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Dizziness is a common condition that can be caused by various factors such as caffeine, alcohol, medication, stress, anxiety, illness, low blood pressure, and in some cases, tense neck muscles. Cervicogenic dizziness, also known as cervical vertigo, is a condition where individuals experience neck pain and dizziness, sometimes accompanied by lightheadedness, nausea, and headaches. While the exact cause of cervical vertigo is unknown, it is believed to be associated with disturbances in the cervical spine and surrounding tissues, affecting balance and spatial awareness. Diagnosis and treatment of cervicogenic dizziness can be challenging due to overlapping symptoms with other conditions, but it typically does not require surgery and can be managed through medication, physical therapy, and exercises.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonness | Dizziness is very common |
| Cause | Tense neck muscles can cause dizziness |
| Diagnosis | There is no test to diagnose cervical vertigo |
| Treatment | Treatments include therapy, medication, and local injections |
| Exercises | Various exercises can help, including cardio and stretching |
| Other causes | Dizziness can also be caused by caffeine, alcohol, medication, stress, anxiety, illness, low blood pressure, and more |
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What You'll Learn
Whiplash and other traumatic injuries
Mild traumatic injuries, such as whiplash, can often cause severe neck pain and, sometimes, dizziness. Whiplash is a common cause of cervical vertigo, a specific type of vertigo in which dizzy sensations are related to neck injury or inflammation. Vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning, even when one is not moving. Cervical vertigo is much more likely to cause lightheadedness or a floating sensation.
The exact cause of cervical vertigo is not known, but it is believed to be a communication problem between the vestibular system and the proprioception system. Proprioception is the awareness of one's body position and motion. It is informed by sensors in the skin, muscles, and joints, which send signals to the nervous system. An injury or health condition that affects the neck can mess with the receptors in the neck, throwing off the proprioception system. This, in turn, affects the signals sent to the brain and the vestibular system, resulting in vertigo.
Cervical vertigo can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with those of other medical problems, including inner ear issues, stroke, and traumatic brain injury (concussion). There is no test to diagnose cervical vertigo. Instead, other potential causes of the symptoms must be ruled out, and it must be confirmed that the issue stems from the neck. This is called a diagnosis of exclusion.
There are treatments available for cervical vertigo. Physical therapy exercises can help keep the neck muscles strong and decrease pressure on the cervical disks. A healthcare provider may recommend vestibular rehabilitation, which includes exercises designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness. These exercises are tailored to the patient's needs and may include training in eye and neck movements. Medications may also be prescribed, including muscle relaxants, pain relievers, and drugs to reduce dizziness.
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Degenerative diseases
Tense neck muscles alone are unlikely to cause dizziness. Instead, tight neck muscles are often a symptom of a wider condition that can cause dizziness. One such condition is cervicogenic dizziness, which is caused by a problem in the upper spine and neck areas, such as poor posture, natural wear and tear, or sustained strain. Cervicogenic dizziness is associated with neck pain and headaches, and it can dramatically reduce one's quality of life.
In addition to degenerative diseases, several other factors can cause cervicogenic dizziness. These include inflammation, joint issues, muscle strain, neck trauma, whiplash, and anxiety or stress, which can affect muscle tone and the responses of the sympathetic nervous system. Cervicogenic dizziness is typically treated by a neurologist, and treatment options include muscle relaxants, pain relievers, drugs to reduce dizziness, physical therapy, vestibular (inner ear) therapy, and chiropractic manipulation of the neck and spine.
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Cervical vertigo
Proprioception refers to the body's awareness of its position and motion. It is informed by sensors in the skin, muscles, and joints, which send signals to the nervous system. When there is an injury or health condition that affects the receptors in the neck, the signals sent to the brain and vestibular system are disrupted, resulting in vertigo.
The symptoms of cervical vertigo can vary from person to person and may include:
- A feeling of spinning or dizziness
- Disorientation or unsteadiness
- Neck pain and headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Visual disturbances, such as rapid eye movement or difficulty maintaining a steady gaze
- Difficulty walking or balancing
Treatment for cervical vertigo aims to address the underlying cause. This may include medications to relieve symptoms, such as muscle relaxants, analgesics, or drugs to address dizziness. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, is often recommended to reduce inflammation and pain. In some cases, chiropractic care or physical therapy may be beneficial.
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Cervicogenic dizziness
The exact cause of cervicogenic dizziness is not fully understood, but it is often associated with neck injuries or health conditions affecting the neck. It is typically diagnosed through a process of exclusion, ruling out other potential causes of dizziness. This is because there is no single diagnostic test to confirm cervicogenic dizziness as the cause. However, it is believed that the condition arises from a problem in the cervical region, specifically a sensory mismatch between somatosensory information and input from the eyes and inner ear.
One theory suggests that cervicogenic dizziness results from abnormal input into the vestibular nuclei from the proprioceptors of the upper cervical region, affecting the signals sent to the brain and vestibular system. This can be caused by trauma to the cervical spine, such as whiplash, or head injuries like concussions. Anxiety and stress can also affect the severity of symptoms by influencing muscle tone and the responses of the sympathetic nervous system.
Treatment for cervicogenic dizziness typically involves addressing the underlying neck pain and normalising cervical mechanics. This can include manual therapy, massage, physical therapy, and vestibular therapy. In some cases, muscle relaxants and medications like meclizine may be prescribed to relieve symptoms. Additionally, aerobic exercise is recommended to reduce inflammation and pain associated with the condition.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may recommend specific exercises or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and management of your condition.
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Chiropractic treatment
Chiropractors specialize in treating misalignments of the spine, which can cause pain and dizziness. This is achieved through non-invasive upper cervical methods that focus on restoring balance and improving coordination between the spine and nervous system. One such method is non-rotatory, upper cervical chiropractic care, which uses segmental corrections and soft-tissue rehab to gently restore alignment. This avoids aggressive neck twisting and instead focuses on the patient's specific needs.
Chiropractic adjustments can cause dizziness as a side effect, particularly when manipulating the neck. This is usually mild and short-term, resolving within 24 hours, and is caused by the quick neck movements disrupting the vestibular system, which controls our sense of balance. However, in rare cases, dizziness after a chiropractic adjustment could be a sign of a stroke, so it is important to seek emergency care if severe or prolonged symptoms occur.
Chiropractic care has been shown to be effective in treating cervicogenic dizziness and neck pain. A 2025 guide outlines the use of gentle, non-invasive upper cervical methods to treat neck tension, dizziness, and vertigo. A 2016 study also found that older adults who received chiropractic care for dizziness reported positive outcomes, especially those with head or neck trauma.
In summary, chiropractic treatment can be an effective way to address neck tension and dizziness, but it is important to be aware of potential side effects and seek appropriate medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
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Frequently asked questions
Tense neck muscles can cause dizziness. This is called cervicogenic dizziness or cervical vertigo, which is a feeling of disorientation or unsteadiness caused by a neck injury or health condition that affects the neck.
Cervical vertigo symptoms can vary, but some of the most common ones are dizziness, feeling lightheaded, heavy-headed, faint, giddy, or unsteady. Vertigo can also affect your balance and make you fall or feel like you are floating.
Cervical vertigo is diagnosed by ruling out other potential causes of symptoms and confirming that the issue stems from the neck. This is called a diagnosis of exclusion. There is currently no test to diagnose cervical vertigo.
Cervical vertigo can typically be managed without surgery. Treatment options include physical therapy, medication, vestibular therapy, and local injections into the trigger point. Chiropractic treatment and exercises to improve neck pain may also help.
