What is Cervicogenic Dizziness?

The Connection Between Dizziness & Neck Pain

The word “cervicogenic” refers to something that originates in the cervical spine, which is the portion of the spine between the base of the head and the upper back. You may have heard of cervicogenic headaches, which are headaches that start because of issues with the muscles, nerves, vertebrae, or other components of the neck—but what about cervicogenic dizziness?

Dizziness and imbalance that originate from the neck have often been referred to as cervical vertigo, though dizziness and vertigo are not necessarily the same. Cervicogenic dizziness doesn’t typically produce the same spinning sensation that vertigo does, and it stems from an entirely different set of problems.

Potential Signs of Cervicogenic Dizziness

You may be experiencing cervicogenic dizziness if any of the following are true:

Your dizziness increases when you move your head or move around.
Your dizziness lasts at least a minute or so.
Your dizziness usually happens in conjunction with headaches and notable neck pain.
Your dizziness sometimes happens when you keep your head in one position for an extended period of time.
Your dizziness began after you sustained a whiplash injury.

Treatment for Dizziness that Stems from Neck Pain

If you are suffering from cervicogenic dizziness, you may benefit from vestibular therapy. This treatment has the potential to alleviate neck tightness and pain, address the source of your dizziness, and help you regain stability and balance. Even if you are unsure whether it’s your neck, head, inner ear, or something else causing your dizziness, getting in touch with an experienced physical therapist right away is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Vestibular & Physical Therapy in Monmouth County

At ProFysio Physical Therapy, we make it our mission to get down to the bottom of your dizziness and pain. We understand that your aches and pains are much more than that: they are signs of a deeper, treatable problem. After performing a comprehensive evaluation, we get to work helping you come up with a plan to recovery and get back on your feet.

Our Aberdeen physical therapists offer personalconsultations. Call (732) 333-6360 today to schedule yours.