Did you know that it is possible to get dizziness from neck pain called cervicogenic dizziness or CGD? This is not the most common form of dizziness (<1%), but nonetheless causes issues for the person suffering. Individuals with cervicogenic dizziness often feel a sense of disorientation or being unbalanced. In addition, many suffer with neck pain and headaches as well. The difficult thing with cervicogenic dizziness is it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Medical providers often arrive at this diagnosis after ruling out other potential causes of dizziness. This means a person often suffers for months without an answer or solution.
Cervicogenic dizziness most commonly results from a whiplash type injury such as happens with motor vehicle accidents or a contact injury to the head. This is not to say every person who has whiplash will develop dizziness but it does happen. With this condition the sensors in your neck send mis-matched signals relative to your balance center in your ears. The brain then cannot determine what information is correct and dizziness results.
Individuals suffering with dizziness may have been seen or treated by their PCP, a neurologist, an ophthalmologist, an ENT, and/or a physical therapist before getting their diagnosis. After receiving a diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness proper treatment can commence.
It has been suggested that this form of dizziness is best treated with a multi-faceted approach. Treatment may include hands-on care to address tense/tight muscles in the neck. It may also include neck muscle re-training exercises, as well as balance and/or eye exercises. Often individuals will need to be exposed slowly to stimuli that cause the dizziness. This is part of the process of recovery that individuals tend not to enjoy because it does cause dizziness.
Unfortunately many suffering with cervicogenic dizziness tend to only get a part of the treatment leading to prolonged suffering. It is important to have a discussion with the treating provider to make sure all necessary elements are included in the treatment plan.
If you or someone you know has been suffering with dizziness that has not been solved yet, it is time to ask the question of have all avenues of treatment been explored? If not, a second opinion never hurts. Learn More NOW