Cervical Vertigo: Symptoms, What It Is & Causes

Cervical vertigo is a condition characterized by an issue with the neck’s role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

The neck plays a part in how your body perceives movement and balance, and when something goes wrong, it leads to dizziness or a sensation that you or the environment is spinning, often referred to as vertigo.

It’s often triggered by certain neck positions or movements, suggesting a complex interaction between the cervical spine and vestibular system. Understanding cervical vertigo is crucial for effective management.

If you suspect you’re experiencing cervical vertigo, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can guide you toward the most appropriate treatment plan, ensuring that you receive the care needed to address this condition.

Causes of Cervical Vertigo

Understanding the causes of cervical vertigo is an essential aspect of managing and treating this condition. This section explores the triggers or conditions that might lead to this form of vertigo.

Spine Issues

Cervical disc herniation involves the displacement of the disc material beyond the intervertebral disc space in the neck, which can impinge on nerve roots or the spinal cord.

In addition to herniation, the narrowing of the spinal canal in the cervical region (cervical stenosis) can compress the spinal cord or its blood supply, leading to symptoms including dizziness.

Both of these conditions not only cause neck pain and stiffness but can also lead to cervical vertigo by affecting the nerves that are integral to balance and spatial orientation.

The compression or irritation of these nerves disrupts the normal flow of signals required for maintaining equilibrium, resulting in sensations of spinning or dizziness.

Weakening Spine

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the vertebrae and spinal discs in your neck as you age, leading to degeneration and vertigo symptoms. This condition can disrupt balance and spatial orientation.

This degeneration can cause stiffness and pain and disrupt the normal signal flow from your neck to your brain, contributing to feelings of dizziness or imbalance by affecting the nerves and blood vessels that supply the inner ear.

Arthritis

Arthritis involves the degeneration of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs in the neck joints, leading to reduced mobility and pain.

As the joints deteriorate, they can affect the nerves or blood vessels in the neck, potentially disrupting the flow of sensory information necessary for balance. This disruption can manifest as vertigo.

Neck Injuries and Trauma

Injuries to the neck, such as those resulting from car accidents, sports, or falls, can lead to cervical vertigo.

Sudden movements of the head and neck, such as those experienced during a car accident, can cause whiplash injuries. These injuries can damage the cervical vertebrae, muscles, and ligaments, disrupting the sensory information that helps maintain balance.

Muscle Strain

Muscle strain in the neck, resulting from overuse or injury, can indirectly cause cervical vertigo. The strain affects the neck’s proprioceptive nerves, which are crucial for sending signals about head and body position to the brain.

When these proprioceptive signals are disrupted, it can lead to miscommunication with the vestibular system, causing sensations of dizziness or imbalance.

Nerve Dysfunction

The neck’s proprioceptive nerves, which help the brain sense body position and movement, can be disrupted by various cervical disorders. These nerves provide critical information about head and neck positioning, which is essential for balance.

This disruption can lead to a mismatch of sensory information between the neck and the vestibular system (inner ear balance mechanism), causing dizziness.

Infections or Inflammations

Infections or inflammations in the neck area can affect the nerves and lead to cervical vertigo. Conditions such as meningitis or even a severe throat infection can indirectly cause vertigo by impacting the neck’s muscles and nerves.

The inflammation associated with these conditions can disrupt the normal function of the cervical spine, leading to dizziness and balance issues.

Poor Lifestyle Choices

Lifestyle factors such as poor posture, lack of exercise, and obesity can contribute to the development of cervical vertigo.

Poor posture can strain neck muscles and vertebrae, while a sedentary lifestyle can weaken the muscles that support your neck, increasing the risk of this condition.

Symptoms of Cervical Vertigo

Understanding the symptoms of cervical vertigo is crucial for recognizing when you might be experiencing this condition and seeking appropriate medical attention. Here are some of the key symptoms you should be aware of.

Dizziness or Spinning Sensations

One of the hallmark symptoms of cervical vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or that your surroundings are spinning, known as vertigo. This sensation can be sudden and disorienting, making it difficult to maintain your balance or focus on tasks.

The episodes can vary in duration and intensity, sometimes triggered by moving your head or neck in certain ways. It’s important to note that these feelings can occur even when you are sitting still or lying down.

Balance and Coordination Problems

Cervical vertigo can affect your balance and coordination, making it challenging to walk or perform routine tasks safely.

You might find yourself feeling unsteady on your feet, leading to a higher risk of falls or injury.

Pain and Stiffness of the Neck

You may also experience pain or stiffness in your neck with cervical vertigo. This discomfort can range from a mild, nagging ache to sharp, intense pain when moving your neck.

The stiffness might limit your ability to turn your head fully, affecting your mobility and daily activities.

Headaches

Headaches, especially those that originate at the base of the skull and radiate toward the front of the head, are common in people experiencing cervical vertigo.

These headaches can be persistent and may worsen with neck movement, thereby limiting your mobility and productivity.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are frequent symptoms of cervical vertigo, often resulting from the disorienting sensation of spinning or dizziness. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making it difficult to eat, work, or move comfortably.

The body’s response to the conflicting signals between the eyes, ears, and proprioceptive nerves can trigger these distressing symptoms.

Concentration Problems

Cervical vertigo can also impact your cognitive functions, leading to difficulties with concentration and focus. The constant sense of dizziness or imbalance, combined with the effort required to manage other symptoms, can be mentally exhausting.

This fatigue can make it challenging to concentrate on tasks, affecting your productivity and daily activities.

Blurred vision

Blurred vision is a common symptom of cervical vertigo, resulting from the brain’s difficulty in processing spatial information due to disrupted proprioceptive input. This can make focusing on objects challenging.

The instability in visual perception with cervical vertigo often exacerbates the sensation of dizziness, complicating tasks that require sharp visual acuity.

Ear Discomfort and Ringing

In some cases of cervical vertigo, you might experience ear pain or discomfort. This symptom can be puzzling, as it may seem unrelated to neck issues at first glance.

However, the nerves in your neck can affect areas around your ears, leading to sensations of pain or fullness in the ear. Although less common, some people with cervical vertigo may experience tinnitus alongside other symptoms.

Weakness

A less commonly discussed symptom of cervical vertigo is a sensation of weakness, particularly in the arms or legs.

This weakness may be due to the disruption of nerve signals caused by the underlying neck issues. It can make physical activities more challenging and increase the risk of falls or injuries.

Sensitivity to Light and Noise

Sensitivity to light and noise can accompany cervical vertigo, as the nervous system becomes hyper-reactive due to the vestibular disturbance. This heightened sensitivity can exacerbate discomfort and disorientation.

Individuals with cervical vertigo may find bright lights and loud sounds particularly overwhelming, contributing to the challenge of navigating daily activities.

Confirming Cervical Vertigo

Diagnosing cervical vertigo involves a comprehensive approach, as there is no single test to identify it definitively. Collaborative care involving neurologists, otolaryngologists, and physical therapists can be crucial in accurately diagnosing and managing cervical vertigo.

Since cervical vertigo is often a diagnosis of exclusion, doctors may first rule out other common causes of vertigo, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis, before considering a cervical origin.

Clinic Consultation and Assessment

A detailed account of symptoms, onset, and any history of neck injury or conditions is collected. This helps in understanding the potential link between neck issues and vertigo symptoms.

The doctor will then perform a physical examination focusing on the neck and nervous system. Specific movements of the head and neck may be used to reproduce vertigo symptoms, providing clues to their cervical origin.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans of the neck and head can help identify structural abnormalities, such as cervical spondylosis or disc herniation, that might contribute to vertigo.

By providing detailed images of the cervical spine, imaging tests help in pinpointing abnormalities affecting nerve function.

Confirmatory Tests

Additional tests are employed to exclude other conditions and confirm that the vertigo results are of cervical origin. Vestibular tests assess inner ear function, distinguishing cervical vertigo from vertigo of vestibular origin. These tests evaluate balance and spatial orientation, which are crucial for diagnosing vertigo types.

Body position sense and sensory tests examine proprioception and touch in the cervical region. Abnormal results can indicate disrupted communication between the neck and the brain, contributing to cervical vertigo. These comprehensive assessments are vital for an accurate diagnosis.

Managing Cervical Vertigo

Effective management of cervical vertigo involves a combination of treatments tailored to your specific needs and symptoms. Approaches range from conservative therapies to surgical interventions, with an emphasis on restoring proper cervical function.

Physical Therapy

Specifically tailored to your needs by professionals, physical therapy can offer effective relief if you’re dealing with cervical vertigo.

Therapists utilize specialized exercises aimed at strengthening neck muscles and improving neck movements, consequently enhancing the function of your cervical spine. It can also help improve your balance and coordination skills.

Heat Therapy

Applying heat to your neck region can work wonders in managing cervical vertigo. The warmth helps relax your muscles, effectively lessening muscular stiffness and tension that may worsen vertigo episodes.

Additionally, this form of therapy improves blood circulation in the neck, thus accelerating the body’s natural healing process.

Medications

Anti-dizziness drugs serve a crucial role in reducing episodes of dizziness and maintaining balance, which are pivotal in alleviating the main symptoms of this condition.

Analgesics may be prescribed to manage pain that is often associated with this condition, making daily life more comfortable. In addition, muscle relaxants can be beneficial in easing muscle tension and providing relief from spasms in the neck region.

Home Exercises

These beneficial activities can play a crucial role in managing your cervical vertigo. They revolve around improving your neck’s flexibility and strength, which can relieve stress on the cervical spine.

Regularly performing such targeted exercises can contribute significantly to reducing the frequency and severity of dizziness. In addition, home exercises support your overall well-being by promoting better posture and alignment.

Surgery

For individuals with severe cases of cervical vertigo, where non-invasive treatment options have proven ineffective, surgery often emerges as a viable alternative.

Particularly, when your vertigo is triggered by prominent structural issues in the spine, such as disc herniation or bone spurs, surgical intervention becomes crucial.

Prevention Strategies

By focusing on maintaining the health of your cervical spine and supporting structures, you can significantly lower your chances of experiencing vertigo related to neck issues.

Maintain Good Posture

Good posture is essential for keeping your cervical spine aligned and reducing unnecessary strain on your neck. When sitting, especially for long periods, ensure your back is straight and your shoulders are back, and use lumbar support when available.

Be conscious of your posture and maintain a straight back for all activities, in or outside your home. Be aware of the limit to weight that you can comfortably carry to avoid potential injury.

Use a backpack that distributes weight evenly across both shoulders or regularly switch sides if using a shoulder bag. This alignment minimizes the pressure on your neck muscles and vertebrae.

Exercise Regularly

Engaging in regular exercise, particularly activities that strengthen the neck and upper back muscles, can help prevent cervical vertigo. Exercises like yoga and Pilates focus on core strength, flexibility, and proper alignment, which can support neck health.

Additionally, incorporating aerobic exercises into your routine improves overall circulation and can indirectly benefit your cervical spine.

Protect Your Neck from Injury

Taking precautions to avoid neck injuries is crucial for preventing cervical vertigo. Wear appropriate protective gear when participating in sports or activities that could result in neck trauma.

In vehicles, adjust your headrest to a position that supports your neck and minimizes the risk of whiplash in the event of a collision.

Work Adjustments

Ensure your workspace is set up to minimize strain on your neck. The top of your computer screen should be at eye level, and chairs should offer proper support.

Take frequent breaks to stretch if you work at a desk or in front of a computer for long periods. Perform gentle neck and shoulder stretches to relieve tension and re-align your posture.

Sleeping Adjustments

Adjusting sleeping positions can help prevent episodes of cervical vertigo by reducing strain on the neck. Using a supportive pillow that maintains the spine’s natural alignment can decrease pressure on the cervical vertebrae.

Elevating the head slightly and avoiding sleeping on the stomach can also minimize the risk of triggering vertigo symptoms. These simple modifications can promote a healthier neck posture and reduce the likelihood of cervical vertigo.

Manage Stress Effectively

Stress can contribute to muscle tension, particularly around the neck and shoulders, increasing the risk of conditions that lead to cervical vertigo.

Find stress management techniques that work for you, such as deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that relax you.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help identify early signs of conditions that might lead to cervical vertigo.

Early detection and treatment of neck issues, arthritis, or other relevant conditions can prevent them from progressing to a point where they cause vertigo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cervical vertigo?

Cervical vertigo is a condition concerning the neck’s role in maintaining balance and spatial awareness.

When there’s an issue with this function due to a variety of potential causes, you may experience sensations of dizziness or spinning, also known as vertigo.

What are some common causes of cervical vertigo?

Cervical vertigo can be triggered by multiple conditions that disrupt the neck’s balance and spatial orientation role.

These include cervical spondylosis, which is the degeneration of spinal discs in the neck with age, and arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, which causes pain and reduced mobility in the neck joints.

Neck injuries from accidents or sports and infections or inflammations that impact neck muscles and nerves can also cause cervical vertigo. Lifestyle factors like poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to the condition.

What are some of the symptoms associated with cervical vertigo?

Symptoms of cervical vertigo range from physical to cognitive signs. You may feel dizzy or have spinning sensations and experience neck pain and stiffness. Nausea, vomiting, and headaches are also common, along with problems with balance and coordination.

Additionally, you might experience ear pain, concentration difficulties, and a sensation of weakness, specifically in the arms or legs.

How can one manage cervical vertigo?

Managing cervical vertigo involves a combination of treatments, depending on your specific needs and symptoms.

Home exercises focusing on neck flexibility and strength, physical therapy by professionals, heat therapy, and medications like analgesics, anti-dizziness drugs, and muscle relaxants can be beneficial.

In severe cases where non-invasive treatments are ineffective, surgical procedures may be employed, particularly if structural issues in the spine exist.