Could your Neck be causing your Vertigo?

Most people assume that vertigo always begins in the inner ear. While disorders of the inner ear are certainly one of the most common causes of dizziness and balance problems, they are not the whole story.

Over the past several months, I have seen a number of patients whose vertigo improved dramatically after treatment directed at the neck rather than the ear. It has become one of the most rewarding conditions I treat because many patients have been searching for answers for months before discovering that the source of their symptoms may not be where they expected.

The Neck’s Hidden Role in Balance

Your brain constantly receives information from three different systems to help keep you balanced:

·         Your eyes

·         Your inner ears

·         Specialized sensors in the muscles and joints of your neck

These neck sensors continuously tell your brain exactly where your head is positioned in space. When the upper cervical spine—particularly the first two vertebrae—becomes restricted or irritated, those signals can become distorted. The result can be dizziness, a feeling that the room is spinning, unsteadiness, or a sensation of imbalance.

This condition is sometimes referred to as cervicogenic dizziness, meaning dizziness that originates from the cervical (neck) spine.

Modern Life Is Hard on Our Necks

One of the biggest contributors I see is our dependence on electronic devices.

Look around the next time you’re in a restaurant, airport, or waiting room. Most people are sitting with their heads bent forward over a phone or tablet. We do it while watching television, working at computers, traveling on airplanes, and even while sitting at red lights.

Our heads weigh about 10 to 12 pounds when balanced directly over our shoulders. But as the head tilts forward, the strain on the neck increases dramatically. Spending hours each day in this position can place tremendous stress on the upper cervical joints and muscles that play such an important role in balance.

My Approach to Cervicogenic Vertigo

When I determine that the neck is contributing to a patient’s symptoms, treatment is aimed at restoring normal motion and reducing tension in the upper cervical spine.

Depending on the individual patient, treatment may include:

·         Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment to restore normal movement to restricted joints

·         Acupuncture to relax tight muscles and decrease pain

·         Spinal Decompression Therapy to gently reduce stress on the cervical spine

·         Specific neck exercises to improve strength and mobility

·         Regular home use of a neck cradle to help maintain proper alignment between visits

Not every patient requires every treatment. Instead, therapy is individualized based on the underlying cause of the problem.

Two Recent Success Stories

One patient had struggled with vertigo for many months. After just three treatments consisting of osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, and daily use of a neck cradle at home, the vertigo resolved and the patient was able to return to normal daily activities.

Another patient happens to be my wife. She occasionally develops episodes of vertigo that clearly originate from her neck. She responds very well to treatment on our spinal decompression table combined with osteopathic manipulation provided by her favorite osteopath—who, fortunately for her, makes house calls!

When Should You Seek Evaluation?

Not every episode of vertigo comes from the neck. New or severe dizziness should always be evaluated to rule out inner ear disorders, medication side effects, neurological conditions, or other potentially serious medical problems.

However, if you have persistent dizziness—especially if it is associated with neck pain, stiffness, poor posture, or prolonged computer and smartphone use—the neck may deserve a closer look.

Sometimes the key to restoring your balance isn’t found in the ear at all. It may simply be hiding in your neck.