Logan Steele
Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that causes neck pain and dizziness. It is associated with sudden neck movements or changes in neck posture. While the exact cause of cervical vertigo remains unknown, it is believed to be related to issues with the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance. Muscle spasms in the neck can be a symptom of cervical vertigo, but it is unclear if they are a direct cause. However, muscle tightness and musculoskeletal changes in the neck have been identified as potential contributors to the condition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Cervical Vertigo (Cervicogenic Dizziness) |
| Symptoms | Neck pain, dizziness, vision issues, nausea, lack of coordination, spinning sensation, neck tightness, migraine |
| Causes | Trauma to the neck, poor posture, inflammation, joint issues, muscle strain, whiplash, arthritis, atherosclerosis, degenerative disk disease, infection, spinal cord compression, pinched nerve, muscle spasms |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, medication (muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-dizziness drugs), vestibular (inner ear) therapy, chiropractic manipulation, exercise, cardio, aerobic exercise |
| Prevention | Practicing good posture, exercising neck muscles, regular stretching, massages, warm compresses, chiropractic alignments |
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What You'll Learn
Vertigo and dizziness
Vertigo refers to a sensation of dizziness or spinning. Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a type of vertigo that results from a certain neck posture or movement. It is a treatable condition that usually goes away with physical therapy and inner ear exercises. It is associated with dizziness from sudden neck movement, specifically from turning your head.
People with cervical vertigo experience both neck pain and dizziness. Other symptoms include vision issues, nausea, and lack of coordination. Several different things can cause the condition, such as inflammation, joint issues, muscle spasms, trauma, and poor posture. Cervical vertigo can also occur following a cervical spine injury.
The muscles, nerves, and joints in the neck send signals, including signals about the body's orientation, to the lower brain and inner ear. This is part of the body's effort to stay balanced and coordinated. When these signals misfire, it can cause cervical vertigo. Blockages in the arteries of the neck may lead to injury in the area that could cause vertigo. This could be due to atherosclerosis, which is the thickening of the artery walls.
Treating cervical vertigo typically involves addressing any underlying medical or muscular issues. Doctors may prescribe medication to reduce neck tightness, dizziness, and pain symptoms. Common medications prescribed include muscle relaxants, analgesics, and anti-dizziness drugs. Doctors also recommend physical therapy to improve the neck's range of motion and balance.
If you are experiencing dizziness and neck pain, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out any serious health conditions.
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Causes of neck pain
Neck pain can range from mild discomfort to chronic, disabling pain. It can be caused by several factors, some of which are outlined below:
Injury or Trauma
Traumatic injuries to the head and neck, such as those sustained in vehicle accidents or from whiplash, can lead to cervical vertigo and neck pain. This can occur due to damage in the head and neck, which may disrupt the blood flow to the inner ear or lower brain regions, resulting in dizziness and neck pain.
Structural Neck Problems
Structural issues in the neck, such as arthritis (wear and tear of cartilage at the ends of neck bones) or degenerated discs (worn cushions between neck bones), can cause neck pain. Arthritis can lead to cervical spondylosis, or advanced neck osteoarthritis, which causes vertebrae and neck discs to degenerate over time, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and blocking blood flow to the brain and inner ear.
Muscle Strains
Strained neck muscles are a common cause of neck pain. This can be caused by activities such as lifting heavy weights, holding the neck in an awkward position for extended periods, or sleeping in a position that strains the neck, such as sleeping on your stomach or side without proper support. Poor posture while sitting or looking at a computer screen can also strain the neck muscles and lead to pain.
Other Causes
Neck pain can also be caused by a herniated disc, a tumour, or age-related disorders. For women, wearing a bra with inadequate support can cause neck and shoulder muscle strain as the muscles have to compensate for the weight of the breasts.
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Cervical vertigo treatments
Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. It is often caused by neck trauma, poor posture, or degenerative disc disease. While it is a treatable condition, it can last for several years, with people experiencing periodic flare-ups.
Since cervical vertigo is not a single condition but a symptom of an underlying cause, treatment depends on addressing the root problem. Doctors will first need to rule out other potential causes with similar symptoms before diagnosing cervical vertigo. Once a diagnosis is established, a healthcare provider will recommend a personalised treatment plan to manage the symptoms.
- Medication: Doctors may prescribe medication to reduce neck tightness, dizziness, and pain. Common medications include muscle relaxants, analgesics, and anti-dizziness drugs.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises that strengthen the neck muscles can help improve your range of motion and balance. Specific exercises, such as vestibular (inner ear) therapy, may be recommended to address the underlying cause of cervical vertigo.
- Posture Training: Improving your posture when sitting, standing, and walking can help reduce pressure on the neck and alleviate symptoms.
- Chiropractic Manipulation: In some cases, chiropractic adjustments to the neck and spine, along with heat compresses, may be recommended to reduce symptoms.
- Addressing Risk Factors: Treating underlying conditions, such as atherosclerosis, obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle, can help reduce the likelihood of developing cervical vertigo.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for cervical vertigo.
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Physical therapy and exercise
Vertigo refers to a false sense of motion that can occur regardless of whether a person is moving. It is often accompanied by symptoms like nausea, motion sickness, and balance issues. Cervical vertigo, in particular, is a type of vertigo that results from a certain neck posture or movement. It is associated with dizziness from sudden neck movements, especially from turning the head.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a form of physical therapy that helps reduce or eliminate balance issues and manage dizziness. It involves exercises like eye movement control, balance retraining, stretching, and strengthening. Most people have six to eight weekly sessions, and the therapy is tailored to the patient's specific needs. VRT may help people with vertigo resulting from BPPV, head injuries, central nervous system lesions, and undefined causes. However, this type of therapy may not work for all causes of vertigo.
Other exercises that can be done at home to treat vertigo include the Semont maneuver, Epley maneuver, Foster maneuver, and Brandt-Daroff exercises. The Epley maneuver, for example, involves sitting upright in bed, turning the head 45 degrees to the left, lying back quickly, waiting for dizziness to subside, turning the head 90 degrees to the right, and then returning to the starting position. These exercises can provide relief for certain types of vertigo, especially peripheral vertigo caused by BPPV.
In addition to these targeted exercises, general physical therapy and exercise routines can also help prevent and treat cervical vertigo. This includes exercising the muscles in the neck to keep them strong, which can reduce pressure on the cervical disks. Regularly stretching the neck, getting massages or chiropractic alignments, and using warm compresses can also help prevent and treat cervical vertigo.
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Medication
While it is not known whether muscle spasms in the neck can directly cause vertigo, neck issues and injuries are linked to cervical vertigo, which causes both neck pain and dizziness. This condition is related to specific neck postures or movements and can be caused by trauma to the neck, poor posture, inflammation, joint issues, and muscle strain.
Cervical vertigo is typically treated by a neurologist, and medication is often part of the treatment plan. The medication prescribed will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
Muscle relaxants are a common medication used to treat muscle spasms and stiffness in the neck and back. They are usually prescribed when there is severe pain, discomfort, or functional disability due to muscle spasms. These include antispastic drugs, which reduce muscle tightness, and antispasmodic drugs, which prevent involuntary muscle contractions that cause spasms. While muscle relaxants can be effective, they are not typically the first line of treatment due to their strength. They can also cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and headaches, and may affect an individual's ability to think clearly. It is also important to note that addiction is possible with some muscle relaxants, and alcohol should be avoided while taking them.
In addition to muscle relaxants, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication can be used to manage pain and discomfort caused by muscle spasms.
To treat vertigo symptoms such as dizziness and nausea, healthcare providers may prescribe drugs like prochlorperazine or antihistamines such as cinnarizine, cyclizine, promethazine, or meclizine. These medications work by blocking certain chemicals in the brain. Antihistamines, for example, block histamine, which helps with mild sickness and vomiting, as well as vertigo. Benzodiazepines are another option, but they are prescription-only and are typically used for short-term dizziness.
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Frequently asked questions
Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that involves neck pain and dizziness. It is caused by musculoskeletal changes in the neck and can be treated by addressing any underlying muscular or medical issues.
Apart from neck pain and dizziness, cervical vertigo can also cause vision issues, nausea, and lack of coordination.
Cervical vertigo can be caused by several factors, including muscle spasms, trauma to the neck, poor posture, inflammation, joint issues, and degenerative neck diseases.
Cervical vertigo can be challenging to diagnose as there is no specific test for it. Doctors must rule out other potential causes with similar symptoms before confirming that the issue stems from the neck.
Treatment for cervical vertigo depends on addressing the underlying cause. It typically involves a combination of physical therapy, medication, and inner ear exercises. Muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and drugs to reduce dizziness are commonly prescribed.
