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Vertigo refers to a sensation of dizziness or spinning. Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. It is associated with sudden neck movements, specifically from turning the head, and can last from minutes to hours. The exact cause of cervical vertigo is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to issues with the cervical spine and surrounding tissue, which can affect balance and coordination. While the relationship between neck muscle tension and vertigo requires further research, physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the neck muscles can help reduce pressure on the cervical disks and lower the risk of developing cervical vertigo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it? | Cervical vertigo (or cervicogenic dizziness) is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. |
| Causes | Possible causes include neck trauma, arthritis, atherosclerosis in the neck, inflammation, poor posture, injured disks, joint issues, muscle strain, degeneration in the neck, vehicle accidents, whiplash, and extreme head trauma. |
| Symptoms | Dizziness, neck pain, vision issues, nausea, lack of coordination, lightheadedness, headaches, migraines, and uncoordinated movement. |
| Treatment | Physical therapy, medication (e.g. muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-dizziness drugs), vestibular therapy, manual therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments. |
| Prevention | Exercises to strengthen neck muscles, maintaining good posture, and avoiding rapid movements or activities that may cause whiplash. |
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What You'll Learn
Cervical vertigo and dizziness
Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. It is associated with dizziness resulting from a certain neck posture or movement, especially from turning the head. It is believed to be caused by a disturbance in the cervical spine or the tissue around it, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance.
The cervical spine consists of the seven vertebrae closest to the skull, with nerves running through the entire spinal cord. These nerves carry messages between the brain and the body, and 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. When there is an injury or health condition that affects the receptors in the neck, it can interfere with proprioception, which is our awareness of body position and motion. This, in turn, affects the signals sent to the brain and vestibular system, resulting in vertigo.
Cervical vertigo can be caused by various factors, including neck trauma, arthritis (cervical spondylosis), atherosclerosis in the neck, cervical degenerative disc disease, inflammation, poor posture, injured discs, joint issues, and muscle strain. Age may also be a risk factor as general wear and tear can increase tension in the neck. Additionally, stress and anxiety can trigger symptoms or affect their severity by influencing muscle tone and the responses of the sympathetic nervous system.
Diagnosing cervical vertigo can be challenging, as there is no specific test for it. Doctors must rule out other potential causes with similar symptoms, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and central vertigo, before arriving at a diagnosis of exclusion. Once other conditions are excluded, doctors may perform a physical examination that involves turning the patient's head.
Treatment for cervical vertigo typically involves addressing the underlying cause. Physical therapy, vestibular (inner ear) therapy, and medication are commonly recommended. Physical therapy helps to strengthen neck muscles, improve posture, and increase the range of motion, thereby reducing pressure on the cervical discs. Vestibular therapy consists of exercises tailored to the patient to address dizziness. Medications such as muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-dizziness drugs may also be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
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Causes of neck tension
Neck tension, or cervicalgia, can be caused by a variety of factors, leading to soreness, muscle spasms, and headaches. Poor posture is a common cause of neck tension. When sitting, keeping the head, shoulders, and spine aligned is essential to reduce pressure on the neck and prevent wear and tear on the cervical spine. Hunching over a computer or looking down at a phone can cause the head to move forward, forcing the neck muscles to work harder and leading to pain and inflammation. Sleeping with large pillows can also elevate the head too high, causing the neck to bend forward and resulting in neck tension.
Repetitive movements can also lead to neck tension and, if untreated, can cause pain, swelling, and permanent tissue damage. Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is an example of this, as it puts pressure on the muscles in the jaw and neck. Additionally, lifting heavy weights, playing impact sports, or experiencing whiplash from a car accident can cause injuries that result in mild-to-severe muscle strains and tension.
Stress is another significant contributor to neck tension. When the brain senses stress, it releases hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, which increase heart rate and blood pressure while tightening the muscles. Prolonged exposure to stress can lead to persistent neck and shoulder tension. Practicing stress reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, and yoga can help relieve tension and improve overall well-being.
Other causes of neck tension include physical strain, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, herniated disks, pinched nerves, and in some cases, tumours or other health conditions. Age-related wear and tear can also contribute to neck tension as the cervical spine deteriorates over time.
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Vertigo symptoms
Vertigo refers to a sensation of dizziness or spinning. Cervical vertigo refers to vertigo that results from a certain neck posture or movement. It is associated with dizziness from sudden neck movement, specifically from turning the head.
Cervical vertigo is a condition in which a person experiences both neck pain and dizziness. It can also be associated with lightheadedness, nausea, vision issues, and lack of coordination. The dizziness may be caused by a disruption of blood flow to the inner ear or to a lower brain region called the brain stem. Cervical vertigo can be caused by several factors, including neck trauma, arthritis, atherosclerosis in the neck, cervical degenerative disc disease, inflammation, poor posture, injured discs, joint issues, and muscle strain.
The symptoms of cervical vertigo can vary, but some of the most common include dizziness, lightheadedness, a heavy head, faintness, giddiness, and unsteadiness. Vertigo often affects balance, causing individuals to fall, waver, or feel like they are floating. The condition can last for several years, with people experiencing periodic flare-ups. Episodes of cervicogenic dizziness can last from several minutes to several hours.
Diagnosing cervical vertigo can be challenging. Doctors must rule out other potential causes with similar symptoms, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and central vertigo. Once other conditions are excluded, doctors may perform a physical examination that involves turning the patient's head. Imaging techniques such as MRI, MRA, spine X-rays, vertebral Doppler ultrasound, and vertebral angiography may also be employed to aid diagnosis.
Treatment for cervical vertigo depends on addressing the underlying cause. Doctors may prescribe medications to reduce neck tightness, dizziness, and pain. Muscle relaxants, analgesics, and anti-dizziness drugs are commonly recommended. Physical therapy is frequently advised to improve neck strength, posture, and mobility. Additionally, manual therapy, massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic adjustments may be beneficial.
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Treatment options
Medication
Doctors may prescribe medication to reduce neck tightness, dizziness, and pain symptoms. Common medications prescribed include muscle relaxants such as tizanidine and cyclobenzaprine, analgesics such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or tramadol, and anti-dizziness drugs such as Antivert or scopolamine.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is frequently recommended for building strength, improving posture, and increasing neck mobility. This can include manual therapy, where a therapist manipulates your muscles and joints with their hands, and has been found to be particularly helpful. Massage and acupuncture may also be beneficial.
Vestibular Therapy
Vestibular therapy, which consists of a set of exercises tailored to the individual, is often recommended alongside manual therapy. This can help to improve balance and address the underlying cause of cervical vertigo.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors may also help if your neck muscles are stiff or out of alignment. However, it is important to note that quick, forceful adjustments may carry some risk, such as a vertebral artery or carotid artery dissection, which can lead to a stroke.
Cardio Exercise
Aerobic exercise is recommended by some doctors as a way to reduce inflammation and pain. Activities like walking, running, biking, or swimming can be beneficial, although it is important to break a sweat.
Prevention
While it is not always possible to prevent cervical vertigo, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk. These include exercising the muscles in the neck to keep them strong, maintaining proper posture, and regularly stretching the neck.
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Diagnosis
Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. It is often associated with lightheadedness, nausea, vision issues, and a lack of coordination. The dizziness is caused by a disruption of blood flow to the inner ear or to a lower brain region called the brain stem. Cervical vertigo can be challenging to diagnose as there is no specific test for it. Doctors must rule out other potential causes of vertigo and confirm that the issue stems from the neck. This process may involve various tests, including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- Spine X-rays
- Vertebral Doppler ultrasound
- Vertebral angiography
- Evoked potential tests, which measure pathways in the nervous system
Once other conditions are ruled out, doctors will perform a physical examination that requires turning the patient's head. This examination may include vestibular therapy, a set of exercises tailored to the patient's needs.
If neck pain and dizziness persist or worsen, it is important to consult a healthcare provider, who can recommend further treatment options or refer to a specialist service.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Common symptoms of cervical vertigo include dizziness, lightheadedness, lack of coordination, vision issues, nausea, and neck pain.
Cervical vertigo can be caused by a variety of factors, including neck trauma, arthritis, inflammation, poor posture, injured disks, joint issues, and muscle strain. It can also occur following a vehicle accident or other traumatic incident.
Treatment for cervical vertigo typically involves physical therapy, vestibular (inner ear) therapy, medication, and exercises to improve neck strength and flexibility. Doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and anti-dizziness drugs to manage symptoms.
To prevent cervical vertigo, it is important to maintain good posture, especially when sitting, to reduce pressure on the neck. Regular neck stretches, massages, and chiropractic care can also help to reduce tension and improve neck mobility.
