Common Causes of Dizziness and Best Treatments

Common Causes of Dizziness

Dizziness is a disorienting and often unsettling experience. It may come as lightheadedness, a spinning sensation (vertigo), or imbalance. While dizziness can result from something as simple as dehydration or low blood sugar, persistent or recurring episodes may indicate deeper health issues. One important distinction is whether the root cause is neurological or structural.

Understanding this difference can help you seek the right care and recover more quickly. At Elevation Health Center in Meridian, ID, we specialize in identifying the root causes of dizziness and offering natural, non-invasive treatments to help restore balance and function.

Neurological vs. Structural Dizziness: What’s the Difference?

Neurological Dizziness

Neurological dizziness stems from dysfunction in the nervous system, particularly the brain, spinal cord, or inner ear. Common neurological causes include:

• Vestibular migraines

• Multiple sclerosis

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

• Vestibular neuritis

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

• Stroke

Neurological dizziness is often accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Difficulty focusing or blurred vision

• Sensitivity to light or sound

• Headaches

• Tingling or numbness

• Slurred speech or facial drooping (in stroke cases)

If you experience these symptoms, particularly with sudden onset, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.

Structural Dizziness

Structural dizziness, on the other hand, originates from physical imbalances or misalignments in the body—especially the neck (cervical spine) or jaw. When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can affect nerve function, blood flow, and even the position of the inner ear.

Common causes of structural dizziness include:

• Whiplash or neck injuries

• Poor posture (forward head carriage)

• Subluxations (spinal misalignments)

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction

• Spinal degeneration or arthritis

Symptoms of structural dizziness may involve:

• Feeling off-balance when moving the head

• Neck stiffness or pain

• Dizziness when standing or turning

• TMJ clicking or jaw discomfort

• Relief with chiropractic adjustments or posture correction

Diagnosis: How to Know the Difference

Determining whether your dizziness is neurological or structural requires a thorough examination. At Elevation Health Center, we begin with a comprehensive consultation and functional assessment, which may include:

• Postural analysis

• Neurological screening

• Range of motion testing

• Digital X-rays (when needed)

• Balance and vestibular testing

We work to uncover root causes rather than just mask symptoms. If the dizziness is found to be structural, we offer customized treatment solutions. If it’s determined to be neurological, we refer to trusted specialists while still supporting spinal health to improve overall function.

Treatment Options at Elevation Health Center

If your dizziness is related to structural issues, Elevation Health Center provides a range of holistic, non-invasive treatments tailored to your condition.

1. Chiropractic Adjustments

Misalignments in the upper cervical spine can interrupt nerve signals and contribute to dizziness. Our precise chiropractic adjustments gently realign the spine, improving nervous system communication and blood flow.

2. Cranial Facial Release (CFR)

CFR is a specialized technique used to address cranial misalignments and improve cerebral spinal fluid flow. This is particularly helpful for patients with sinus pressure, TMJ, and post-concussion symptoms that affect balance.

3. Neuropathy Care

For patients with dizziness due to peripheral neuropathy, we offer advanced therapies including infrared therapy, nerve stimulation, and nutritional support to regenerate nerve function and reduce symptoms.

4. Postural Correction and Rehab

We help retrain your body’s posture through chiropractic care, exercises, and ergonomic education. Forward head posture and poor neck alignment are common culprits in structural dizziness.

5. Weight Loss and Nutritional Counseling

Weight and inflammation can affect circulation and vestibular function. Our personalized weight loss and gut health programs support your body’s ability to heal from the inside out.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing persistent dizziness, don’t ignore it. Whether it’s a neurological or structural issue, early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to recovery. Some warning signs to watch for include:

• Dizziness that worsens with head or neck movement

• Accompanying neck pain or stiffness

• Vision disturbances or headaches

• Dizziness following a fall, accident, or concussion

• Sensation of spinning or imbalance lasting more than a few minutes

Find Relief at Elevation Health Center

At Elevation Health Center in Meridian, ID, we are committed to helping you regain your balance—both physically and in your daily life. Our integrative approach means we don’t just treat your symptoms—we look for the underlying causes and build a customized plan to support long-term healing.

If you’re ready to find out whether your dizziness is neurological or structural, contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.