Are Dizziness and Neck Pain Related?
It is a common phenomenon to experience neck pain and dizziness at the same time. Which prompts the question as to whether they are related or not. Dizziness associated with neck pain is also called cervical or cervicogenic dizziness. With any movement in the neck, you can experience dizziness and possibly nausea, blurry vision, headaches, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Certain conditions, in particular, trigger dizziness and these other unpleasant symptoms.
Neck Conditions & Injuries that Cause Dizziness:
Cervical Myofascial Syndrome
When a painful trigger point develops through your muscles and surrounding connective tissue, Cervical Myofascial Syndrome can develop. Pain is primarily in the neck. However, can radiate to other areas such as your shoulders and your head. These trigger points can flare up at any time causing repeated bouts of pain as well as achy and stiff muscles. One-third of people with this condition also report regularly experiencing dizziness.
Cervical myofascial pain syndrome is relatively rare and there is no known cause. Medical professionals believe that injury, poor posture, repetitive use, and stress can all contribute to its development. The exact link between the neck pain and dizziness of this condition is still being researched. However, studies found that relieving trigger point pain can also help. Trigger point injections, medications, and physical therapy can help relieve both the dizziness and the pain of this condition.
Whiplash Injury
Auto accidents typically cause this injury. Whiplash occurs when the neck is abruptly whipped back and forth. Hence the name. Neck pain is a common symptom of whiplash and often dizziness can appear as well. Any time that dizziness accompanies pain with a whiplash injury, it can be from a concussion. Whiplash causes the receptors in the neck muscles to send messages to the brain. This can interfere with balance and also cause dizziness.
Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency
Vertebrobasilar insufficiency occurs when an artery becomes inflamed or compressed. Then causing reduced blood flow to the brain. Which causes dizziness.
Bow Hunter’s syndrome is a type of vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI.) It causes temporary dizziness when the head is turned to the side. VBI is rare but when it occurs it is between the C1 and C2 vertebrae. VBI is caused by a bone spur that pinches the artery when the head is in a turned position.
When to See Your Doctor for Dizziness
Anytime you experience unexplained dizziness you should see your doctor. Dizziness can be a symptom of a serious underlying issue or injury. Recurring dizziness is always a sign of an underlying issue. To determine the cause, physical exams and testing are important. Dizziness related to neck injuries can be treated with spinal injections or additional treatments.
More serious causes of neck pain and dizziness will need prompt treatment to avoid serious impacts on your health. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience neck pain and dizziness along with:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Numbness
- Bladder dysfunction
If your neck pain persists, contact a spine specialist. Call us today at 888-409-8006 for a top spine specialist in your area!