By Dr.Ravindra Patil
People are surprised to know that there is a condition called cervical vertigo. In most peoples’ mindsets, vertigo or vertigo problems never seem to be connected with the neck. Most people think vertigo is because of weakness. It is not so. It may be similar to the symptoms of nervous system disorders. Some times they may be similar to common vertigo problems. But mostly pain in the neck and vertigo or dizziness. It is important to identify and get your cervical vertigo diagnosed as early as possible so as to start treatment early.
People with cervical vertigo have both neck pain and dizziness. Other symptoms include vision issues, nausea and lack of coordination. Several different things can cause the condition, such as inflammation, joint issues and trauma. Cervical vertigo is a treatable condition that usually goes away with physical therapy and inner ear exercises.
Cervical vertigo – also called cervicogenic dizziness – is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. It’s related to certain neck conditions. Cervical vertigo can also occur following a cervical spine injury. Though, in most cases, symptoms don’t appear until months or years after the initial trauma.
Your cervical spine – or, your neck – plays a key role in balance and coordination. So, when this area of your spine is inflamed, arthritic or injured, it can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded and unsteady.
Vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning, even when you’re not moving. Cervical vertigo is a specific type of vertigo in which dizzy sensations are related only to neck injury or inflammation.
Anyone can develop cervical vertigo. But the condition is much more common in people with:
Anytime your cervical spine develops an issue or sustains an injury, dizziness and other symptoms can occur. Experts are still researching cervical vertigo, but possible causes include:
Regardless of what causes cervical vertigo, stress and anxiety can trigger your symptoms.
Because cervical vertigo can mimic symptoms of other conditions – such as BPPV, central vertigo and vestibular neuritis – your healthcare provider will need to rule out other issues. To do this, they’ll need to conduct many diagnostic tests, which may include:
Cervical vertigo treatment involves addressing the underlying condition. Be sure to follow your doctor’s specific guidelines. In addition, he or she may recommend physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, medication or a combination of treatments.
Physical therapy exercises can help improve your balance and coordination, as well as your neck’s range of motion. A physical therapist can train you in proper posture and teach you stretching exercises to reduce your symptoms. In some cases, your healthcare provider might refer you to a specialist chiropractor for a chiropractic adjustment of your neck and spine.
It’s important to note that physical therapy can improve many cervical vertigo symptoms, but it can’t eliminate dizziness. For this reason, your healthcare provider may recommend vestibular rehabilitation as well.
Vestibular rehabilitation encompasses a number of exercises designed to improve your balance and reduce dizziness. These cervical vertigo exercises are tailored to your needs and may include training in:
The specialist can teach you how to do these cervical vertigo treatments at home.
Medications may also be a part of your cervical vertigo treatment plan. These medications may include:
Cervical vertigo is usually treated by a neurologist – a doctor who specializes in diseases of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. He can be a neuro-physician or a neurosurgeon.
You can’t always prevent cervical vertigo, especially if it’s the result of a car accident, sports injury or other traumatic events. However, physical therapy exercises can help keep your neck muscles strong. In turn, this can decrease pressure on your cervical disks and reduce your risk of developing cervical vertigo later on.
Most of the time, cervical vertigo is quite manageable. But proper diagnosis and treatment are essential. You’ll probably need testing to rule out other, more serious conditions.
Once a diagnosis is established, your doctor will recommend personalized treatment to ease your symptoms. Depending on the cause and extent of your condition, you may need physical therapy, vestibular (inner ear) therapy or medication.
Episodes of cervicogenic dizziness can last between several minutes to several hours. The condition itself can last several years, and people may experience periodic flare-ups.
Keep in mind, cervical vertigo symptoms can appear months – or even years – after a traumatic incident.
If you have neck pain, dizziness or other cervical vertigo symptoms, plana visit with your doctor as soon as possible. Because cervicogenic dizziness can mimic other, more serious health conditions, prompt diagnosis and treatment are key.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
If you suspect you might have cervical vertigo or a related health issue, here are some questions to ask your healthcare provider:
Dizziness and neck pain are both uncomfortable symptoms that can interfere with day-to-day living. But when they occur together, they can make even the simplest tasks seem impossible. Your doctor can determine what caused cervical vertigo and tailor a treatment plan to manage your symptoms. With care and diligence, you can minimize your symptoms and vastly improve the quality of you
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