What is Cervical Vertigo? Symptoms and How Neck Issues Can Cause Dizziness

Cervical vertigo is a type of dizziness that happens because of problems in the neck, especially in the cervical spine. When someone has cervical vertigo, they might feel lightheaded or feel like the room is spinning. This happens because the neck helps control balance, and when the nerves or muscles in the neck get squeezed or irritated, it messes with the signals that are sent to the brain, thus causing dizziness. 

How Is Cervical Vertigo Different from Other Types of Vertigo?

Cervical vertigo is different from other types of vertigo because it’s caused by problems in the neck, not the inner ear. While vertigo is often caused by issues in the inner ear, like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), cervical vertigo happens when there are problems in the neck, such as muscle tension, injury, or poor posture. It is usually linked to neck movements, stiffness, or holding bad posture for too long.

The neck plays a big part in keeping the body balanced because it has nerves and muscles that send signals to the brain to help with movement. If there’s an injury or misalignment in the neck, those signals can get interrupted, causing dizziness or unsteadiness.

At NeuroEquilibrium, we use advanced technology to diagnose problems in the neck that may cause balance issues. 

Symptoms of Cervical Vertigo

The primary symptoms include:

• Neck Pain: Most people with cervical vertigo (94% of patients)  experience neck pain or discomfort. This is one of the most common signs of the condition.
• Dizziness and Imbalance
  You may feel unsteady, as if you are about to fall or experience a sensation that the world around you is spinning. These symptoms can make it difficult to walk or even turn your head.
• Limited Neck Movement: It may be hard to move your neck fully, which can add to dizziness or discomfort.

These symptoms can make daily activities like walking, turning your head, or looking around challenging. Recognizing these signs can help you understand what might be causing your discomfort and get the proper treatment.

What Causes Cervical Vertigo

Cervical vertigo occurs when problems in the neck disrupt the signals sent to the brain, resulting in dizziness or a loss of balance. This condition can arise from several factors, including:

• Cervical Spondylosis: This is a condition where the neck joints wear down over time, often causing dizziness. Research shows that about 47% of people with vertigo have this neck issue.
• Rotational Vertebral Artery Syndrome: Sometimes, neck movements can squeeze the artery that carries blood to the brain, making you feel dizzy. This can be checked by the vertebral artery rotation test, which will induce nystagmus.
  
• Proprioceptive Dysfunction: The neck has sensors that help your brain understand your position. If these sensors don’t work well, like after a whiplash injury, it can confuse your balance system.

It is a myth that cervical problems always cause vertigo; in reality, only when the spinal canal narrows by more than 13 mm can it contribute to the symptoms of cervical vertigo.

The neck and the region around it should be of keen concern. While whiplash injuries are neck injuries that result from a sudden and forceful backward and forward movement, they result in aggravating the nerves in the neck, causing vertigo. 

Stressful positions such as sitting at a desk without taking a break, looking down at your computer(Forward head posture), or sleeping in incorrect positions can also stretch the neck muscles. These stresses cumulatively impair the ability of the neck to relay balanced information to the brain correctly. These risks can be eliminated, and your neck safeguarded by minor alterations such as taking breaks, stretching, adopting ergonomic furniture, and ergonomically correct posture.

Risk Factors for Cervical Vertigo

Cervical vertigo is likely to affect some individuals more than others due to specific characteristics. One is age, since wear and tear in the neck region increases as we age. The other is repetitive neck movements commonly associated with occupations such as assembly line work or extended sitting at a computer, which also increase your risk. If you have other medical conditions like osteoporosis or have once experienced a neck injury, then your cervical spine will be at a higher risk. By avoiding these risk factors and practicing proper neck hygiene, cervical vertigo can be prevented.

Diagnosis of Cervical Vertigo

Diagnosing cervical vertigo starts with your doctor asking about your symptoms, medical history, and any neck injuries. They will also check your neck, look for muscle stiffness, and see if it is aligned correctly. Tests like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans might be done to look for problems in the neck, such as disc issues, arthritis, or injuries. These steps help figure out if your dizziness is caused by your neck or something else.

Special Tests to Find the Problem

Doctors use different tests to understand what’s causing your symptoms. They might do balance tests, like seeing how well your body stays steady. Scans of your neck help doctors see the bones, joints, and nerves. These tests make sure they are in a position to make the correct diagnosis.

Ruling Out Other Causes of Vertigo

Since dizziness can happen for many reasons, such as problems in your inner ear, migraines, or brain issues, doctors need to rule out these possibilities first. Once they know it’s not something else, they can focus on treating cervical vertigo the right way.

NeuroEquilibrium uses advanced tools to diagnose cervical vertigo. We have modern equipment to test your balance, take scans, and give expert advice. If you’re feeling dizzy or unsteady, our clinics can figure out the problem and help you with a customized treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Cervical Vertigo

Non-Invasive Therapies

Cervical vertigo is well addressed by physical therapy treatment. Therapists assist the patients in performing specific neck exercises that improve body postures, neck muscle strengthening, and flexibility. Such exercises assist in relieving the pressure on the cervical spine and bring back the equilibrium. Some things that a layman might not consider can also be effective ways of reducing the symptoms, such as modifying your workstation and taking breaks during long hours of desk work.

Medications for Symptom Management

In some cases, medications can help manage cervical vertigo symptoms. Pain relievers may be prescribed for neck pain, while anti-nausea drugs can reduce dizziness and nausea. Muscle relaxants are sometimes used to relieve stiffness and tension in the neck. While medications don’t address the root cause, they provide relief as part of a broader treatment plan.

Self-Management Tips for Cervical Vertigo

Managing cervical vertigo can be effective with lifestyle changes, ergonomic adjustments, and gentle neck exercises. Improving posture by sitting up straight and avoiding slouching can reduce strain on the neck, while gentle neck movements like tilts and rotations can improve flexibility. Creating an ergonomic workspace, staying hydrated, managing stress, and sleeping in a position that supports the neck’s natural curve can also help. 

Additionally, heat or cold therapy, avoiding sudden neck movements, and strengthening core muscles can alleviate symptoms. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare specialist for the best approach to managing cervical vertigo.

When to See a Specialist

If you’re constantly feeling dizzy, unsteady, or experiencing neck pain, it’s advised to consult a specialist. Seek medical attention if your condition worsens, when you suddenly have trouble balancing, or if dizziness interferes with walking, driving, or daily activities. Other symptoms, such as headaches, blurred vision, or fainting, also warrant a doctor’s visit, as they may indicate a need for professional evaluation.

Cervical vertigo can be treated by various specialists, including chiropractors, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, neurologists, and physiotherapists. ENT specialists focus on inner ear issues, while neurologists address brain and nervous system conditions. Physiotherapists can assist with neck exercises and therapies to improve movement and reduce symptoms.

NeuroEquilibrium clinics provide expert consultations for diagnosing and treating balance disorders. Our team of specialists will assess your condition and offer personalized care to manage symptoms effectively, helping you return to your routine with confidence.

Prognosis and Recovery

Recovery from cervical vertigo depends on the individual and the extent of the condition. If appropriately managed, most people can increase their capabilities very quickly. In addition to physical therapy and exercises, avoiding any activity that exerts pressure on the neck could also be recommended. The key is to follow the treatment course; doing it regularly will help your body balance again and eliminate dizziness in the future.

This is because everybody has a different set of symptoms and causes of the disease; hence, the treatment should be unique. It could involve neck exercises, posture adjustments, and some medication for the pain. If you want to improve and speed up recovery, follow the plan that will be personalized for you.

Cervical vertigo is treatable in the long term, but some patients may experience dizziness occasionally. Fortunately, with proper management, most patients are given the nod to return to their daily activities.

NeuroEquilibrium employs a standard technique for treating cervical vertigo. We develop individual programs to help patients feel better, less symptomatic, or even cured. Most patients have expressed that they can easily cope with their illness once they receive the proper treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)