In the United States, dizziness is one of the most frequent medical complaints given to doctors. There can be many different reasons you experience dizziness, but one unique cause can be cervical (neck) related. Cervical dizziness, or cervical vertigo, can be caused by a range of factors, and diagnosing it requires the help of trained doctors. Luckily, there are treatment methods available to relieve the symptoms and get you back to feeling normal again.

What Is Cervical Dizziness?

Cervical dizziness is a type of vertigo that is caused by problems in the cervical spine. Studies have found that the neck plays a big part in our balance, which means that anything that disrupts its structure can have an impact on those functions. Dizziness can cause a person to feel like the world is spinning around them, even when they are standing still. A person experiencing cervical dizziness will feel similar sensations of vertigo, as well as other possible symptoms related to the neck.

Cervical dizziness is different from central vertigo, sometimes called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, which is a problem with the inner ear or central nervous system. A trained Doctor of Audiology can help determine the underlying cause of your dizziness.

What Are the Causes of Cervical Dizziness?

Cervical dizziness is oftentimes a symptom of an underlying issue, such as a cervical spine injury or neck injury. It is classified as a Whiplash Associated Disorder, which is most commonly found with a head whiplash injury, head trauma, or after a car accident. Other causes may stem from inflammation or abnormal communication between the nerve pathways in the neck due to injury or certain head movements. Oftentimes, a person may begin experiencing signs of cervical dizziness after a triggering traumatic event. This can cause the dizziness to last for anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

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Cervical Vertigo Symptoms

Common symptoms of cervical dizziness include neck pain, headaches, nausea, ringing in the ears, or feeling unsteady or off-balance. Additionally, these symptoms may also be accompanied by a decrease in neck mobility or a generally stiff neck. These can occur or worsen after doing physical activities or even standing up too fast. Sometimes, it’s possible that you may even find it difficult to concentrate if you have cervical dizziness.

How Is Cervical Dizziness Diagnosed?

An evaluation can be conducted by a vestibular and balance expert in order to determine the source of your dizziness. This test is non-invasive and does not require any scans or imaging. The doctor will inquire about any recent head or neck injuries, feelings of stiffness or pain in the neck, and a decreased range of motion in the area. Once these factors are determined, you will continue on with a cervical dizziness evaluation. In most cases, the professional examining you will look for sporadic eye movements with different head positions.

Cervical Dizziness FAQs

What is Cervicogenic dizziness like?

Many patients experience cervicogenic dizziness as a feeling of imbalance, disorientation, a sense of movement, and unsteadiness. It can also be accompanied by neck pain and a limited range of motion.

How should I sleep with cervical vertigo?

The best sleeping position for cervical vertigo is on your back, since this positions the crystals within your ear canal where theyre less likely to be disturbed.

How do you sleep with cervical dizziness?

If you are experiencing trouble falling asleep or staying asleep due to cervical dizziness, it is recommended that you sleep on your back. This supine position is not only the best for your spine but can prevent fluid buildup that may cause or worsen a cervical dizziness attack.

Does cervical dizziness affect your eyes?

Neck pain that is associated with cervical dizziness can lead to pain in surrounding areas due to sympathetic nerve stimulation. This can lead to dry eyes, eye pain, pupil dilation, and blurred vision.

Can neck issues cause dizziness?

Yes. Injury, health issues, and even poor posture can lead to dizziness or spinning sensations, known as cervical vertigo.

Is cervical vertigo serious?

All types of vertigo increase a person’s risk of injuries from falls or other mishaps, and the condition can worsen over time, which is why seeking treatment is key to mitigating these risks.

What does cervical dizziness feel like?

Symptoms of vertigo, including cervical vertigo, include feeling that the world is spinning, loss of balance, vomiting, ringing in the ears, and nausea.

How long does cervical vertigo last?

Cervical vertigo can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. It can be exacerbated by factors like exercise, sneezing, or quick movement.

Can a chiropractor fix cervical vertigo?

You should always see a Doctor of Audiology for your vertigo symptoms. Chiropractors are not medically trained to treat or administer therapies for balance disorders.

What makes cervical dizziness worse?

Many times, cervical dizziness is accompanied by neck pain. This dizziness can be worsened by neck movements, neck pain, fatigue, stress, or anxiety.

How do you treat cervical dizziness?

Treatment options for cervical dizziness range from medications, vestibular rehabilitation, or even physical therapy to loosen tight neck muscles or preventing nerves from being pinched.

Does cervical vertigo go away on its own?

Not likely. In some cases, improving posture can help lessen or prevent bouts of vertigo, but the only way to know what will be effective in treating the condition is with an evaluation with a Doctor of Audiology.

What is the home remedy for cervical vertigo?

Its extremely important to consult a medical professional about vertigo treatments. Your Doctor of Audiology can provide specific maneuvers and therapies to achieve relief at home.

How long does cervical dizziness last?

Symptoms of cervical dizziness can last from just minutes to hours.

Can anxiety cause cervical dizziness?

A majority of patients report that anxiety can heighten symptoms of cervical dizziness.

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Cervical Dizziness Treatment Options

After being diagnosed with cervical dizziness, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan that caters to the specific underlying cause. Cervical dizziness is often treated by applying a combination of manual therapies to the neck. You may receive physical therapy to help you to stretch and strengthen the injured area. The symptoms may also be managed with the aid of
certain medications that can help lessen the dizziness and ease the pain.

Is Recovery from Cervical Dizziness Possible?

Most of the time, it is possible to manage and treat cervical dizziness. While diagnosing it can sometimes be tricky, once it is determined that you have cervical dizziness there are many treatment options available. Those with severe degeneration in the neck may have a harder time treating their cervical dizziness. However, the symptoms can still be managed in order to relieve discomfort and pain.

Schedule a Consultation

If you think you may be experiencing signs of cervical dizziness, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Our expert Doctors of Audiology can help diagnose your issue and determine the best treatment options for you. To schedule an appointment with our New York City office, contact us by calling (212) 784-6125 or filling out our online form.