What Is The Difference Between Cervicogenic Dizziness And BPPV?
For executive mums balancing demanding careers and younger kids, experiencing dizziness can be particularly worrisome and disruptive to daily life. It’s crucial to understand whether these dizzy spells stem from cervicogenic dizziness or BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), as they have different causes and treatment approaches. In this blog, we will discuss the main differences between these two conditions, so that you can work towards a more targeted and effective management. 

Cervicogenic dizziness and Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) are both conditions that can cause dizziness, but they originate from different sources. Understanding the difference is crucial for appropriate management.

Cervicogenic Dizziness: This type of dizziness is associated with issues in the cervical spine (neck). It often results from poor posture, cervical spine disorders, or neck trauma. The dizziness occurs due to disrupted signals between the neck, brain, and inner ear balance centers. Symptoms usually include neck pain or stiffness along with dizziness, especially when moving the head.

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): This is one of the most common causes of vertigo and is related to the inner ear. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles called otoconia become dislodged and move into the semicircular canals of the inner ear, affecting balance. This leads to short, intense episodes of dizziness or vertigo, typically triggered by specific head movements such as looking up or turning in bed.


Key Differences:
Origin: Cervicogenic dizziness is rooted in neck issues, whereas BPPV stems from the inner ear.

Symptoms: While both can cause dizziness, cervicogenic dizziness is often accompanied by neck pain or stiffness, whereas BPPV usually involves brief, intense spinning sensations with head movement.

Duration: Cervicogenic dizziness may persist or recur based on neck movements or posture, while BPPV episodes are usually brief but can be very intense.

While cervicogenic dizziness is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and ruling out other causes. Treatment may involve posture correction, exercises, etc. BPPV is diagnosed using specific tests such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. It can be treated with repositioning maneuvers like the Epley maneuver, which helps move the displaced particles out of the semicircular canals.

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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MEET SWATI

 
Hi there! 
I am Swati, an Executive Mum Power Coach & Certified Posture Expert

I help mums of young kids working in high-stress executive jobs manage back, neck, and nerve pain, even with low energy, brain fog, and little time to spare. My proven system delivers real relief without stealing hours from your already packed day. The result? More productive professionals at work and guilt-free mums who can be fully present with their kids, instead of being sidelined by pain.



My passion comes from personal experience. I’ve been where you are: in pain, overwhelmed, and exhausted. After two pregnancies in three years, juggling my kids, housework, and a demanding job, I was stuck in a constant cycle of back and nerve pain. The physical load of motherhood added strain to my spine and joints. Meanwhile, adrenal fatigue left me drained, even after 10–12 hours of sleep.

Everyday tasks became a struggle. I was forgetful, foggy, and low on energy. Even as a trained physiotherapist and posture expert, I couldn’t escape my own pain. I stood all day at work, spent evenings on the laptop, rocked my kids to sleep, sat through endless meetings, traveled frequently ... I’ve been through it all.

I kept my pain hidden at work, afraid to speak up. I felt like a fraud, someone who coached others on relief strategies but couldn’t find relief herself. I loved my job and my children, but I couldn’t give 100% to either. Pain was holding me back.

One New Year, I made a resolution: to get healthy, not just fix pain, fatigue, or weight. I focused on reducing inflammation, healing my adrenal fatigue, and reclaiming my energy. Slowly but surely, the pain faded. I lost weight, my brain fog cleared, and my energy skyrocketed. Today, my pain is nearly gone. I feel stronger, clearer, and more in control than I have in years.
And now, I want that for you.

I combine professional expertise with lived experience to support other mums like me, those with young kids, high-stress jobs, and no time for complicated health programs. I’ve helped hundreds of women reduce spinal and joint pain, lift their energy, and clear the mental fog that holds them back.

If any of this resonates, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I got you, mommy!

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xx Swati
** Executive Mum Power Coach **

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