Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of vertigo that originates from the cervical spine. Unlike other forms of dizziness, cervicogenic dizziness is linked to neck pain and dysfunction. It occurs when the cervical spine’s joints, muscles, or nerves are affected, leading to dizziness. It is crucial to recognize its signs early and understand how vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton can provide relief.
Signs of Cervicogenic Dizziness
Dizziness Triggered by Neck Movement
One of the major features of cervicogenic dizziness is that it frequently worsens with particular neck movements. Activities such as turning the head, looking up, or tilting the neck can provoke or intensify dizziness. This phenomenon occurs because dysfunction in the cervical spine affects the structures responsible for balance and spatial orientation. The cervical spine’s joints, muscles, or nerves may become irritated or strained, disrupting the normal flow of sensory information from the neck to the brain and leading to dizziness.
Neck Pain and Stiffness
Neck pain and stiffness often accompany dizziness in cervicogenic cases. This discomfort can be constant or intermittent, such as sore, tight, or achy. The pain is typically caused to the neck but may radiate into the shoulders or upper back. This referred pain can compound the overall discomfort in managing daily activities and potentially worsen the sensation of dizziness.
Headaches
Headaches are another common symptom that frequently accompanies cervicogenic dizziness. These headaches are typically located in the occipital region (the back of the head) and can be dull, throbbing, or persistent. They often arise from the same musculoskeletal issues that affect the cervical spine, including muscle tension and joint dysfunction. The headaches may contribute to the sensation of dizziness.
Imbalance and Unsteadiness
Individuals with cervicogenic dizziness often experience a sense of instability or imbalance, particularly when standing or walking. This instability is frequently aggravated by head movements or maintaining certain positions, such as sitting for prolonged periods or looking at a screen. The resulting imbalance can make daily tasks challenging and increase the risk of falls or accidents.
Restricted Range of Motion
The usual range of motion in the neck includes movements like turning the head side to side (rotation), tilting the head toward each shoulder (lateral flexion), and nodding the head up and down (flexion and extension). In cases of cervicogenic dizziness, individuals experience a reduced range of motion in the neck when attempting to rotate or tilt their heads fully. This restriction is commonly accompanied by pain, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks that involve neck movement, such as driving or looking over the shoulder. Addressing these mobility issues can be vital to managing cervicogenic dizziness and improving overall function.
How Physiotherapy Can Help WIth Cervogenic Dizziness
Vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton offers a comprehensive approach to managing cervicogenic dizziness by addressing the underlying cervical spine issues contributing to the condition. Here’s an in-depth look at how physiotherapy techniques can help,
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is designed to address balance and dizziness issues, primarily targeting conditions related to the vestibular system. Although VRT is often used for other types of dizziness, such as vestibular neuritis or BPPV, it can also be beneficial for cervicogenic dizziness. This is because VRT helps improve the brain’s ability to process and respond to vestibular signals, which can be disrupted in cervicogenic dizziness.
- Gaze Stabilization Exercises help to improve the brain’s ability to maintain a steady visual focus even when the head is moving. This is especially beneficial for cervicogenic dizziness, where issues in the cervical spine can disrupt visual and vestibular information integration. To perform these exercises, focus on a stationary object in your environment. While keeping your eyes on this fixed point, slowly move your head from side to side or up and down. Aim to do this exercise for 1-2 minutes, 2-3 times per day. The benefits of gaze stabilization exercises include training the visual system to better compensate for head movements, which can help reduce dizziness and improve visual stability.
- Balance Training is intended to improve the body’s stability and coordination, which can be affected by cervicogenic dizziness due to cervical spine dysfunction. This training involves standing on foam pads, uneven terrain, or balance boards to challenge and enhance the balance system. Engage in balance training exercises for 5-10 minutes daily. The primary benefits of balance training are improved proprioception and the body’s ability to adapt to changes in surface and position, leading to reduced feelings of instability and better overall balance.
How VRT Helps with Cervicogenic Dizziness
VRT can be particularly effective for cervicogenic dizziness by addressing the interplay between cervical spine dysfunction and vestibular control. The exercises improve the brain’s capacity to interpret sensory signals from the neck and vestibular systems. By enhancing gaze stability and balance, vestibular rehabilitation helps mitigate the symptoms of dizziness and improves overall functional strength.
Incorporating vestibular exercises into a treatment plan for cervicogenic dizziness can provide significant relief by addressing the underlying dysfunctions contributing to the dizziness, thereby improving quality of life and functional ability.
Regain Balance and Comfort
Recognizing the signs of cervicogenic dizziness and understanding how vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton can address the underlying issues is crucial for effective management. By targeting the cervical spine’s dysfunction, physiotherapy can help alleviate symptoms, improve neck function, and enhance overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing cervicogenic dizziness, consider consulting with our physiotherapist to explore personalized treatment options of vestibular physiotherapy and get back to feeling your best.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Next Step Physiotherapy Clinic today.