Many people wonder, “What’s the difference between dizziness and vertigo?” or “Why do I feel lightheaded or off-balance?” While both dizziness and vertigo affect balance and coordination, they have different causes and sensations.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, located in Midtown Manhattan near Grand Central Terminal and Murray Hill, we help patients identify the root cause of dizziness or vertigo and provide natural solutions for relief.
What Is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a general feeling of being lightheaded, unsteady, or disoriented. It may feel like:
• Feeling faint or woozy.
• A sense of being off-balance.
• A momentary sensation of blacking out or floating.
Common Causes of Dizziness
• Dehydration or low blood sugar.
• Low blood pressure or circulatory issues.
• Tension in the neck or spine affecting blood flow.
• Inner ear dysfunction (but without a spinning sensation).
• Anxiety or stress-related hyperventilation.
Dizziness typically improves when lying down or drinking water, and it does not involve a spinning sensation.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a false sensation of movement, often described as the room spinning or tilting. It feels like:
• The environment moving around you (even when still).
• A strong sense of imbalance or swaying.
• Nausea, vomiting, or difficulty walking.
Common Causes of Vertigo
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – Small crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, triggering spinning sensations.
• Vestibular dysfunction – Inner ear infections or inflammation affecting balance.
• Cervicogenic vertigo – Neck tension or spinal misalignment disrupting balance signals.
• Migraines – Some migraines cause vertigo without headache pain.
Vertigo worsens with head movements and can last minutes to hours.
Key Differences Between Dizziness and Vertigo
| Feature | Dizziness | Vertigo |
| Sensation | Lightheaded, off-balance | Spinning or tilting feeling |
| Cause | Circulation, dehydration, stress | Inner ear, spine, or brain dysfunction |
| Worsens With | Standing quickly, dehydration | Head movements, lying down, rolling over |
| Nausea/Vomiting | Rare | Common |
| Imbalance | Mild to moderate | Severe (can cause falls) |
How Chiropractic Care Helps Dizziness and Vertigo
1. Spinal Alignment for Improved Nerve and Blood Flow
• Misalignment in the cervical spine (neck) can affect balance and circulation, contributing to dizziness.
• Chiropractic adjustments restore proper nervous system function, reducing symptoms.
2. Epley Maneuver for BPPV Vertigo
• This guided head movement technique helps reposition inner ear crystals, reducing vertigo episodes.
3. Neck Tension Relief for Cervicogenic Dizziness
• Poor posture and neck stiffness can affect balance and proprioception.
• Chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue therapy help relieve dizziness caused by neck strain.
4. Vestibular and Balance Exercises
• Strengthening the vestibular system (inner ear-balance connection) improves stability.
• Chiropractic care includes guided balance and eye-tracking exercises for better coordination.
When to See a Chiropractor for Dizziness or Vertigo
Seek chiropractic care if you experience:
• Frequent dizziness or vertigo with neck pain.
• Spinning sensations that worsen with movement.
• Persistent balance problems after an injury or concussion.
• Symptoms not improving with hydration or rest.
At Unity Chiropractic Wellness, we specialize in natural solutions for dizziness, vertigo, and spinal balance issues.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Dizziness vs. Vertigo
• Dizziness feels like lightheadedness or imbalance, often caused by circulation issues or stress.
• Vertigo causes a spinning sensation, usually linked to inner ear dysfunction or spinal misalignment.
• Chiropractic care can help by restoring spinal alignment, improving balance, and relieving tension.
If you’re experiencing dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues, schedule an appointment at Unity Chiropractic Wellness today! Conveniently located in Midtown East near Grand Central Terminal and Murray Hill, we’re here to help you restore balance and move comfortably.