Our neck or cervical spine plays a crucial role in supporting the head and facilitating movement. However, neck pain can give rise to many other issues. One of them is cervicogenic vertigo – a condition characterized by neck pain and dizziness. In this blog, lets discuss how neck pain can lead to dizziness, also known as Cervicogenic dizziness or Cervical Vertigo.
Our cervical spine is made up of seven vertebra that can be roughly divided into an upper and lower portion. Between every two vertebra there are nerves exiting the spine on the right and left. These nerves supply different parts of the body. When the nerves that exit the upper to mid cervical spine are compressed or irritated due to issues affecting the cervical spine it can manifest as cervicogenic dizziness.
Cervicogenic vertigo is distinct from other forms of dizziness like BPPV or Meniere's disease, as it originates primarily from the neck muscles and nerves associated with the upper to mid cervical spine. Factors such as disc bulge, spinal stenosis, arthritis, degeneration or even a simple neck sprain, can lead to compression or irritation of these nerves, resulting in cervicogenic dizziness.
The symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness can be unsettling. Alongside neck pain, individuals may feel lightheaded, faint, giddy, or unsteady. This sensation often affects balance, making simple tasks like walking feel challenging. Some may even notice changes in posture, struggling to maintain an upright stance.
Vision disturbances are also common with cervicogenic vertigo. Rapid eye movements, difficulty focusing on moving objects, and a persistent sense of motion can disrupt daily activities, including reading.
Cervicogenic vertigo is closely associated with cervicogenic headaches. These headaches typically originate in the neck and may be accompanied by varying degrees of discomfort or tightness of the neck muscles, which in turn can aggravate the irritation or compression of the nerves, leading to increase in cervicogenic vertigo.
Watch this video to learn some effective strategies to manage Cervicogenic Dizziness (Cervical Vertigo):
If you want to know if your Cervicogenic dizziness is originating in your neck, HERE is a free guide on "Is your Neck the cause of your Cervicogenic Dizziness (Cervical Vertigo)?"
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