Understanding Cervicogenic Vertigo

Understanding Cervicogenic Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Cervicogenic vertigo is a form of vertigo that is caused by issues in the neck. It occurs when nerve signals from the neck are disrupted, leading to dizziness and a sense of spinning. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you might be wondering what is causing them and how you can get relief. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about cervicogenic vertigo, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Symptoms

Cervicogenic vertigo symptoms can be quite similar to other forms of vertigo, but there are some unique features to look out for. The most common symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo include:

• Dizziness or a sense of spinning
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Difficulty with balance or coordination
• Blurred vision or double vision

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. They can help determine if your vertigo is caused by issues in the neck or if it’s related to something else.

Causes

Cervicogenic vertigo is caused by problems in the neck, specifically the upper cervical spine. There are several conditions that can lead to cervicogenic vertigo, including:

• Whiplash or other neck injuries
• Arthritis in the neck
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs in the neck
• Poor posture or muscle strain in the neck

These conditions can cause nerve signals to become disrupted, leading to the symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo.

Cervicogenic Dizziness-What is it? Mechanism & Diagnosis- Video

Treatment Options

The good news is that there are several treatment options available for cervicogenic vertigo. The first step is to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. Once you know that your vertigo is caused by issues in the neck, you can start exploring treatment options.

Some of the most effective treatment options for cervicogenic vertigo include:

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy exercises can help improve neck strength and range of motion, which can reduce vertigo symptoms.
• Medications: Your doctor might prescribe medications to relieve vertigo symptoms or treat underlying conditions like arthritis or disc herniation.
• Chiropractic care: Chiropractic adjustments can help improve alignment in the neck, which can reduce nerve signal disruption and improve vertigo symptoms.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgery might be necessary to address underlying issues like herniated discs.

Cervicogenic Vertigo Exercises

In addition to professional treatment options, there are several cervicogenic vertigo exercises you can do at home to help alleviate symptoms. Some of the most effective exercises include:

• Chin tucks: Tuck your chin in towards your chest and hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat several times.
• Neck stretches: Gently stretch your neck to the left, right, and backwards, holding each position for a few seconds.
• Shoulder shrugs: Shrug your shoulders up towards your ears, then release. Repeat several times.

• Balance exercises: Standing on one foot or performing other balance exercises can help improve balance and coordination, which can reduce vertigo symptoms.

It’s important to note that you should always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have cervicogenic vertigo.

Vestibular Rehab for Cervicogenic Dizziness & Vertigo: Video

Prevention

While cervicogenic vertigo can be difficult to prevent, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include:

• Maintaining good posture: Poor posture can strain the muscles and nerves in the neck, increasing the risk of cervicogenic vertigo.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve neck flexibility and reduce the risk of nerve signal disruption.
• Avoiding neck injuries: Wearing protective gear during sports or other high-risk activities can help prevent neck injuries that can lead to cervicogenic vertigo.

In conclusion then, Cervicogenic vertigo can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition, but there are effective treatment options available. By working with your doctor or physical therapist and making lifestyle changes, you can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and start exploring treatment options.

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References/Further reading:

• “Cervicogenic vertigo: an updated review of pathophysiology and management.” Journal of Physical Therapy Science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6601068/
• Cervicogenic vertigo: ncbi.nim.nih.gov

Help other sufferers: Are your Meniere’s disease symptoms caused by cervicogenic issue? Let us know all about it in the comments box or email Mike at: meniereshelp@gmail.com