Neck Pain Feeling Dizzy: When neck pain and becoming dizzy present, it is called cervical vertigo or cervicogenic dizziness. It can come from different causes. It could be a recent or previous automobile accident, from slouching too much while looking down at the phone, or an arthritic condition acting up. Whatever the reason/s, the spinning, neck pain, and headaches need to stop. Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, is a feeling of disorientation or unsteadiness caused by a neck injury or health condition that affects the neck region of the spine.
There is almost always neck pain when the dizziness starts up. The range of motion is affected and can present with a headache. A cervical vertigo episode can go on for hours, and the condition can last for years. Diagnosing cervical vertigo can be challenging because some symptoms are similar or overlap with other medical issues. This can be inner ear infections/issues like stroke and traumatic brain injury/s like a concussion. Fortunately, many treatment therapies can be done at home once there is a correct diagnosis. If a cause comes from the neck, it can usually be treated without surgery.
Table of Contents
Keeping the body upright and moving takes a great deal of coordination. Balance involves the:
When everything is in sync, maintaining equilibrium is as natural as breathing. Maintaining vertical balance can be challenging if one area gets damaged or becomes disrupted. The exact reason for cervical vertigo is still unknown, but many experts believe it involves a communication problem between the vestibular system and body awareness. Proprioception is the awareness of an individualβs bodyβs position and motions. It is how an individual knows their limbs and joints and how they move through space. This awareness involves:
There is a theory that cervical vertigo happens when an injury or health condition interferes with the receptors in the neck, which throws off proprioception. This affects the signals being transmitted to the brain and vestibular system. The result is vertigo.
There is no official test to diagnose cervical vertigo. Instead, a doctor must rule out other possible causes of symptoms and confirm the issue is neck-related. This is known as the exclusion diagnosis. Other conditions that have similar symptoms and should be considered include:
Neck pain can be a clue that the problem could be cervical vertigo. When an individual has pain, it can be easier to diagnose because it is a kind of reference. Healthcare professionals look to the ear or brain when neck pain is absent.
Sometimes, it can be caused by physical trauma, while other times, it is a result of a health condition that affects the spine. The most common causes include:
Getting older is a potential risk factor from all the wear and tear of regular living. Age can affect neck strength and mobility and increases the chances of developing various health issues.
If the head and neck snap forward and backward at high speed, the result is often whiplash. It is a neck spasm after a high-velocity injury, most commonly an automobile accident.
This is also known as arthritis of the neck. Cervical spondylosis involves the breakdown of the spineβs discs and joints over time. The discs are the bodyβs shock absorbers. If they begin to lose water content, this starts the degenerative inflammatory process. During this process, bone spurs can begin to develop. This can cause compression of the nerves, blood vessels, and the spinal cord, which can lead to vertigo.
When the center of a spinal disc bulges out/herniates, it can press on the spinal cord, compressing the spinal cord or the nerves.
Slouching when sitting or looking down to read the phone can compress the vertebrae at the top of the spine.
This is the hardening of artery walls and can restrict blood flow to areas that affect balance.
This can cause vertigo if the surgery damaged the area, nearby blood vessels, or nerves.
Also known as rotational vertebral artery occlusion. It is the compression of a blood vessel in the neck called the vertebral artery, although it is rare.
Cervical vertigo can be managed without surgery. A healthcare provider can begin diagnosing and treating any underlying health problems to relieve symptoms. Muscle relaxers and over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain, and medications like meclizine can help with dizziness.
Physical activities like walking, running, biking or swimming can reduce inflammation and pain. However, for aerobic exercise to be effective, the heart rate has to hit the aerobic zone for at least 15 to 30 minutes per session, at least 3 to 5 times per week.
Exercise can ease symptoms. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi incorporate mindfulness and breathing techniques that are proven to help with pain relief.
Physical therapy is recommended for building strength and improving posture and neck mobility. Manual therapy works the muscles and joints and has been found to be helpful.
Therapeutic massage can be beneficial for cervical vertigo as it eases neck tension and allows better arteries circulation.
Acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial for neck pain and for the treatment of vertigo.
Gentle chiropractic mobilization can help by correcting any injuries or misalignments.
Check with a healthcare provider first to check which is the right treatment to pursue. Conduct plenty of research and ask questions. Above all, donβt let neck pain feeling dizzy symptoms go unaddressed.
A probiotic is referred to as good bacteria that keeps viruses and bad bacteria in check. The health benefits range from:
Yogurts that are low in sugar and high in bacteria cultures, along with fermented foods, are highly beneficial. If fermented foods cannot be taken, consider probiotic supplements to increase gut health. Good gut bacteria can be helped by consuming prebiotics. Prebiotics are a form of soluble fiber. The body cannot digest prebiotics, but gut bacteria can. Optimal sources of fiber-rich prebiotics can be found in nutrient-dense foods like:
A diet with various types of fiber has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity and prevent weight gain.
Cleveland Clinic. 2020. βWhy You Shouldnβt Ignore Dizziness Problems.βΒ health.clevelandclinic.org/is-your-world-spinning-help-for-dizziness/
Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology.Β (2018.) βSymptoms in cervical vertigo.βonlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/lio2.227
Pain Physician.Β (2013.) βPathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Cervical Vertigo.βpainphysicianjournal.com/current/pdf?article=MjM3NQ%3D%3D&journal=89
Physiopedia. (n.d.) βCervicogenic dizziness: screening.βΒ physio-pedia.com/Cervicogenic_dizziness:_screening
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