Cervical vertigo, also known as cervical vertigo, is a condition of dizziness that originates from disorders in the cervical spine. People with this condition often feel disoriented, unsteady, accompanied by neck pain, stiff neck, headache and difficulty in movement. This is a little-known cause of dizziness, but in fact it is quite common, especially in people who have had neck injuries or often maintain incorrect postures for long periods of time.
Cervical vertigo is a condition that is not easily recognized, but it greatly affects the quality of life if not treated promptly
Causes of cervical vertigo
Cervical vertigo can originate from a disruption in the connection between the neck and the vestibular system. Here are the factors that are often involved:
1. Blood circulation disorders
Trauma, accidents or chronic diseases can disrupt blood flow to the vestibular system. When blood circulation is poor, the patient may experience symptoms of dizziness, neck pain, and a feeling of “falling” or “floating”.
2. Muscle strain and chronic neck pain
When the neck muscles are stretched for a long time, the nerves in the neck and upper back can be affected, causing incorrect signals to the central nervous system, leading to dizziness.
3. Bad posture
The habit of keeping the head in a bent, bowed, or tilted position for a long time (such as looking at the phone, working in front of the computer) can affect the transmission of signals from the neck to the vestibular system and cause neck dizziness.
4. Cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis (common in the elderly) can reduce the flexibility of the spine, compress the nerves, and impede blood flow, leading to symptoms of dizziness and chronic neck pain.
Popular symptoms
1. A feeling of confusion and constant disorientation
Symptoms of cervical vertigo are not always clear and easy to identify, as they often blend with many nonspecific manifestations.
The patient may feel as if their mind is becoming blurred, disoriented, and their body is floating in space, even when they are still sitting or standing upright.
This feeling is accompanied by pain in the neck, spreading up the nape of the neck or down the shoulder. The pain is not necessarily severe, but is often dull and persistent, especially increasing when turning the head or changing position.
2. A feeling of spinning and difficulty maintaining balance
Some people describe the feeling of being dizzy, unable to determine the direction or height of the body relative to the ground, making it difficult to maintain balance. Every time they stand up, turn around or bend over, they may feel like they are about to fall, forcing them to hold on to something to regain balance.
3. Accompanying symptoms that increase discomfort
Sometimes, patients also experience symptoms such as nausea, eye strain, ringing in the ears or unusual eye movements. All of these make the body always in a state of alertness, anxiety and tension.
4. Silent onset or after injury
These symptoms can appear immediately after a neck injury, but sometimes they silently last for many years after incorrect posture or overwork without proper rest.
Treatment for cervical vertigo
Depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms, the doctor may prescribe one or a combination of the following treatments:
1. Physical therapy
This is the first treatment option, helping to strengthen the neck, improve range of motion and soften the muscles. The exercises can be performed in the clinic with a specialist, along with exercises instructed at home.
2. Vestibular rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are designed to train the coordination between the neck, eyes and inner ear, thereby helping to improve balance and reduce dizziness symptoms.
3. Lifestyle changes
Adjusting the posture when sitting at work, using the phone properly, avoiding bending the neck for a long time, combining yoga, gently stretching the neck and increasing daily exercise are very necessary. In addition, paying attention to the sleeping position, choosing a pillow suitable for the physiological curvature of the neck also contributes to significantly reducing dizziness.
4. Medication
The doctor may prescribe pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti-vertigo drugs or sedatives if there is a factor of nervous tension.
5. Injection or surgery (rare)
In cases of cervical disc herniation or severe spondylosis causing serious compression, interventions such as corticosteroid injections into the joint or decompression surgery may be considered, if conservative methods are not effective.
