Neck Pain and Vertigo in Highlands Ranch: Are They Connected?

Neck pain and vertigo are two prevalent yet frequently misunderstood conditions that affect a significant number of individuals. Many people find themselves experiencing these symptoms in tandem, often without recognizing the underlying connection between them. For instance, a stiff neck may be accompanied by episodes of dizziness, or balance issues may become more pronounced after spending long hours hunched over a desk. These signs can have a profound impact on one’s daily life, making routine activities challenging and uncomfortable.

Understanding the intricate relationship between neck pain and vertigo is crucial for anyone seeking effective relief. This guide covers the potential causes of these conditions, common symptoms, and effective relief methods. Whether you want home solutions or professional care in Highlands Ranch, CO, we're here to help you understand and address your discomfort, so you can feel better and enjoy life more.

Understanding Neck Pain and Vertigo

Common Causes of Neck Pain

It can range from mild discomfort to chronic stiffness or sharp pain. It often results from:

Muscle strain: Overusing certain muscles, maintaining poor posture throughout the day, or sleeping in an awkward position can lead to discomfort.
Herniated discs: Bulging or ruptured spinal discs can create significant pressure on nearby nerves, leading to pain, and potential mobility issues.
Arthritis and degeneration: The spine experiences gradual wear and tear over time, which can lead to various aches and mobility issues.
Neck injuries: Injuries such as whiplash, neck trauma, falls, or impacts related to sports activities.

Symptoms Related to Neck Pain

Stiffness and reduced neck mobility.
Soreness or tension in the shoulders and upper back.
Radiating pain into the arms or head.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a distressing sensation characterized by dizziness or the feeling that the world around you is spinning uncontrollably. This disorienting experience is often associated with inner ear disorders, which can disrupt the body’s balance system, or neurological conditions that affect the brain's processing of spatial orientation. However, it is important to note that problems in the neck vertebrae, such as herniated discs or muscle tension, can also contribute significantly to the onset of vertigo symptoms.

Symptoms Related to Vertigo:

Unlike ordinary dizziness, vertigo often comes with additional symptoms

Nausea or lightheadedness.
Loss of balance or unsteadiness.
Sensitivity to head movements.

The Link Between Neck Pain and Vertigo

Cervicogenic Dizziness

Cervicogenic dizziness occurs when dysfunction in the upper spine leads to balance issues. The facet joints in the neck, which connect vertebrae, help regulate movement and posture. When these joints become irritated or inflamed, they can affect spinal nerve roots that are responsible for balance.

Poor Posture and Muscle Tension

Prolonged sitting for extended periods, particularly when accompanied by a forward head posture, can lead to significant strain on both the neck and spine. This strain may result in discomfort and long-term health issues if not addressed.
Tight neck muscles can significantly disrupt circulatory flow and hinder nerve signals, which may ultimately result in symptoms such as dizziness. This tension can affect overall well-being and balance.
The tension in the rotator cuff muscles can play a significant role in overall shoulder health. This is because the shoulder and neck muscles collaborate closely to provide the necessary support for various head movements and activities.

Cervical Spine Conditions

Conditions such as C5-C6 disc degeneration or misalignment can result in the compression of nearby nerves, which, in turn, can interfere with the transmission of pain signals throughout the body. Cervical disc disruption may lead to a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, persistent headaches, difficulties with balance, or even degenerative disc disease.

Reduced Blood Flow to the Brain

The arteries that traverse the cervical spine play a crucial role in delivering essential blood circulation to the brain. However, when these vital arteries become compressed due to misaligned vertebrae or tension in surrounding muscles, it can result in a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Individuals may experience neck-related dizziness, and even headaches, which can significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being.

At-Home Relief for Neck Pain and Cervical Vertigo

Dealing with neck pain and cervical vertigo can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are simple, effective at-home strategies that can ease symptoms and support your recovery. Here’s how each option works and why it can make a real difference:

Posture Correction

Improper posture—especially when using phones, laptops, or sitting for long hours—can place excessive strain on the neck and upper spine. Over time, this can lead to joint issues like irritation, muscle tension, and compression of nerves that may contribute to both conditions.

Keep ears aligned with shoulders: This neutral spine position reduces tension in the spine and helps prevent chronic strain on the neck tissues.
Use ergonomic chairs and lumbar support: Proper seating helps your body maintain healthy alignment, minimizing the load on your neck and lower back.
Avoid looking down at your phone: “Text neck” is real—looking down for prolonged periods puts stress on the cervical region, particularly around the C5-C6 vertebrae, which are commonly linked to neck stiffness and headaches.

Neck Stretches & C5-C6 Exercises

Stretching and targeted movement can reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and support spinal health.

Chin Tucks: This simple movement helps strengthen the deep cervical flexors—muscles that support your neck posture. It encourages alignment and can ease pressure on irritated joints.
Neck Rotations: Gently turning the head side to side maintains flexibility and supports the range of motion around the upper spine. This movement also helps prevent joint locking and neck tightness.
Upper Trapezius Stretch: Tight shoulders can pull on the neck and limit mobility. Stretching this muscle group relieves tension and can reduce referred pain to the head and upper back.

Here you can check out more exercises and information related to cervical stretches.

Hydration & Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Inflammation and dehydration are two often-overlooked factors that can contribute to both neck discomfort and episodes of dizziness.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration affects vascular flow and fluid balance in the inner ear, which plays a major role in balance. Even mild dehydration can intensify vertigo symptoms.
Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Omega-3 fatty acids (found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts) and natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric help reduce systemic inflammation, which can ease muscle tension and nerve sensitivity in the neck.

Vestibular Training & Balance Exercises

If vertigo is tied to vestibular dysfunction (issues with the inner ear or balance centers in the brain), certain exercises can help retrain your system and improve your body’s coordination.

Eye-Tracking Exercises: These eye exercises involve slowly following a target with your eyes while keeping your head still (or vice versa). They help recondition the brain to interpret motion and visual input more accurately, which is essential for overcoming dizziness.
Heel-to-Toe Walking: This balance drill strengthens the muscles involved in stability and coordination. It also challenges the nervous system to improve spatial awareness, which can reduce the sensation of unsteadiness caused by vertigo.

When to Seek Professional Treatment

If your symptoms persist or interfere with your everyday routine, it’s time to seek professional care. See a specialist if you experience:

Frequent vertigo episodes that don’t improve.
Nerve pain or tingling in the arms and hands.
Severe chronic pain that worsens at night.
Weakness, numbness, or difficulty walking.

These signs may indicate an underlying condition that needs professional attention.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to addressing the root causes of neck pain and cervical vertigo. A chiropractor can target spinal alignment, muscle imbalances, and nerve function, using techniques that work together to reduce discomfort and restore balance. Here’s a closer look at how each method supports healing:

Spinal Adjustments for Alignment

A fundamental method employed in chiropractic treatment is spinal manipulation or adjustment. This manual technique focuses on correcting misalignments, referred to as subluxations, within the vertebrae, particularly in the spine region (neck area).

Corrects facet joint misalignments: Facet joints are small stabilizing joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae. When they become misaligned or inflamed, they can irritate nearby spinal nerve roots, triggering pain, stiffness, or even dizziness due to impaired nerve signals.
Relieves nerve pressure: Gentle adjustments help realign the spine, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure on compressed or irritated nerves, especially around the C5-C6 area.
Restores normal motion: Adjustments also improve joint mobility and circulation, helping your body move more freely and function more efficiently.

Soft Tissue Therapy & Myofascial Release

Many chiropractors incorporate soft tissue work to address tight or inflamed muscles, tendons, and fascia—the connective tissue surrounding muscles.

Targets muscle tension: Chronic neck tension, especially in the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and suboccipital muscles, can restrict blood circulation, compress nerves, and refer pain upward into the head, causing dizziness or headaches.
Myofascial release techniques: These involve applying sustained pressure to trigger points or areas of fascia restriction to relieve tightness and improve circulation. This helps restore flexibility in the neck and shoulders.
Improves range of motion: By loosening these tissues, chiropractic soft tissue therapy allows for smoother neck movement and better posture—both of which are essential for reducing cervical vertigo symptoms.

Postural Training & Rehab Exercises

Correct posture and strong supportive muscles are critical for spinal health, especially when recovering from neck-related vertigo.

Muscle strengthening: Chiropractors may prescribe therapeutic exercises to strengthen the deep neck flexors, scapular stabilizers, and core muscles. These muscles work together to support spinal alignment and prevent postural collapse.
Balance and proprioception work: Rehab exercises often include activities to improve your sense of body position in space (proprioception), which is essential for preventing dizziness and falls.
Reduces pain signals: Consistent movement retraining helps "reset" how your nervous system processes discomfort. This can lead to fewer pain signals being sent to the brain and fewer flare-ups of neck-related vertigo over time.
Prevents future issues: Proper posture and muscular stability reduce the likelihood of recurring problems due to daily habits like poor screen ergonomics or sleep positioning.

Vertigo-Specific Techniques

Some chiropractors are trained in vestibular rehabilitation and use techniques specifically designed to address inner ear-related causes of vertigo, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).

Repositioning maneuvers: The most well-known is the Epley Maneuver, which involves a series of guided head and body movements that help reposition dislodged calcium crystals (otoconia) within the inner ear canals. When these crystals are out of place, they can disrupt your sense of balance.
Vestibular stimulation and eye movement training: Gaze stabilization exercises and head motion drills can be used to retrain the brain, enhancing its ability to respond accurately to changes in motion or orientation.
Multisensory approach: When combined with spinal care, these techniques help integrate the body’s balance systems—vision, proprioception, and vestibular function—into a more coordinated response, reducing episodes of cervical vertigo.

Local Relief in Highlands Ranch

If chronic neck pain and dizziness are affecting your daily activities, a personalized treatment plan can make all the difference. At our practice in Highlands Ranch, CO, we’ve helped patients restore their balance, relieve tension, and improve their quality of life.

We have proudly served Highlands Ranch and surrounding areas, including Littleton, Castle Pines, and Lone Tree, for many years. If you are looking for a neck chiropractor near Highlands Ranch Mansion and Daniels Park, we’re here to provide safe, effective relief. Visit us today and start feeling better naturally!

FAQs About Neck Pain and Vertigo

Does neck pain cause vertigo?

Yes, neck dysfunction, particularly in the C5-C6 region, can impact nerves and vascular flow, leading to dizziness.

How do I know if my vertigo is from my neck?

If your dizziness is accompanied by neck stiffness, headaches, or limited range of motion, your neck may be the cause.

What is the best sleeping position for neck pain?

Sleeping on your back with a supportive pillow helps maintain spinal alignment and reduces strain.

Can chiropractic adjustments help with vertigo?

Yes! Chiropractic care improves facet joint mobility, relieves nerve pain, and supports pain relief for cervical vertigo symptoms.