Check out this blog article from our own Dr. Ashley Raby, PT.
Upper Cervical Balance and Dizziness: How FYZICAL Helps You Regain Stability—Naturally
Dizziness. Foggy thinking. Trouble concentrating. A sense that your head isn’t quite connected to your body. These symptoms can be deeply unsettling and can drastically reduce your quality of life. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center, we see many patients with these complaints who have already seen specialists, undergone testing, and yet still don’t have answers.
In many cases, the missing link is found in the upper cervical spine—the very top of your neck. Dysfunction in this critical area is often overlooked in traditional medical settings, but at FYZICAL, we make it a key part of our assessment. Understanding the role of the upper cervical spine in balance and dizziness could be the turning point in your healing journey.
What Is the Upper Cervical Spine, and Why Is It So Important?
The upper cervical spine includes the first two vertebrae at the top of your neck: the atlas (C1) and the axis (C2). These two bones are unlike any other in your spine. They support the weight of your head (which can be 10–12 pounds) and allow for over half of your head’s rotational movement.
But they don’t just help your head move—they also house and protect part of the brainstem and provide vital pathways for nerves and blood vessels traveling between your brain and body.
When the alignment or movement of the upper cervical spine is compromised—even slightly—it can lead to dysfunction in several interrelated systems:
- The vestibular system, responsible for balance and spatial orientation
- The visual system, which provides cues about where you are in space
- The proprioceptive system, which relays body position information from your muscles and joints to your brain
When these systems become desynchronized, your brain receives conflicting messages, resulting in dizziness, balance issues, and a variety of other symptoms.
Symptoms of Upper Cervical Dysfunction
If the upper cervical spine isn’t functioning properly, you may experience:
- Persistent or recurring dizziness
- Vertigo or spinning sensations
- Imbalance or unsteady gait
- Neck stiffness or pain
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Headaches or migraines
- Lightheadedness when turning the head
- Sensitivity to visual motion (e.g., crowds, driving, scrolling)
Many patients go months or even years without a proper diagnosis, because these symptoms are often attributed to anxiety, inner ear disorders, or general aging. While those factors may contribute, the upper cervical spine is frequently the missing puzzle piece.
The Modern Culprit: Mobile Phone and Screen Use
In today’s digital age, the upper cervical spine is under more stress than ever—largely due to poor posture related to mobile device use. We spend hours looking down at our phones, tablets, and laptops, a posture sometimes referred to as “text neck.”
This forward head position shifts the weight of the head far in front of the shoulders, creating enormous strain on the cervical spine—especially the C1 and C2 vertebrae. Over time, this leads to:
- Muscle imbalance and tension in the upper neck and shoulders
- Joint compression and misalignment
- Restricted blood flow to the brainstem
- Irritated or overstimulated nerves, particularly the vestibulocervical reflex, which links neck position with balance
Even brief periods of poor posture can cause temporary symptoms, but chronic mobile phone use in a forward-head position can result in long-term structural and functional issues—including dizziness, headaches, and neck pain.
This is particularly common among teenagers, office workers, and anyone who spends several hours a day looking down at a device.
Why Dizziness Occurs from Upper Cervical Dysfunction
Here are three main ways your upper cervical spine may be contributing to dizziness:
1. Disrupted Sensory Input
The proprioceptors in your upper cervical spine tell your brain where your head is in space. If these sensors are misfiring due to joint or muscular dysfunction, your brain receives incorrect information—leading to a feeling of instability or vertigo.
2. Vestibular Mismatch
Your brain integrates information from your eyes (visual system), ears (vestibular system), and neck (proprioceptive system). When one of these systems—often the neck—is sending abnormal signals, the mismatch can result in dizziness, nausea, and disorientation.
3. Impaired Circulation or Neurology
Tension in the upper neck may restrict blood flow through the vertebral arteries, which pass through the cervical spine to supply the brainstem. This can cause lightheadedness, visual disturbances, or a “swimming” sensation in the head.
How FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center Can Help
At FYZICAL, we approach balance and dizziness issues with a multidisciplinary, whole-body lens. We recognize that no single body system works in isolation, and we tailor your care plan to address the unique root causes of your symptoms.
✅ Comprehensive Evaluation
We begin with a full balance and mobility assessment, including:
- Gait and postural analysis
- Cervical spine range of motion and joint integrity
- Vestibular and oculomotor testing
- Functional movement screening
We also ask detailed questions about your lifestyle—including screen time, work habits, and ergonomic setup—to identify postural contributors to your symptoms.
✅ Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilization
Our therapists use hands-on techniques to:
- Gently restore motion to restricted cervical joints
- Release muscular tension
- Improve alignment of the upper cervical spine
- Reduce neural irritation
This can result in immediate improvements in dizziness and clarity of thought for many patients.
✅ Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
We offer evidence-based VRT to:
- Retrain your brain to interpret balance signals correctly
- Reduce your sensitivity to motion or head movements
- Improve coordination, gait, and visual focus
FYZICAL is a national leader in vestibular rehabilitation, with therapists specially trained to deliver advanced protocols.
✅ Postural Training and Ergonomics
We help you build a sustainable foundation for long-term health, including:
- Exercises to correct forward head posture
- Education on smartphone and screen ergonomics
- Strengthening programs for deep neck stabilizers
- Workplace and home setup recommendations
You Don’t Have to Live With Dizziness
If you’ve been told “everything looks normal” or have been given a vague diagnosis like “positional vertigo” or “anxiety,” don’t give up hope. Your upper cervical spine may be the key to unlocking better balance, clearer thinking, and greater confidence in your body.
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center, our team is committed to helping you move, feel, and live better—starting at the top.
Book Your Evaluation Today
If you’re struggling withttps://www.fyzical.com/fishers-north-in/blog/Martial-Arts-Athletesh dizziness, neck pain, or postural issues from prolonged screen time, let us help you find relief. Our therapists are ready to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us today or schedule online HERE!
Balance your spine. Balance your life. Love your life.