Dominic Stone
Dizziness is a common issue that can be caused by various factors, such as caffeine, alcohol, dehydration, lack of sleep, medication changes, or stress. While inner ear problems are often associated with vertigo and dizziness, trigger points in the neck muscles, specifically the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), can also lead to dizziness. Poor posture, improper breathing, and certain activities like reading in bed or swimming can cause stress and pain in the SCM, resulting in dizziness. Tight neck muscles, including the SCM, have been linked to cervicogenic dizziness and cervicogenic headaches, which are rare conditions affecting up to 2.5% of the population. These conditions are often associated with neck pain and can be treated through physical therapy, manipulations, or exercises that improve core strength and posture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle | SCM pain is caused by stress, poor posture, sleeping with too many pillows, and turning the head to the side for long periods of time. |
| SCM trigger points | Can produce symptoms such as tearing of the eye, headaches, sinus congestion, ear and jaw pain, pain with swallowing, and vertigo. |
| SCM latent trigger points | Can be present without neck pain and only produce pain upon manual examination. |
| SCM pain relief | SCM pain can be eased by rubs such as Biofreeze. |
| SCM pain prevention | Avoid reading in bed, use earphones instead of holding a mobile phone with the shoulder, and sleep with a straight head and a pillow tucked between the shoulders and chin. |
| Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) | A rare condition caused by problems in the upper spine and neck areas, such as poor posture, natural wear and tear, or sustained strain like weightlifting. |
| CGD diagnosis | A doctor will first rule out other causes of neck pain and dizziness, and CGD is usually ruled out if there is no neck discomfort. |
| CGD symptoms | Neck pain, myofascial pain, headache, dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, nausea, visual-motor sensitivity, ear fullness, tinnitus, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. |
| CGD treatment | Understanding the function, structure, and role of the suboccipital muscles can be the first step to approaching CGD without trauma. |
| Whiplash | A rear-end auto collision can cause whiplash, which can lead to dizziness and possibly a concussion. |
| Vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) | When a vertebral artery in the cervical spine is compressed or inflamed, reduced blood flow to the brain, inner ear, or brainstem can cause dizziness. |
| VBI symptoms | Temporary dizziness or other symptoms when the head is turned to the side, known as Bow Hunter's syndrome. |
| VBI cause | Typically caused by a bone spur on a vertebra in the neck that pinches the artery when the head is turned. |
| Myofascial pain syndrome | A rare condition with no known cause, characterised by painful trigger points in the muscles and surrounding connective tissues. |
| Myofascial pain syndrome symptoms | Dizziness, neck pain, and myofascial pain. |
| Myofascial pain syndrome treatment | Treating myofascial pain with trigger point injections, physical therapy, or medication can reduce both the pain and dizziness. |
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What You'll Learn
Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle
Dizziness can be caused by tight neck muscles, which can be a symptom of wider conditions such as cervicogenic dizziness and cervicogenic headaches. One of the muscles in the neck is the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which is the largest muscle in the front of the neck. It is a powerful muscle that allows you to bend your neck and turn or tilt your head.
The SCM muscle extends from the mastoid process at the base of the skull to the collarbones (clavicles) and breastbone (sternum). It is divided into two heads, the sternal (medial) head and the clavicular (lateral) head. The SCM muscle can be stressed due to activities such as looking up for long periods of time, poor posture, and sleeping with too many pillows. SCM syndrome, an acute or chronic condition, can develop when the SCM muscle becomes tightened and develops trigger points, which are hyperirritable nodules associated with taut bands of muscle fibres.
Trigger points in the SCM muscle can cause a variety of symptoms, including dizziness, headaches, sinus congestion, eye problems, ear and jaw pain, and pain with swallowing. SCM syndrome can be treated with hot or cold therapy, stretching, massage, osteopathic manipulation, and physical therapy. Surgery may be required if conservative treatments are unsuccessful or if there is severe structural damage.
To prevent SCM issues, it is recommended to maintain good posture, manage stress, and sleep with a straight head and a pillow tucked between the shoulders and chin.
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Poor posture
The wear and tear on the spinal structures from forward head posture can damage spinal structures and contribute to chronic dizziness. Forward head posture while sitting up or standing up can alter spinal proprioception and reduce blood flow to the brain and ears, causing dizziness and brain fog. It may also trigger vestibular migraines and recurrent episodes of BPPV, the most common inner ear cause of vertigo.
To prevent dizziness caused by poor posture, one can engage in exercises that strengthen the core and back muscles, while simultaneously stretching out the back and relieving pressure. This will lead to better posture with continued use. One can also consult an orthopedic physical therapist or chiropractor for evaluation of overall spinal alignment. They may recommend spinal adjustments, stretching, strengthening exercises, or special footwear as needed.
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Trigger points
Tight neck muscles are a common cause of dizziness. This can be caused by a whiplash injury, which can also cause dizziness due to a concussion or an injury to the proprioceptors in the neck, which are believed to play a role in maintaining balance. Tight neck muscles are also a symptom of wider conditions that can cause dizziness, such as cervicogenic dizziness, which is caused by problems in the upper spine and neck areas. Cervicogenic dizziness is rare, but it can be caused by poor posture, natural wear and tear, or sustained strain.
To treat dizziness caused by tight neck muscles, physical therapy can be used to strengthen core and back muscles while stretching out the back and relieving pressure. Manipulations of the neck and spinal joints can also be performed by a physical therapist or a chiropractor.
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Cervicogenic dizziness
The cervical spine, consisting of the seven vertebrae closest to the skull, plays a crucial role in balance. Cervicogenic dizziness is thought to be caused by a disturbance in this area or the surrounding tissue. The cervical spine contains 50% of the nerves related to the body's functions, and the muscles surrounding it are essential for movement and communication between the body and brain.
People with cervicogenic dizziness may experience a range of symptoms, including general imbalance, which worsens with head or environmental movements. They might also experience vision or eye difficulties, such as rapid eye movement or an inability to maintain a steady gaze on moving objects. Additionally, they may have stomach issues like nausea or vomiting, along with upper cervical discomfort, tightness, or pain.
The diagnosis of CGD is typically made by ruling out other causes of neck pain and dizziness. It is considered a diagnosis of exclusion, where no single test confirms the condition. Healthcare professionals must possess a high level of skill and understanding to differentiate CGD from other vestibular, medical, and vascular disorders that can cause dizziness.
To treat cervicogenic dizziness, manual therapy, such as massage or physical therapy, is often recommended. Vestibular therapy, consisting of tailored exercises, is also suggested to address the dizziness specifically.
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Whiplash
Dizziness is often associated with inner ear problems, but it can also be caused by trigger points in the anterior neck muscles, specifically the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). SCM issues can be caused by poor posture, sleeping with too many pillows, turning the head to the side for extended periods, and improper breathing. SCM pain can be eased by using rubs such as Biofreeze, or by gently squeezing the muscle with your fingers.
Following a car accident, dizziness can be a common occurrence, and its underlying causes can vary in severity. Dizziness can be caused by vertigo, which is associated with inner ear issues, or by cervicogenic dizziness, which is related to neck injuries. In some cases, dizziness after a car accident may be a sign of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can also result in headaches, fatigue, and blurry vision.
If you suspect you have whiplash, it is recommended to seek medical attention, especially if you are experiencing rarer symptoms. A general practitioner can provide assistance, but you may want to consult a specialist, particularly for less common symptoms. Physical therapy is an effective treatment for whiplash, helping to ease the pain, stiffness, and other symptoms that can interfere with daily life.
To summarise, dizziness can be caused by muscle knots in the neck, specifically the SCM, and whiplash is a common condition that can lead to dizziness and other symptoms. Following a car accident, it is important to seek medical attention to diagnose and treat any potential injuries, including whiplash and associated dizziness.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle knots, especially in the neck, can cause dizziness. Poor posture, improper breathing, and overuse of neck muscles can lead to muscle knots, which may result in cervicogenic dizziness.
Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) is a rare condition caused by issues in the upper spine and neck areas. It is often associated with neck pain, headaches, and nausea.
A qualified medical professional can perform a physical exam and recommend diagnostic tests to determine the cause of dizziness. They may also suggest spinal injections to help clarify the source of the problem.
Yes, there are some stretches and exercises you can try at home to relieve muscle tension and improve your posture. For example, you can try foam rolling or using a towel to support your neck while lying down.
If your dizziness is accompanied by other symptoms such as severe headaches, nausea, fever, or weakness, seek medical attention immediately. Unexplained dizziness that lingers or keeps coming back should also be evaluated by a doctor.
