Neck Pain Dizziness

Neck pain and dizziness can affect quality of life and independent daily activities. However, when you experience both together, you may wonder what the problem is. 

If you experience neck pain and dizziness, it is best to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your physical therapist may be able to identify the root cause of your condition and develop a customized treatment plan.

This article explores neck pain and dizziness, and we will talk about the common causes and how physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, can help you. Kindly read along.

What Is Neck Pain and Dizziness?

When you feel neck pain and dizziness, it is also known as cervical vertigo or cervicogenic dizziness. This condition occurs when there is an imbalance in your cervical spine, most often caused by an injury.

It is important to note that cervical vertigo is different from general vertigo. Vertigo is a feeling of spinning. If you have this condition, you may feel like the world around you is spinning, even if you are not moving. 

Cervical vertigo, on the other hand, is more specific. In this case, you will feel dizziness along with inflammation when you sustain an injury to your cervical spine.

What Causes Neck Pain And Dizziness?

Cervical vertigo can result from several factors. However, regardless of the cause, stress and anxiety can trigger your symptoms. Some of the common causes of neck pain and dizziness include the following;

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as advanced neck osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition caused by the wear and tear of the neck's bones and cartilage. It also causes dizziness and may get worse suddenly with no prompt treatment.

Atherosclerosis In Neck

Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that send blood to the brain. If you have this condition, you will experience dizziness due to reduced blood flow to the brain. If you feel dizziness and neck pain accompanied by numbness, a severe headache, difficulty seeing, or confusion, it is best to seek medical attention.

Neck Trauma

Suffering an injury to your neck can lead to alignment problems in your neck, further leading to balance issues and dizziness. These traumatic injuries can result from car accidents or sports injuries.

Poor Posture

Your posture can also contribute significantly to neck pain and dizziness. If you have poor posture, over time, it strains your neck and causes an imbalance in the muscles. For instance, spending long hours staring at a screen and bending your neck can cause pain. 

Your body also sends proprioceptive signals to your brain to help your brain understand your body’s position in space. Unfortunately, having poor posture for a long time can affect these signals and cause dizziness.

Herniated Disks

A herniated disk is also known as a slipped disc. Your spine has a series of bones with round cushions called disks. When a disk slips out of place, it can press on the nerves that contribute to balance and coordination. This pressure then disrupts the normal flow of signals, leading to dizziness.

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Neck Pain and Dizziness?

Scottsdale, AZ, orthopedic physical therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment that can help relieve the symptoms of cervical vertigo. You will undergo an assessment when you visit your physical therapist for treatment. This assessment includes a review of your medical history and an evaluation of your symptoms.

Your physical therapist will then use the results of your diagnosis to create a tailored treatment plan for you. Because the treatment is customized to you, it is progressive and evaluates your progress every step of the way. If there is any need for adjustments, your physical therapist will make them. Physical therapy aims to nurse you back to good health and prevent a recurrence.

Your physical therapist will also educate you on proper posture and necessary lifestyle adjustments that can help you maintain your health and prevent re-injury.

Neck Pain and Dizziness Treatment

As mentioned earlier, physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment for neck pain and dizziness. Your physical therapist will work with you to create a suitable treatment plan.

Some of the physical therapy techniques used to treat neck pain and dizziness include;

Neck Mobility and Strengthening

Your physical therapist may recommend exercises that strengthen your neck muscles and improve your range of motion. These exercises can relieve pressure on the nerves and blood vessels that may contribute to dizziness. 

Your physical therapist will recommend effective neck mobility exercises that do not overexert you. Some examples include head tilt, neck rotation, and chin tucks.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the vestibular system. This system is responsible for balance and coordinates your eye movement, equilibrium, and posture. Your physical therapist may recommend VRT to help manage your dizziness and balance issues.

The exercises used in VRT help the brain adapt to changes and improve balance and coordination. These exercises include gaze stabilization and head movements. To relieve dizziness, you may also do sitting, standing, and walking exercises. 

It is important to note that VRT exercises may induce dizziness. Therefore, always perform these exercises under the guidance of your physical therapist.

Postural Training

Training your posture can relieve strain on your neck, relieving symptoms of cervical vertigo. When carrying out postural training exercises, avoid doing them when you are dizzy.

Proprioceptive Training

Proprioception is a sense that allows your body to sense your movement, action, and location. Your physical therapist may recommend this treatment to relieve neck pain and dizziness. You should also experience improved balance and spatial orientation.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy involves techniques like massages and soft tissue mobilization to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow. Your physical therapist may use manual therapy and other techniques to improve your dizziness and pain.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Consulting your doctor for treatment when you feel neck pain and dizziness is crucial. They can diagnose your conditions and develop appropriate treatments to address your concerns. You should seek medical help for neck pain and dizziness in the following situations:

Severe Or Persistent Pain

If your neck pain is severe and does not improve with self-care methods like rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Accompanying Symptoms

If you experience other symptoms besides neck pain and dizziness, you should visit your doctor. These symptoms include severe headaches, nausea, weakness, numbness, or problems with coordination or walking. A fever and neck stiffness may also signify serious medical conditions.

After An Injury

You should see your doctor if an injury or significant impact causes neck pain, dizziness, and extreme instability.

Physical Therapy Exercises For Neck Pain And Dizziness

Physical therapy exercises can improve the strength and flexibility of your neck and reduce the risk of dizziness. These exercises include stretching and strengthening exercises like;

Neck Flexion and Extension

• Gently tilt your head forward. Ensure your chin goes down as far as it can comfortably go.
• Tilt your head all the way backward. Look up toward the ceiling as you tilt your head.

Chin Tuck

• Sit upright and look straight ahead. Ensure your ears are directly above your shoulders.
• Pull your chin and head straight back. Keep your eyes focused straight ahead.
• When you feel a good stretch at the top of your neck and the base of your head, hold the position for 5 seconds.
• Repeat this exercise up to 10 times.
• You can also do this exercise while standing if you are comfortable.

Back Burn

• Stand up straight. Ensure your back and head are flat against a wall.
• Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Hold your arms straight out to your sides with the back of your hands against the wall.
• Ensure your arms are spread out at shoulder height.
• Keep your arms and hands against the wall, and slowly slide your hands up above your head and back down.
• Repeat 10 times.

Lateral Neck Flexion

• Stand or sit up straight.
• Gradually bend your head to the left, bringing your left ear toward your left shoulder.
• Repeat on the right side.

Head Tilt

• Stand or sit up straight.
• Start the exercise in a neutral position.
• Tilt your head down to touch your chin to your chest.
• Hold this position for 10 seconds.
• Slowly return to the starting position.
• Repeat 10 times.

Conclusion

If you feel neck pain and dizziness, you are not alone. These symptoms can affect your day and activities. Fortunately, with physical therapy, your therapist can help identify the root cause of the issue and create an appropriate treatment plan for you.

You should visit your physical therapist for medical attention if your neck pain is severe and persistent. Also, if your neck pain and dizziness start after an injury or you experience accompanying symptoms like numbness and tingling, visit your physical therapist immediately.

At FYZICAL South Scottsdale, our physical therapists are available to attend to your needs. You can schedule an appointment to get started.