Understanding Cervicogenic Vertigo And How To Treat It

Your brain relies on three key systems to maintain balance: your inner ear, your eyes, and the tiny pressure sensors located in the joints of your upper neck. These systems continuously send feedback to your brain, helping it understand the position of your head and body. When one or more of these systems malfunction and send inaccurate signals, it can cause dizziness or vertigo.

What Is Cervicogenic Vertigo?

Cervicogenic vertigo occurs when dizziness or vertigo is triggered by an issue in the cervical spine (the neck). This type of vertigo happens when the pressure sensors in the joints of your neck malfunction, sending the wrong signals to the brain about the position of your head. This sensory mismatch results in temporary dizziness, which is the hallmark of cervicogenic vertigo.

What Causes Cervicogenic Vertigo?

When you tilt your head, the pressure sensors on your neck detect this movement and relay the information to your brain. Normally, this message is confirmed by your inner ear and eyes. However, when a joint in your neck becomes restricted or misaligned, these sensors can give false information, confusing the brain and causing vertigo.

Cervicogenic vertigo can be triggered by several factors, including muscle tightness, joint misalignments, joint swelling, disc bulges, or arthritis in the cervical spine. It’s commonly associated with traumatic injuries, such as whiplash.

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Vertigo

Symptoms of cervicogenic vertigo often include feelings of light-headedness, floating, unsteadiness, or general imbalance. These symptoms typically worsen with movement but improve when you remain still. True spinning sensations are rare in cervicogenic vertigo. Neck discomfort or stiffness is also frequently experienced alongside the dizziness. Some individuals may notice a headache that begins at the base of the skull.

It’s important to notify your doctor if you experience any of the following:

A history of head injuries
Loss of consciousness
Frequent, unexplained falls
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Sensations of fullness in the ears
Earaches or fever
Numbness or tingling
Visual disturbances
Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Issues with walking
Recently started new medication

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is highly effective in managing cervicogenic vertigo. Many treatment plans incorporate upper cervical adjustments, myofascial release, and therapeutic exercises. Leading expert Karel Lewit, MD, famously stated, “In no field is manipulation more effective than in the treatment of vertigo.”

Research has demonstrated that chiropractic treatment offers a greater than 90% success rate in treating cervicogenic vertigo, significantly improving patients’ balance and reducing dizziness. By addressing the root causes of the condition—such as neck misalignments, tight muscles, or joint dysfunction—chiropractic care can help alleviate the symptoms and prevent future occurrences.

Cervicogenic vertigo is a condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, but with proper care, it’s treatable. If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo linked to neck problems, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to explore the benefits of chiropractic care. By addressing the underlying issues in the cervical spine, you can find lasting relief and regain your balance.

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Richard L. Cole, DC, DACNB, DAIPM, FIACN, FICC
Jeffrey D. Luebbe, DC, CCRD, CCSP
W. Steven Vollmer, DC, DAAPM
Bradford J. Cole, DC, MS, CSCS
J. Colby Poston, DC
Daniel H. Smith, DC
2845 Summer Oaks Dr., Memphis, TN 38134
(901) 377-2340

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