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Experiencing neck pain and dizziness together can be a sign of cervical vertigo, or cervicogenic dizziness, which is caused by an issue in the cervical spine. While the precise cause of cervical vertigo is unknown, it is often associated with whiplash injury, head and neck trauma, and muscle strain. Mild traumatic injuries, such as whiplash, can cause severe neck pain and sometimes dizziness. In rare cases, rotation of the head to one side may compress the vertebral artery, resulting in temporary dizziness. While tight neck muscles alone are unlikely to cause dizziness, underlying conditions that lead to muscle tightness and neck pain may also be responsible for dizziness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Condition | Cervical Vertigo (Cervicogenic Dizziness) |
| Symptoms | Neck pain, dizziness, lightheadedness, severe migraines, anxiety, stress, neck trauma, arthritis, atherosclerosis in the neck, inflammation, poor posture, injured disks, joint issues, muscle strain |
| Causes | Whiplash injury, head and neck trauma, cervical disc degeneration, cervical disc herniation, cervical muscle spasms, tumors, infections, arterial dissections, infarction, extreme head trauma, cervical arthritis, herniated cervical disks, tight neck muscles, misaligned vertebrae, nerve compression, muscle tightness, anxiety, stress |
| Treatment | Massage, balance exercises, neck movements, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, medication, vestibular therapy, physical therapy, chiropractic treatment, NSAIDs, chiropractic, neurological examination, MRI, MR angiography, CT scan, CT angiography, ultrasound of blood vessels in the neck |
| Prevention | Regular exercises to strengthen neck muscles, maintaining good posture, addressing risk factors for atherosclerosis |
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What You'll Learn
Whiplash and other trauma
While the answer to whether neck pain causes dizziness is not straightforward, studies have shown that neck trauma, including mild traumatic injuries such as whiplash, can cause dizziness. Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the neck forcibly bending forward and then backward, or vice versa. This sudden force or movement strains the neck and spine, damaging bones, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. It is most common in motor vehicle crashes, especially rear-end collisions, but can also occur in contact sports or roller coasters. Symptoms of whiplash may begin immediately after a crash, or take hours or days to appear, and can include pain, muscle spasms, bruising, swelling, and neurological symptoms such as dizziness or vertigo (known as cervical vertigo). Cervical vertigo is a condition in which neck pain and dizziness co-occur, and it can be caused by neck trauma, including whiplash. It is important to note that cervical vertigo symptoms can appear months or years after the initial trauma, and the condition can last for several years with periodic flare-ups. Treatment for whiplash and cervical vertigo involves physical therapy, vestibular therapy, massage, balance exercises, neck movements, and medication.
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Degenerative diseases
While tight neck muscles alone are very unlikely to be the cause of dizziness, degenerative diseases that damage the vertebrae or the discs cushioning them can commonly cause neck pain and dizziness. This is because the breakdown of the spinal structure can disrupt the function of blood vessels and nerves, leading to nerve compression and reduced blood flow to the brain, which can cause dizziness.
Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, and cervical degenerative disc disease can lead to neck pain. Over time, stress, repeated movements, and aging can cause the discs in the spine to weaken, resulting in a herniated disc or pinched nerve. Poor posture, weak abdominal muscles, and heavier body weight can also affect the spine's alignment and contribute to neck pain.
In addition, muscle strain from overuse during repetitive or strenuous activities can lead to stiffness and pain in the neck. This can be exacerbated by mental stress, which can cause the tightening of neck muscles and lead to neck pain and stiffness. Whiplash, a common injury resulting from automobile accidents, can also cause severe neck pain and dizziness.
While the precise cause of cervical vertigo is unknown, it is believed to be related to disturbances in the cervical spine or the tissue around it. The cervical spine contains 50% of all nerves related to the body's inner workings, and injuries or degeneration in this area can impact balance and contribute to dizziness. Cervical vertigo is typically treated by a neurologist and may involve physical therapy, vestibular therapy, or medication.
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Muscle relaxants and pain relief
A strained neck muscle can cause dizziness. This condition is known as cervical vertigo or cervicogenic dizziness. It is caused by trauma to the cervical spine, such as whiplash, and can result in neck pain and dizziness. The cervical spine plays a crucial role in balance, and disturbances to it or the surrounding tissue can lead to dizziness.
If you are experiencing neck pain and dizziness, it is important to seek medical advice. A healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options for cervical vertigo include massage, balance exercises, neck movements, physical therapy, and medication.
Muscle relaxants are a type of medication that can be prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. They are often considered when over-the-counter pain relievers and non-drug therapies, such as physical therapy, stretching, or heat therapy, have proven ineffective in managing symptoms. Muscle relaxants work by acting on the muscles, nerves, or central nervous system to reduce muscle spasms and tensions, thereby providing relief from pain and improved mobility.
There are several types of muscle relaxants, including antispastic drugs, antispasmodic drugs, benzodiazepines, and non-benzodiazepine muscle relaxers. The choice of muscle relaxant depends on the cause of the pain, potential side effects, medication interactions, and individual preferences. Muscle relaxants can be administered orally, via injection, or in rare cases, directly into the spinal cord through an implanted device. It is important to note that muscle relaxants are typically prescribed for short-term use due to their powerful nature and potential side effects, such as sedation, dizziness, and drowsiness.
In addition to muscle relaxants, pain relievers can also be used to manage discomfort associated with neck strain. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually the first line of treatment, and if these are insufficient, prescription pain medications may be considered. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific condition.
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Vertigo and balance issues
Cervical vertigo is related to the spine in the neck (cervical spine), and it requires that the dizziness be caused by an issue in the cervical spine. 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 muscle strain. Mild traumatic injuries such as whiplash from car accidents can often cause severe neck pain and sometimes dizziness. Studies have shown that monitoring the forces acting on muscles in the cervical spine may form a part of our system of spatial awareness and balance. Trauma to these muscles can lead to a sense of dizziness.
The higher in your neck the damaged structure is, the more likely you are to experience symptoms such as dizziness. In rare cases, rotation of the head to one side may compress the vertebral artery, causing temporary dizziness. This rare condition involves painful trigger points in the neck's muscles and fascia (connective tissues). It is estimated that about 35% of people with this condition also experience dizziness.
To reduce your chances of developing cervical vertigo, you can regularly perform exercises that strengthen the neck muscles. Neck flexibility and mobility are also important preventative measures. Maintaining good posture while standing, walking, and sitting is crucial.
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Chiropractic treatment
Chiropractors can diagnose conditions causing muscle tightness and pain around the spine, and provide relief from these symptoms. They can also help improve neck mobility and range of motion. It is important to note that chiropractic treatment is usually a multi-week process, with sessions tapering off as the patient's condition improves.
If you are experiencing neck pain and dizziness, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. While chiropractic treatment can be beneficial, it may not be suitable for all individuals, and other treatments such as physical therapy, vestibular therapy, or medication may be recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a strained neck muscle can cause dizziness. This is called cervical vertigo or cervicogenic dizziness. It is caused by trauma to the cervical spine, such as whiplash, and can result in neck pain and dizziness.
The symptoms of cervical vertigo include neck pain, dizziness, and lightheadedness. It can also cause headaches, with pain at the back of the head, behind the eyes, or at the front/sides of the head.
Cervical vertigo is typically treated by a neurologist. Treatment options include massage, balance exercises, neck movements, muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and drugs to reduce dizziness.
If you think you have cervical vertigo, you should schedule a visit with your healthcare provider immediately. They will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend a personalized treatment plan.
Yes, performing exercises that strengthen the neck muscles and improve neck flexibility and mobility can help to reduce your risk of developing cervical vertigo. Maintaining good posture while standing, walking, and sitting is also important.
