What causes cervicogenic dizziness?

What causes cervicogenic dizziness is a common question we get as neck and vestibular health experts.

The exact cause of cervicogenic dizziness can vary from person to person. But, it is typically related to problems with the structures in the neck, including the vertebrae, muscles, joints, and nerves.  Therefore, the exact cause can be multifactorial.

Myofascial structures and upper cervical spine joints in the neck typically cause cervicogenic dizziness.  Several factors and triggers have been identified that can contribute to their development,

We discuss this in more detail in our professional books and course, but here are some highlights for you.

Common causes of cervicogenic dizziness

1. Cervical Arthritis (Cervical Spondylosis): Osteoarthritis in the neck can cause the development of bone spurs, leading to altered neck alignment.  The ensuing compensation strategies place too much stress on the upper neck structures, which may result in dizziness.
2. Muscle Tension or Spasm: Tension and spasms in the neck muscles can affect proprioceptive signals to the brain and contribute to dizziness.
3. Cervical Disc Problems: Herniated or degenerated cervical discs can lead to altered neck alignment.  The ensuing compensation strategies place too much stress on the upper neck structures, which may lead to symptoms such as dizziness.
4. Whiplash Injury: A history of neck injury, particularly whiplash from car accidents, can disrupt proprioceptive signals from the upper neck that result in cervicogenic dizziness.
5. Poor Posture: Chronic poor posture, such as forward head posture, can strain the upper neck structures and contribute to cervical spine issues that eventually can trigger dizziness.
6. Neck Trauma: A history of neck injury, even a fall or abrupt movement of the neck, can disrupt proprioceptive signals from the upper neck that result in cervicogenic dizziness.
7. Concussion Injury A history of neck injury, particularly a concussion, can disrupt proprioceptive signals from the upper neck that result in cervicogenic dizziness.
8. Vestibular Conditions: Inner ear disorders or vestibular problems can cause the neck muscles and joints to stiffen and eventually lead to disruption of proprioceptive signals to the brain causing cervicogenic dizziness.  In our books and professional teaching courses, we call this a “double entity”.
9. Neurological and Vascular Conditions: Certain neurological and vascular conditions, such as vertebral-basilar insufficiency or Chiari malformation, can be associated with dizziness when they affect nerve function in the neck.  Ruling out these conditions is necessary prior to ruling in cervicogenic dizziness.

Treatment options for cervicogenic dizziness

Specialized physical therapy treatment can assist in alleviating musculoskeletal elements and improve spinal alignment contributing to cervicogenic dizziness. A systematic approach of orthopedic, vestibular and sensorimotor re-training is usually necessary to alleviate symptoms.

At PhysioFit of NC, we have the expert team in both vestibular and cervical spine conditions to help you to the fullest.

We provide a comprehensive treatment approach through our Cervicogenic Dizziness Relief Program.  This includes manual therapy and exercises to improve neck posture and mobility. The primary goal of treatment is to address the underlying cervical spine issues and vestibular dysfunction causing cervicogenic dizziness.

If you are a professional and looking for training options, check out our diagnosis and treatment courses on Cervicogenic Dizziness!

Don’t hesitate to contact us today so we can help you!