What You Need to Know About Cervical Vertigo (2024)

Cervical vertigo, also known as cervicogenic dizziness, leads to disorientation, balance loss, headache, neck pain, and limited range of motion. Researchers have linked this condition to damage in the cervical spine—the spine in the neck—caused by injury (often whiplash), inflammatory issues, poor posture, or problems with blood circulation.

This article closely examines the causes of cervical vertigo, its potential symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated.

What Causes Cervical Vertigo?

Research into the exact causes of cervical vertigo is ongoing. Researchers theorize that blood circulation problems or faulty nerve connections between the neck and the vestibular apparatus—the part of the inner ear regulating balance—may be the root of the condition.

The primary cervical vertigo symptoms—neck pain and dizziness—often go hand in hand. In one study of over 2,000 patients with neck pain, just over 40% also had dizziness. Though there’s controversy regarding the definition of cervical vertigo, pain in the neck and dizziness are often-reported symptoms.

Researchers have linked the following to cervical vertigo:

• Blood circulation problems: Accidents, trauma, or chronic conditions can affect circulation. Disruptions in blood flow to the vestibular system in the inner ear can lead to neck pain and vertigo (imbalance or a feeling like you’re falling).
  
• Neck muscle pain and tightness: Some cases of cervical vertigo arise when muscular pain or tightness disrupts the nerves in the neck and upper back.
• Poor posture: Holding your head in an abnormal position for long periods can disrupt the nerve signals from the neck to the vestibular system. As a result, dizziness and other cervical vertigo symptoms accompany neck pain.
• Cervical spondylosis: This type of arthritis can lead to disc degeneration, disrupt blood flow to the vestibular system, and create spinal cord and nerve pressure leading to vertigo symptoms.
  

Risk Factors

Certain diseases, health conditions, and lifestyle factors raise the risk of cervical vertigo or cause neck pain and dizziness. The most common of these are:

• Age over 65
• Current, chronic neck pain
• Myofascial pain syndrome (a condition that causes chronic pain in different parts of the body)
• History of head or neck injury or surgery
• Migraine (recurring, often one-sided attacks of headache and other symptoms)
• Multiple sclerosis (a degenerative autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system)

What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Vertigo?

The symptoms of cervical vertigo vary from person to person but generally involve periods of neck pain and vertigo together. If associated with whiplash or a neck injury, they may come on long after the initial injury. Attacks can last a few minutes to several hours and cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Light-headedness (the sensation of floating)
• Loss of coordination or balance
• Limited ability to move the head and neck
• Changes in the natural position of your head or neck
• Tinnitus (a ringing or hum in the ears)
• Eye fatigue or irregular eye movements

How Is Cervical Vertigo Diagnosed?

There’s no single test for cervical vertigo, so diagnosis is often a matter of ruling out other potential causes of symptoms. Along with an assessment of medical history and health status, otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors, or ENTs), otologists (highly specialized ENTs), or neurologists (brain specialists) rely on a range of tests.

• Medical history: A healthcare provider asks about your symptoms and potential risk factors to make a diagnosis or determine whether to perform additional tests.
• Physical assessment: A healthcare provider will do a physical assessment, especially if you've experienced an injury or trauma.
  
• Vestibular tests: Vestibular tests help healthcare providers screen for other potential causes of vertigo, such as inner ear disorders.
• Cervical spine tests: A provider will examine your cervical spine by palpating (pushing and feeling with gloved hands) around neck joints for signs of disc degeneration or other issues. They’ll also assess your overall posture and see if symptoms subside due to cervical traction, gently pulling your head up to increase the spaces between the vertebrae.
  
• Imaging: If warranted, imaging tests—such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—help healthcare providers assess any physical damage or issues with the cervical spine.
  

What Is the Treatment for Cervical Vertigo?

The specific approach to cervical vertigo treatment depends on the underlying cause and the individual case. Neurologists, otologists, or other specialists only try more invasive or disruptive methods like surgery if other options, such as physical therapy, haven’t yielded results. Typical treatment options include the following:

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy (PT) for cervical vertigo involves in-office sessions with a physical therapist, exercises, and other techniques you do at home.
• Vestibular rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation is a set of therapies designed to work on the vestibular system to promote balance and stability.
• Lifestyle modifications: Certain lifestyle habits, such as neck-strengthening exercises, neck stretches, or tasks that build eye muscles—all of which you can use in PT or vestibular rehab—can help manage cervical vertigo, especially alongside other therapies.
  
• Medications: Medications like pain relievers, muscle relaxers, or anti-dizziness medications can help manage cervical vertigo symptoms.
  
• Injections and/or surgery: If disc degeneration or herniated disc is causing cervical vertigo—and other treatments aren’t improving symptoms—healthcare providers consider more invasive procedures.
  

What’s the Outlook for Someone With Cervical Vertigo?

Researchers have found that most cases of cervical vertigo can be effectively treated. Even in the most severe cases—like those caused by disc degeneration—therapies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. However, your condition can worsen without treatment, so a proper medical diagnosis is crucial.

Summary

Neck pain, dizziness, and light-headedness are symptoms of cervical vertigo. These arise due to problems or injuries in the cervical spine, postural issues, and arthritis. Diagnosis involves a range of tests.

Physical therapy, vestibular therapy, and medications are among the treatments for cervical vertigo. If you suspect you experience vertigo, dizziness, or other symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider.