Can Dizziness Come From the Neck? Cervical Vertigo Tests | Cervicogenic Dizziness
- Muscle strain or injury: This can happen from a sudden movement, such as whiplash from a car accident, or from repetitive activities, such as working at a computer for long periods of time.
- Arthritis: This is a degenerative condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, including the joints in the neck.
- Degeneration of the discs: The discs are the cushions between the vertebrae in the spine. Over time, they can wear down and become herniated, which can put pressure on the nerves and cause dizziness.
- Vertebral misalignment: This can happen from a trauma, such as a fall, or from poor posture. When the vertebrae are misaligned, they can put pressure on the nerves and cause dizziness.
In some cases, there may be no obvious cause for cervicogenic dizziness. This is called idiopathic cervicogenic dizziness.
Symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness can include:
- Dizziness or vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or tilting
- Lightheadedness
- Unsteadiness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Neck pain
Treatment for cervicogenic dizziness depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, simple home remedies, such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication, may be enough to relieve symptoms. Other treatment options include:
- Physical therapy: This can help to strengthen the muscles in the neck and improve range of motion.
- Manual therapy: This can involve chiropractic adjustments or massage therapy to help realign the vertebrae and reduce pressure on the nerves.
- Vestibular rehabilitation: This type of therapy can help to retrain the brain to compensate for the dizziness.
If you are experiencing dizziness from the neck, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and discuss treatment options.