Many people in Mandurah suffer from occasional episodes of dizziness, but are not aware of the cause. Thankfully, a chiropractor is often able to determine the diagnosis for dizziness, with some cases being caused by a problem in your neck.
‘Cervicogenic dizziness’ also known as 'Cervicogenic vertigo' was first described in 1955, defined as dizziness induced by changes in position of the neck. Injury to the deep tissues is believed to be the cause of this particular type of dizziness due to a disturbance of the receptors responsible for balance. People who experience whiplash (e.g. often due to being involved in a motor vehicle or motorbike accident) are especially susceptible to this type of dizziness. However more than just injuries and accidents can cause cervicogenic dizziness, with arthritis, poor posture and inflammation also being common causes.
Those who experience cervicogenic dizziness may feel like the ground is moving underneath them, like they are swaying, rocking or even being pulled to one side. It may also present as a sensation of disorientation, haziness, or light-headedness. This general sense of imbalance will increase with certain head or neck movements, with some people experiencing it while driving, watching moving objects, or even walking down the aisle of a store.
Cervicogenic dizziness can be accompanied by a range of symptoms including neck pain, neck stiffness, headaches, and less often visual disturbances, nausea and tinnitus.
The best treatment for cervicogenic dizziness is manual therapy, such as chiropractic, to increase the range of movement of the neck, reduce muscle spasm, and restore mechanical gliding of the joints; a theory supported by several case studies over the past few decades.
If you experience dizziness, you should consult your health care professional immediately. There are many other causes of dizziness which may present similarly to cervicogenic dizziness, and proper evaluation by a health professional will allow you to take the necessary steps toward treatment and recovery.
