What is cervical vertigo?

Cervical vertigo, or cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition characterized by neck pain and a sensation of dizziness. “Cervical” in this case refers to the upper part of the spine — the cervical spine — which includes the C1-C7 vertebrae. The condition can be caused by injury or various neck-related conditions.

If you’re experiencing both vertigo and cervical spine pain, it’s a good idea to talk to a physician to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

How long does cervical vertigo last?

Individual episodes of cervical vertigo can last anywhere from minutes to hours. However, the condition that causes the episodes can last for years, with or without treatment. 

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) vs. cervical vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is vertigo that happens with certain movements of the head, especially when changing positions. It’s the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by a spinning sensation. However, it is different from cervical vertigo, which can be caused by neck movements and feels more like general unsteadiness. Though sometimes it’s difficult to find an exact cause for BPPV, head trauma or damage to the inner ear are possibilities.

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between BPPV and cervical vertigo. 

What kind of doctor treats cervical vertigo?

Because of the difficulty in diagnosing cervical vertigo and the range of possible causes, a few different physicians and medical specialists might be involved in treating it, including: neurologists, otolaryngologists (ENTs), orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. Miracle-Ear does not diagnose or treat cervical vertigo. 

Cervical vertigo treatment

Treatment for cervical vertigo will vary depending on your diagnosis and where the problem is stemming from. There are a range of medical interventions used to treat cervical vertigo, as well as some things you can do at home to help manage the condition.

Preventing cervical vertigo

Neck injuries like whiplash and some other conditions aren’t necessarily preventable, but you can take action to avoid some problems that lead to cervical vertigo. Work on maintaining good posture, do neck-strengthening exercises and use ergonomic supports where necessary.