Cervicogenic dizziness is a specific vestibular disorder where an individual experiences neck pain while simultaneously feeling dizzy and experiencing lightheadedness. This specific vestibular dysfunction is unique in that there is neck pain associated with dizziness. Cervicogenic dizziness, also referred to as cervicogenic vertigo, is given its name from the root word: Cervicogenic which refers to the cervicogenic spine.
In order to understand this specific vestibular disorder it is imperative to understand the basics of the cervical spine. The cervical spine is divided into four main regions: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum. The cervical spine is then split into smaller sections labeled C1-C7 which are the small bones located in the region just below the skull. These little bones are located along the back of the neck, hence why this vestibular disorder which is associated with neck pain was given this specific title.
Symptoms:
While the main symptom of this disorder is neck pain, dizziness and lightheadedness there are also various other symptoms individuals suffering from this disorder might experience. However, every case is unique and different which may result in individuals experiencing all, many or few of these symptoms.
The following are some additional symptoms individuals might experience:
– Dizziness
– Imbalance
– Disorientation
– Neck pain
– Limited cervical range of motion
– Headache
Possible causes:
Since this vestibular disorder stems from the cervical spine is it difficult to isolate a single cause. As explained above the cervical spine is made up of tiny bones, as well as muscles and tendons therefore it is difficult to know which of these areas triggered the symptoms an individual might experience. The following are additional causes that could have lead to this specific vestibular disorder.
-Degeneration of the body
-Inflammation
-Joint Issues
– Lesions in the disks
-Abnormally high muscle tone
-Trauma to the muscles
Treatment options:
Now that you have learned a bit about cervicogenic dizziness, what it is and what are some possible causes you must be asking yourself what treatments exist. In order to answer this question, it is important to isolate the cause much like any other types of vestibular disorders. But as mentioned before that part is not as straightforward. Therefore many treatments must be tried to be able to find the one to solve the initial cause of the symptoms. However many individuals with these symptoms may feel relief with appropriate neck treatment. Unfortunately neck treatment alone will not alleviate the dizziness. For other patients the treatment will require both neck as well as vestibular treatment.
Norcal Brain Center:
Norcal brain center specializes in vestibular treatment and is able to help individuals experiencing this type of dizziness. Since the vestibular treatment is specialized a thorough test will be required in order to understand the canal that is not working properly in the vestibular system. Then a customized therapy plan will be created which may include eye stability exercises, balance exercises, graded exposure to neck movements or gradual desensitization to positions and environments that might have made patients dizzy previously. If you are interested about starting your own customized treatment plan, make a free consultation at Norcal Brain.com
