Vertigo vs. Dizziness: What’s the Difference, and Why Does It Matter?

Vertigo vs dizziness: Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different sensations. Both can affect your balance and stability, but understanding the distinction can help clarify what you’re experiencing.

Understanding vertigo vs dizziness is an important first step in identifying what may be contributing to changes in balance.

Some people describe feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or as though they’re about to faint. Others experience a sensation that the room is spinning or that they’re moving when they’re actually standing still.

So, what’s the difference between vertigo and dizziness? And could your neck be playing a role in certain balance-related symptoms?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is the Difference Between Vertigo vs Dizziness?

Dizziness is a broad term used to describe several sensations that affect how you feel, move, or maintain your balance. It can include lightheadedness, feeling faint, unsteadiness, or a sense of disorientation.

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. People often describe it as feeling like the room is spinning, tilting, or rotating.

Although the two can overlap, the distinction matters because they may have different underlying causes and require different approaches to evaluation and care.

Common Symptoms of Vertigo vs Dizziness

Although vertigo and dizziness can feel similar, the symptoms people experience can differ. Recognizing how these sensations present themselves can help provide useful information when discussing your symptoms with a healthcare professional.

Common Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo is commonly associated with a false sensation of movement. Symptoms may include:

• A spinning or rotating sensation.
• Feeling as though the room is moving.
• Difficulty maintaining balance or walking steadily.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Symptoms triggered or worsened by certain head movements.
• Unsteadiness or difficulty focusing visually.

Common Symptoms of Dizziness

Dizziness can describe several different sensations, depending on the underlying cause. These may include:

• Lightheadedness or feeling faint.
• Feeling off-balance or unsteady.
• A floating or disconnected sensation.
• Feeling woozy or disoriented.
• Blurred vision or difficulty concentrating.
• A sensation that you might lose your balance.

What Causes Vertigo vs Dizziness?

Understanding vertigo vs dizziness requires looking beyond the sensation itself and considering the underlying factors that may be contributing to balance disturbances.

Vertigo and dizziness can have several underlying causes. Some are related to the inner ear and vestibular system, while others may involve blood pressure, medications, neurological conditions, or other aspects of overall health.

In some cases, neck-related factors, including cervical joint dysfunction, restricted movement, or muscle tension, may contribute to dizziness or balance-related symptoms. Evaluating the cervical spine can help determine whether these factors may be playing a role.

Identifying the underlying cause is important because treatment depends on what is contributing to the symptoms.

Common Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo is frequently associated with conditions affecting the inner ear and vestibular system, which help regulate balance and spatial orientation. Common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Occurs when tiny calcium crystals become displaced within the inner ear, triggering brief episodes of spinning sensations with certain head movements.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation affecting the vestibular nerve, which can cause sudden, intense vertigo and balance difficulties.
• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear that can cause vertigo and, in some cases, hearing changes.
• Ménière’s Disease: An inner-ear disorder that can cause recurring vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness.
• Vestibular Migraine: A migraine-related condition that can cause vertigo, dizziness, and sensitivity to motion, sometimes without a typical headache.

Common Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness without a spinning sensation can have several possible causes, including:

• Low Blood Pressure: A drop in blood pressure, particularly when standing up, can cause lightheadedness or feeling faint.
• Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can affect circulation and contribute to dizziness.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can affect blood pressure, balance, or alertness.
• Anemia: Low levels of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin can contribute to fatigue and lightheadedness.
• Blood Sugar Changes: Fluctuations in blood glucose may cause dizziness or weakness.
• Neck-Related Dysfunction: In some cases, neck pain or dysfunction may be associated with dizziness or unsteadiness, sometimes referred to as cervicogenic dizziness.

For additional information about balance disorders, their causes, and how the body’s balance system works, visit the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).

Can Your Neck Contribute to Dizziness and Balance Problems?

While many cases of vertigo originate in the inner ear, certain types of dizziness may be associated with dysfunction involving the neck.

When evaluating vertigo vs dizziness, it’s important to consider whether the cervical spine may be contributing to the symptoms.

The neck contains muscles, joints, and sensory receptors that provide the brain with important information about head position and movement. This information works together with input from the eyes and inner ear to help coordinate balance and spatial awareness.

When normal neck function is disrupted, it may contribute to symptoms such as unsteadiness, disorientation, or dizziness in some individuals.

Understanding Cervicogenic Dizziness

Cervicogenic dizziness is a term used to describe dizziness believed to be associated with dysfunction in the cervical spine, or neck.

Unlike typical inner-ear vertigo, cervicogenic dizziness is more commonly described as a sensation of unsteadiness, imbalance, or disorientation rather than a distinct spinning sensation.

It may occur alongside:

• Neck pain or stiffness.
• Restricted neck mobility.
• Discomfort when turning or moving the head.
• A feeling of imbalance or unsteadiness.
• Headaches associated with neck tension.

Cervicogenic dizziness is a diagnosis of exclusion. There is no single definitive test, and other potential causes, particularly vestibular and neurological conditions, need to be considered.

The Role of the Upper Cervical Spine

The Upper Cervical spine consists of the first two vertebrae in the neck, known as the atlas (C1) and axis (C2).

These vertebrae play an important role in supporting the head and allowing a significant amount of its rotational movement.

The surrounding muscles, joints, and sensory receptors contribute to how the brain interprets head position and movement.

When evaluating someone experiencing dizziness alongside neck discomfort or restricted movement, it may be appropriate to consider whether cervical dysfunction is contributing to their symptoms.

An Upper Cervical evaluation focuses on assessing the alignment and function of this region, along with the patient’s overall clinical presentation.

It is important to understand that not all dizziness originates in the neck, and Upper Cervical care is not a substitute for appropriate vestibular, neurological, or medical evaluation.

How Are Vertigo vs Dizziness Evaluated?

Determining the cause of vertigo vs dizziness starts with understanding the type of sensation a person is experiencing, when symptoms occur, and what may trigger or worsen them.

Because dizziness can originate from several different systems in the body, a thorough evaluation is important for identifying potential contributing factors.

When evaluating vertigo vs dizziness, understanding the relationship between cervical function, head position, and movement can help determine whether the neck may be a contributing factor.

Depending on the symptoms and clinical presentation, an evaluation may include:

• Medical History: Reviewing symptom onset, frequency, duration, previous episodes, medications, and relevant health history.
• Neurological Examination: Assessing coordination, reflexes, sensation, and other neurological functions.
• Vestibular Assessment: Evaluating balance, eye movements, and inner-ear-related function.
• Positional Testing: Using specific head and body movements to help identify conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV).
• Blood Pressure Assessment: Checking for changes in blood pressure that may contribute to lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Cervical Spine Evaluation: When appropriate, assessing neck mobility, muscle tension, joint function, and whether symptoms are associated with neck movement or discomfort.

The appropriate evaluation depends on the individual’s symptoms. Some patients may benefit from an assessment by a primary care provider, neurologist, or vestibular specialist, while others may require additional evaluation of the cervical spine.

How Upper Cervical Chiropractic May Help When Dizziness Is Associated With the Neck

For individuals experiencing dizziness alongside neck pain, stiffness, or restricted cervical movement, evaluating the neck may be an important part of understanding the bigger picture.

At SF Upper Cervical Chiropractic in San Francisco, Dr. Anjannette Price takes an individualized approach to evaluating the Upper Cervical spine and its relationship to overall neck function.

The Upper Cervical region plays an important role in head support, movement, and the sensory information the brain receives from the neck.

Care begins with a thorough examination, which may include:

• Reviewing your health history and symptoms.
• Evaluating posture, head position, and cervical movement.
• Assessing neurological function as clinically appropriate.
• Taking specialized Upper Cervical X-rays when indicated.
• Developing an individualized care recommendation based on examination findings.

The goal is to determine whether dysfunction in the Upper Cervical region may be contributing to your symptoms and whether chiropractic care is an appropriate part of your overall care strategy.

Upper Cervical Chiropractic is not intended to treat every cause of vertigo or dizziness. Identifying the underlying cause and coordinating appropriate care are essential.

Experiencing Dizziness or Balance Problems? Let’s Take a Closer Look.

Living with recurring dizziness, unsteadiness, or balance-related symptoms can be frustrating, especially when you’re unsure what’s causing them.

Understanding the difference between vertigo and dizziness is an important first step. Just as important is identifying the underlying factors that may be contributing to what you’re experiencing.

If you’re experiencing dizziness alongside neck pain, stiffness, or restricted movement, an Upper Cervical evaluation may help determine whether your neck is playing a role.

At SF Upper Cervical Chiropractic, Dr. Anjannette Price takes the time to understand your concerns, evaluate your cervical spine, and explain the findings so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Schedule a consultation to learn more about Upper Cervical Chiropractic in San Francisco.

Have questions or ready to get started? Visit our Contact Us page to reach Dr. Anjannette Price and the SF Upper Cervical Chiropractic team.

If you’re experiencing ongoing vertigo or dizziness and would like to learn how we evaluate these concerns, visit our Vertigo & Dizziness treatment page to learn more about our approach to care.