Do you get dizzy every time you look left, right or up? Or feel “off” every time you shoulder check? If so, you may be suffering from cervicogenic dizziness. While this condition can be frustrating, understanding its cause and treatment options can help you find relief.
What is Cervicogenic Dizziness?
Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of dizziness that is caused by problems in the neck, such as damaged discs, joint dysfunction, or muscle tension. This type of dizziness is often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness and can be worsened by certain head movements.
What Causes Cervicogenic Dizziness?
Cervicogenic dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Poor Posture
Sitting or standing with your head in a forward position for long periods of time can cause strain on your neck muscles, leading to cervicogenic dizziness, among other things like headaches or back pain.
Trauma
Injuries such as whiplash or a fall can damage important structures in the neck and lead to cervicogenic dizziness, especially if they aren’t treated fully.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis can cause damage to the neck joints and lead to cervicogenic dizziness. If you don’t know if you have arthritis turn your head in each direction and see if you can get to 80-90 degrees without any creaking or cracking sounds.
Muscle Tension
Tension in the neck muscles can affect the nerves and blood vessels that supply the inner ear, leading to dizziness. Muscles also provide feedback to the brain telling it where the head is at in space. If the muscles are too tight they send inappropriate information and the brain can get confused causing dizziness.
How Is Cervicogenic Dizziness Treated?
Treatment for cervicogenic dizziness will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are a few common treatment options:
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy can help strengthen the neck muscles, improve posture, and reduce pain and dizziness. This is very effective when paired with chiropractic adjustments.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine and reduce nerve compression. This decreases the confusion in the brain quite a bit.
Massage Therapy
If tight muscles are the issue massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension, relieve pain and viola; dizziness is gone.
Preventing Cervicogenic Dizziness
While it may not be possible to prevent all cases of cervicogenic dizziness, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
Practice Good Posture
Avoid slouching or holding your head in a forward position for extended periods of time. Your future self will thank you for just trying to have better posture.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise can help strengthen the neck muscles and reduce the risk of injury. It also takes the joints through full range of motion and keeps them healthy.
Take Frequent Breaks
If you work at a desk, take frequent breaks to stretch your neck and shoulders. Incorporate a routine of stretches each time you take a break. Every half hour would be a good goal to start with.
Use Proper Ergonomics
Make sure your workspace is set up in a way that promotes good posture.
Cervicogenic dizziness can be a real pain in the neck, but with the right treatment and prevention methods, you can find relief. If you’re experiencing dizziness that seems to be coming from your neck, talk to your Pure healthcare practitioner to determine the underlying cause and develop a treatment plan that works for you. Remember, prevention is key, so take steps to maintain good posture and keep your neck healthy.