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Vertigo is a condition that causes dizziness, lightheadedness, and a loss of balance. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including head or neck trauma, arthritis, and poor posture. Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a specific type of vertigo that is associated with neck pain and dizziness. While the exact cause of cervical vertigo is unknown, it is believed to be related to issues with the cervical spine and surrounding muscles. This can include muscle strain, joint issues, and neck injuries such as whiplash. As a result, a pulled neck muscle may contribute to cervical vertigo and its associated symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Cervical Vertigo (Cervicogenic Dizziness) |
| Symptoms | Neck pain, dizziness, vision issues, nausea, lack of coordination, lightheadedness, migraines, spinning, floating, uncoordinated movement, weakness, faintness, giddiness, unsteadiness, falling, wavering |
| Causes | Neck trauma, inflammation, joint issues, muscle strain, muscle spasms, tumors, infections, arterial dissections, infarction, whiplash injury, head trauma, cervical disc degeneration, cervical disc herniation, cervical arthritis, herniated cervical discs, poor posture, injured disks, cervical spondylosis, atherosclerosis in the neck, degenerative disk disease, stress, anxiety |
| Diagnosis | No specific test; rule out other potential causes with MRI, MR angiography, CT scan, CT angiography, ultrasound, vestibular testing, Dix-Hallpike test |
| Treatment | Medication (muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-dizziness drugs), physical therapy, vestibular therapy, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic manipulation, heat compresses, cardio exercises, strengthening neck muscles, improving neck flexibility and mobility, maintaining good posture |
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What You'll Learn
Vertigo and dizziness
Several conditions and events have been linked to cervical vertigo, including whiplash injury, head and neck trauma, cervical disc degeneration, cervical disc herniation, cervical muscle spasms, tumors, infections, arterial dissections, infarction, and poor posture. Arthritis, surgery, and trauma to the neck can also block blood flow to the inner ear or lower brain regions, resulting in vertigo. The muscles and joints in the neck have receptors that send signals about head movement and orientation to the brain and vestibular apparatus, which is responsible for balance. When these receptors are disrupted, it can result in vertigo.
Cervical vertigo is typically treated by a neurologist, and proper diagnosis and treatment are essential. Doctors will need to rule out other potential causes of dizziness with similar symptoms before diagnosing cervical vertigo. This can include performing tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), spine X-rays, vertebral Doppler ultrasound, and vertebral angiography. Once a diagnosis is established, healthcare providers will recommend personalized treatments to ease symptoms, which may include physical therapy, vestibular (inner ear) therapy, medication, or chiropractic manipulation.
To reduce the chances of developing cervical vertigo, individuals can regularly perform exercises that strengthen the neck muscles, maintain neck flexibility and mobility, and improve posture. Treating any risk factors for atherosclerosis is also important. If symptoms of cervical vertigo are present, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if they began immediately after a car accident, fall, or other trauma, as cervical spine injuries can be serious or even deadly.
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Causes and symptoms
Vertigo is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting, while dizziness may be associated with lightheadedness, weakness, or feeling faint. The exact cause of cervical vertigo is unknown. However, several conditions and events have been linked to it. These include whiplash injury, head and neck trauma, cervical disc degeneration, cervical disc herniation, cervical muscle spasms, tumors, infections, arterial dissections, infarction, and atherosclerosis in the neck.
Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. It is related to certain neck conditions and can occur following a cervical spine injury. The cervical spine plays a crucial role in balance, and cervicogenic dizziness is believed to be caused by a disturbance in the spine or the surrounding tissue. The cervical spine contains 50% of all nerves related to the body's inner workings. The muscles surrounding the cervical spine are essential for movement and communication between the body and the brain.
Several factors can contribute to cervical dizziness, including neuromuscular deficits in the deep stabilizing muscles of the neck, postural alterations, the presence of supranumerary or cervical ribs, and cervical arthritis or herniated discs. Cervical vertigo can also be triggered by stress and anxiety, as they affect muscle tone and the responses of the sympathetic nervous system. Symptoms of cervical vertigo can include vision issues, nausea, and lack of coordination.
The symptoms of cervical vertigo can vary from person to person and may appear months or even years after a traumatic incident. They can last from several minutes to several hours, and the condition itself can last for several years, with periodic flare-ups. Diagnosis of cervical vertigo is challenging and is typically done by ruling out other potential causes of dizziness. Doctors may perform physical examinations, such as the Dix-Hallpike test, and may order additional tests such as MRI, MR angiography, CT scans, or vestibular testing.
Treatment for cervical vertigo depends on addressing the underlying cause. It typically involves a combination of medication and physical therapy. Medications such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, and anti-dizziness drugs can help reduce neck tightness, pain, and dizziness. Physical therapy, including vestibular therapy, can improve neck strength, posture, and balance. Manual therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation may also be beneficial.
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Treatment options
Medication
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain relief, while drugs like meclizine can help address dizziness. Muscle relaxants can also be used to relieve stiffness and tension in the neck. While medications can provide relief, they do not address the root cause of cervical vertigo.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often recommended to build strength, improve posture, and increase neck mobility. Specific neck exercises can help improve body posture, neck muscle strengthening, and flexibility, thereby relieving pressure on the cervical spine and reducing symptoms.
Vestibular Therapy
Vestibular therapy, which consists of a set of exercises tailored to the individual, is recommended alongside physical therapy to address the main symptom of dizziness.
Alternative Therapies
Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic adjustments have also been found to be beneficial for treating neck pain and vertigo. However, it is important to exercise caution with quick, forceful chiropractic adjustments as there is a small risk of artery dissection and stroke.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes, such as improving workstation ergonomics and taking breaks during long hours of desk work, can also help reduce symptoms. Additionally, maintaining good posture while sitting, standing, and walking can prevent excess pressure on the head and neck, reducing the development of new symptoms or the worsening of existing ones.
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Exercises to prevent vertigo
Vertigo is a condition that causes dizziness or a sensation of falling. There are two types of vertigo: central and peripheral. Central vertigo accounts for about 20% of all cases and is caused by an issue in the brain. Peripheral vertigo is the result of an issue with the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
Exercises can help improve balance and reduce vertigo symptoms. Doctors may recommend exercise-based vestibular rehabilitation, which has been found to improve vertigo symptoms in patients with chronic dizziness. Here are some exercises to prevent vertigo:
Romberg Exercise
Stand with a chair in front of you and a wall behind you, in case you need support. Stand with your feet together and your arms at your sides. This is a beginner exercise.
Standing Sway Exercises
Stand with a chair in front of you and a wall behind you, in case you need support. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Sway forward to backward 20 times. Then, turn to one side and sway from side to side 20 times. Do not bend at your hips. Slowly increase how far you can sway without taking a step.
Marching in Place
Stand next to a chair or counter for support if needed. Stand with your feet slightly apart and your arms at your sides. March in place, lifting each knee high toward the ceiling 20 times. Try to progress to doing this 30 times and then with your eyes closed.
Half-Somersault Maneuver (HSM)
Sit on your knees on the floor and look straight up at the ceiling. Lower your head down to the floor in a somersault position. With your crown resting on the floor, turn your head to the side that triggers vertigo. While keeping your face turned, quickly raise your head back to level. Once vertigo symptoms go away, pull back into a seated position.
Epley Maneuver
Also known as the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), this exercise is used to alleviate the most common type of vertigo, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It is recommended to learn this exercise under the guidance of a doctor or physical therapist. After that, you can practice a modified version at home.
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When to seek medical help
Vertigo is a severe dizziness or a sensation of spinning, which is often caused by an inner ear problem or another condition that throws off the body's centre of balance. Cervical vertigo is a type of vertigo that is related to the spine in the neck. It is caused by a disturbance in the cervical spine or the tissue around it.
If you are experiencing neck pain and dizziness, you should schedule a visit with your healthcare provider immediately. Cervical vertigo can mimic other more serious health conditions, so prompt diagnosis and treatment are key. Your doctor will need to rule out other potential causes of dizziness with similar symptoms, such as BPPV, central vertigo, and vestibular neuritis. They will then be able to recommend a treatment plan to manage your symptoms.
If your symptoms started immediately after a car accident, fall, or other trauma, seek medical attention immediately. Do not move your neck in case there has been a vertebral fracture. This is why emergency personnel put neck braces on injured people—to stabilize the cervical spine.
If you are experiencing dizziness, neck pain, and other related symptoms, visit your doctor immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
Cervical vertigo, or cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. It is related to certain neck conditions and can occur following a cervical spine injury.
Symptoms of cervical vertigo include dizziness, neck pain, vision issues, nausea, lack of coordination, and lightheadedness.
The exact cause of cervical vertigo is unknown. However, it is associated with sudden neck movements and can be caused by neck trauma, arthritis, inflammation, joint issues, muscle strain, and degenerative disc disease.
Treatment for cervical vertigo depends on addressing the underlying cause. It is typically managed without surgery and may include medication to reduce neck tightness, pain, and dizziness, as well as physical therapy, vestibular therapy, and exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility.
