see a vestibular therapist?

Often, yes. Vestibular therapy retrains balance and treats inner-ear problems like BPPV. Many patients benefit from both vestibular therapy and NUCCA care, especially after a concussion or whiplash.

How long does it take to feel better?

It varies. Some patients notice changes within the first few weeks, while others need longer, especially after an injury. We track how often you feel dizzy and how strong it is, and we'll tell you honestly if NUCCA care isn't helping.

Is the first consultation really free?

Yes. Every new patient starts with a free consultation. The examination and x-rays are not part of it. They are separate services with their own fees, and we'll explain all costs before anything is done.

Related Conditions

• Vertigo / Dizziness
• Neck Pain
• Auto Injuries / Whiplash
• Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Craniocervical Instability (CCI)
• Hypermobility / EDS
• Occipital Neuralgia
• Posture