If you've ever experienced a feeling of dizziness or vertigo that seems to stem from your neck, you may be dealing with cervicogenic dizziness. This often-overlooked condition can be distressing, but the good news is that physiotherapy can help you manage and even resolve the symptoms. At Darwin Health Group, we specialise in identifying and treating cervicogenic dizziness, providing personalised treatment plans to improve your quality of life.
In this blog, we’ll explain what cervicogenic dizziness is, what causes it, and how physiotherapy can help alleviate its symptoms.
What is Cervicogenic Dizziness?
Cervicogenic dizziness refers to dizziness or a sensation of imbalance that is caused by issues in the neck. The term "cervicogenic" comes from "cervico," which refers to the neck (cervical spine), and "genic," meaning "originating from". Essentially, cervicogenic dizziness is dizziness that originates from problems in the neck, usually due to joint dysfunction, muscle imbalances, or nerve irritation.
Unlike vertigo, which involves the sensation of spinning or moving, cervicogenic dizziness typically presents as a lightheaded or unsteady feeling, and can be triggered or worsened by certain neck movements or positions. This type of dizziness may be mistaken for other conditions, but it is distinct in its connection to neck issues.
Common Symptoms of Cervicogenic Dizziness
The symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness can vary, but typically include:
Feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness, particularly when moving the head or neck.
Headache that often radiates from the neck to the head.
Neck pain or stiffness, particularly in the upper neck or base of the skull.
Dizziness or vertigo triggered by certain head movements, such as turning the head or looking up.
Balance problems, feeling as though you might fall or sway.
Difficulty concentrating or feeling "foggy".
These symptoms can interfere with your daily activities, making simple tasks such as driving, working, or walking feel challenging. It's important to note that cervicogenic dizziness is not usually caused by any central nervous system issues, such as a brain tumour or stroke, but rather by dysfunction in the cervical spine or the structures around it.
What Causes Cervicogenic Dizziness?
Cervicogenic dizziness is typically caused by issues in the cervical spine (neck) that affect the nerves, joints, or muscles. Some common causes include:
Cervical Joint Dysfunction: When the small joints in the neck become misaligned or restricted, they can interfere with the way the brain interprets signals from the neck. This can lead to a sensation of dizziness or imbalance.
Muscle Tension or Spasms: Tight or overworked muscles in the neck can irritate nerves or put pressure on the cervical joints, contributing to dizziness.
Whiplash Injuries: A sudden movement of the neck (such as from a car accident) can cause injury to the neck muscles, joints, and ligaments. This often leads to neck pain and dizziness.
Poor Posture: Prolonged poor posture, such as slouching or forward head posture, can strain the neck muscles and joints, contributing to dizziness.
Cervical Disc Problems: Herniated or bulging discs in the cervical spine can put pressure on the nerves or affect the blood flow, leading to symptoms of dizziness.
Nerve Compression or Irritation: When the nerves in the neck are compressed or irritated (due to a herniated disc or joint dysfunction), they can send confusing signals to the brain, which may result in dizziness.
How to Fix Cervicogenic Dizziness
The good news is that cervicogenic dizziness is a treatable condition. If you are experiencing symptoms of dizziness or imbalance that seem to be linked to your neck, physiotherapy is one of the most effective approaches for relief. At Darwin Health Group, our physiotherapists can help you identify the underlying cause of your dizziness and guide you through a structured treatment plan.
How Can a Physiotherapist Help?
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in treating cervicogenic dizziness by addressing the root cause of the condition — neck dysfunction. Your physiotherapist will develop a personalised treatment plan based on your symptoms, assessment, and overall health. Here are the key ways a physiotherapist can help you:
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Diagnosis
Your physiotherapist will start by assessing your neck, posture, balance, and movement patterns. This may involve evaluating:
Neck mobility: Checking for any joint restrictions or stiffness.
Muscle strength and flexibility: Identifying any muscle imbalances, tightness, or weakness that may be contributing to dizziness.
Posture: Assessing whether poor posture (such as forward head posture) is affecting your neck and leading to dizziness.
Balance tests: Determining if you have any balance deficits that could be linked to neck dysfunction.
By carefully diagnosing the cause of your cervicogenic dizziness, your physiotherapist will be able to tailor a treatment plan that targets your specific needs.
2. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment used to address joint dysfunction and muscle tightness in the neck. Your physiotherapist may use techniques such as:
Cervical mobilisation: Gentle movement of the cervical joints to restore proper function and reduce stiffness.
Soft tissue release: Using massage techniques to release muscle tension and improve circulation.
Stretching: Targeting tight muscles in the neck and shoulders to reduce tension and improve flexibility.
These techniques help relieve pain, improve neck mobility, and reduce the dizziness caused by joint and muscle dysfunction.
3. Neck Strengthening and Stabilisation Exercises
A key component of treating cervicogenic dizziness is strengthening the muscles in your neck and upper back to provide better support and stability. Your physiotherapist will guide you through specific exercises to:
Strengthen the deep cervical muscles that stabilise the neck.
Improve postural control and alignment.
Enhance muscle endurance to prevent further neck strain.
Strengthening the muscles that support your cervical spine can help prevent the recurrence of dizziness and pain, improving overall neck function and stability.
4. Posture Correction
Postural issues such as forward head posture or slouching can exacerbate cervicogenic dizziness. Your physiotherapist will provide posture correction exercises and advice to help you maintain proper alignment, both during everyday activities and while at rest. Improving your posture can reduce the strain on your neck, alleviate dizziness, and prevent future flare-ups.
5. Vestibular Rehabilitation
In some cases, cervicogenic dizziness may cause balance problems or a feeling of instability. If this is the case, your physiotherapist may incorporate vestibular rehabilitation exercises into your treatment. These exercises focus on improving your balance and helping your brain and inner ear work together more efficiently.
6. Education and Lifestyle Advice
Your physiotherapist will also educate you on lifestyle changes that can support your recovery, such as:
Ergonomics: Adjusting your work environment and daily activities to promote better neck posture.
Sleep positioning: Recommendations on how to position your neck during sleep to avoid strain.
Stretching and relaxation techniques: Incorporating regular stretches and relaxation methods to prevent tension and discomfort in the neck.
When to Seek Physiotherapy for Cervicogenic Dizziness
If you're experiencing dizziness that seems to originate from your neck, it's essential to seek treatment early. Cervicogenic dizziness often responds well to physiotherapy, especially when addressed in its early stages. If you're experiencing any of the following, it's time to book an appointment:
Persistent dizziness or lightheadedness that worsens with neck movements.
Neck pain, stiffness, or tension along with dizziness.
Difficulty with balance or coordination.
A history of neck injury or whiplash.
At Darwin Health Group, we can help you regain control over your neck health and reduce dizziness with a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan tailored just for you.
Conclusion
Cervicogenic dizziness can significantly affect your daily life, but it doesn’t have to. With the right treatment and guidance, you can manage your symptoms and improve your neck health. Physiotherapy offers a targeted, non-invasive approach to treating cervicogenic dizziness, addressing the root cause and helping you regain stability, strength, and comfort.
If you’re experiencing dizziness related to your neck, don’t wait. Contact Darwin Health Group today to book an appointment and start your journey toward relief and recovery.
Ready to get rid of your cervicogenic dizziness?
Book an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at Darwin Health Group today!
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