Can Neck Pain Cause Dizziness?

What is dizziness?

Dizziness is a common condition that affects 15-20% of adults each year, and it is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. The proprioceptive system, which is responsible for maintaining balance, is made up of mechano-receptors located in our joint capsules, muscles, and more that communicate with the brain to let it know where each part of the body is in space. This sensory input comes from all over the body and through the upper neck and into the brain.

What causes dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of dizziness caused by dysfunction in the neck. Patients with cervicogenic dizziness often describe their symptoms as “drunklike” or lightheaded feelings, dizziness associated with neck movements, restricted neck motion, and neck pain. The GOOD NEWS is that manual therapies—the primary treatment utilized by chiropractors—have been shown to significantly benefit cervicogenic dizziness patients.

Can a chiropractor help with dizziness?

At Morgan Chiropractic in Stuart, Florida, we offer manual therapies that have been proven to help patients with cervicogenic dizziness. In a 2022 randomized-controlled trial that included 40 cervicogenic headache patients, researchers divided patients into two groups. The first group received three treatments 48 hours apart that included upper cervical soft-tissue therapy followed by high-velocity, low amplitude thrust manipulation. The other group received no treatment and served as a control group.

The researchers observed that the patients in the treatment group not only experienced greater improvements in pain intensity, spinal mobility, and dizziness after the treatment phase of the study, but these benefits persisted up to a month later during a follow-up visit. The patients in the control group reported no improvement at either time point.

Don't let dizziness hold you back

If you are experiencing cervicogenic dizziness, we encourage you to call us today or schedule an appointment online with Morgan Chiropractic in Stuart, Florida. Our manual therapies can help you feel better and improve your quality of life.