Case-series · July 28, 2026
Outcomes of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care for Vertigo: A Retrospective Case-Series
By Origin Modern Health & Wellness - Ocean Beach
Abstract
Background: Vertigo is a debilitating symptom that can significantly impact quality of life. This article explores the potential for upper cervical chiropractic care as a management strategy. Methods: A retrospective case-series was conducted by reviewing the files of 10 patients who presented with vertigo at a private chiropractic clinic in San Diego, CA (Origin Modern Health & Wellness - Ocean Beach). All patients received care from a NUCCA practitioner, which included adjustments guided by CBCT 3D imaging. Outcome data, including self-reported improvements in pain and wellness metrics, were extracted and analyzed. Results: The cohort of 10 patients experienced a mean symptomatic pain reduction of 75% (median: 76%) over an average treatment period of 7-10 adjustments. In addition to vertigo symptom improvement, patients reported substantial gains across multiple health domains, including Physical Functioning, Role Limitations (Physical and Emotional), and Energy/Fatigue. Mobility improvement was not a tracked aggregate metric. Conclusions: The findings from this case-series suggest that NUCCA upper cervical care may be associated with positive outcomes for patients with vertigo. The results, while promising, are limited by the study's retrospective design and lack of a control group, warranting further prospective research.
Methods
This study employed a retrospective case-series design to evaluate the outcomes of patients with vertigo who received care at a single clinic, Origin Modern Health & Wellness - Ocean Beach, in San Diego, CA. The patient records of ten de-identified individuals were selected for review. Inclusion criteria consisted of a presenting complaint of vertigo and the completion of an initial course of care, including pre- and post-treatment outcome assessments. All care was administered by a certified NUCCA practitioner. The treatment protocol involved a detailed initial examination, including Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) 3D imaging, to analyze the specific misalignment of the upper cervical spine. Based on this analysis, a precise, non-manipulative correction was administered to restore the alignment of the atlas vertebra. Patient progress was tracked using self-reported outcome measures. For this series, a 'pain reduction percentage' was calculated based on patient-reported symptom severity scores at baseline and at a re-examination point. Additionally, improvements in quality of life were assessed across nine different health domains, such as 'Physical Functioning,' 'Energy/Fatigue,' and 'Emotional Well-Being'. Data on demographics, treatment duration, and a summary of key outcomes were extracted from the clinical records for analysis. No control group was used in this study.
Discussion
The results of this retrospective case-series indicate a positive association between NUCCA upper cervical chiropractic care and symptomatic improvement in patients with vertigo. The consistent finding of a significant mean reduction in symptoms (75%) across all ten patients is noteworthy. Furthermore, the benefits extended beyond the chief complaint, with patients reporting substantial improvements in broad areas of health and quality of life, including physical function, energy levels, and emotional well-being. These outcomes suggest that the intervention may address a contributing factor to the patients' overall health deficits rather than merely palliating a single symptom. The potential mechanism for these improvements may relate to the restoration of normal biomechanics in the upper cervical spine. A precise correction, guided by CBCT imaging, could reduce irritation to the surrounding nerves and brainstem, normalize the flow of proprioceptive information to the central nervous system, and improve local vascular dynamics. By resolving this neurovascular and sensory conflict, the body's ability to maintain equilibrium may be restored. While the outcomes observed in this series are encouraging, they must be interpreted within the context of the study's limitations. The consistent positive results at a single practice, however, suggest that this specialized approach may be a valuable consideration for patients suffering from vertigo, particularly when symptoms may have a cervicogenic component. The findings support the rationale for further, more rigorous investigation into this intervention.
Limitations
This study has several inherent limitations. As a retrospective case-series, it lacks a control group, making it impossible to attribute the observed improvements solely to the chiropractic intervention. Patient outcomes could have been influenced by the natural history of the condition, placebo effects, or concomitant lifestyle changes. The data was collected from a single private practice with one practitioner, which limits the generalizability of the findings to other clinical settings or chiropractic techniques. The use of self-reported outcome measures is subjective and may be susceptible to patient expectancy or recall bias. Furthermore, the series includes only patients who completed a course of care, introducing a potential selection bias that excludes individuals who may not have responded to treatment or who discontinued care for other reasons. These limitations underscore the need for prospective, controlled clinical trials to validate these preliminary findings.