What is Cervical Vertigo and What Causes It?
Cervical Vertigo | Cervical vertigo is a condition defined as dizziness originating from the neck. Diseases are distinguished from problems in the neck muscles, spine and nervous system. Especially movement limitations in the neck areas, traumas or musculoskeletal disorders and ability.
This condition occurs as a result of incorrect signals sent to the brain through the muscles, attachments and nerves in the neck areas, unlike the balance processes in the inner ear. Abnormalities in the body can cause the body structure to be misinterpreted, leading to head and neck.
What Causes Cervical Vertigo?
Routine causes of cervical vertigo are as follows:
Neck Traumas: Injuries to the neck resulting from traffic accidents, falls or sudden movements can lead to cervical vertigo.
Muscle Tensions: Excessive tension or spasm of the neck muscles can cause dizziness.
Cervical Disc Herniation and Spine Problems: Herniations or disc dislocations in the cervical spine can cause balance problems by putting pressure on the nerves.
Chronic Postural Disorder: Working at a desk for a long time, bad formations and using the wrong pillow can trigger cervical vertigo.
Cervical Osteoarthritis: Degenerative changes in the neck joints are also among the causes of cervical vertigo.
These disorders can be managed with correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods. For more information and treatment options regarding cervical vertigo, the examinations conducted by Cervical Vertigo Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Sezim Şafak can be reviewed.
What Triggers Cervical Vertigo?
Cervical vertigo usually occurs due to structural disorders and musculoskeletal problems in the neck area. However, some external factors and capabilities can also trigger this condition.
Main Factors Triggering Cervical Vertigo
Neck Traumas and Injuries
- Traffic accidents (especially Whiplash, whip sports)
- Sporting activities
- Falling or sudden neck movements
Poor Posture and Wrong Movements
- Standing at a desk, leaning towards the computer or phone for a long time
- Wrong pillow or sleeping positions during sleep
- Straining the load while lifting heavy loads
Cervical Spine Problems
- Cervical disc herniation and disc herniations
- Cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis)
- Spinal curvatures (disorders such as scoliosis, kyphosis)
Eyebrow Spasms and Tension
- Contraction of neck muscles due to stress and tension
- Staying in the same position for a long time
- Excessively heavy exercise or movements that strain the neck muscles
Blood Flow Problems
- Changing or blood options in the neck veins
- Life problems such as high or low blood pressure
- Long-term the blood flow to the brain as a result of the continuation of the same change in the head
Combination with Inner Ear Problems
- Having a problem with the balance center in the inner ear (e.g. Meniere’s disease)
- Balance disorders that come with neck problems
It is important to take ergonomic precautions, do regular exercise and adopt the correct posture range to protect yourself from these factors that trigger cervical vertigo. For more information, the examinations conducted by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Sezim Şafak on vertigo can be examined.
How Long Does a Cervical Vertigo Attack Last?
The duration of a cervical vertigo attack can vary from person to person. It accumulates between a few seconds and a few hours, but some may experience a feeling of imbalance that lasts for days. The duration and temperature of the attack depend on the conditions of the bed and the general health performance of the caregiver.
Factors Affecting the Duration of a Cervical Vertigo Attack
- Underlying Cause
- Muscle spasms and flexibility: Vertigo attacks due to mild muscle tension can usually occur within a few minutes.
- Cervical disc herniation or cervical spondylosis: Independent vertigo with nerve compression can last longer and recur for days.
- Traumatic injuries: Vertigo attacks resulting from traumas such as neck trauma can last for weeks.
Neck Movements and Posture
- Rapid head or neck movements can trigger the attack and its duration can be prolonged.
- Sitting or lying down incorrectly for a long time can cause vertigo to become permanent.
Blood Flow Problems
- A decrease in blood flow to the brain (e.g. vertebrobasilar insufficiency) can prolong the duration of the attack.
- Blood pressure disorders, especially sudden drops or increases in blood pressure, can change the duration of vertigo.
Being with Other Health Problems
- If cervical vertigo is seen together with inner ear diseases, attacks can be obtained for a longer period of time.
- Chronic stress and anxiety can prolong the duration of vertigo and cause attacks to occur more frequently.
What Can Be Done to Alleviate the Attack?
- Keeping the head still for an upright interval
- Doing exercises that relax the neck muscles
- Correct posture disorders
- From sudden head movements to the target
- Consulting a specialist for cervical vertigo treatment
The treatment methods and exercises recommended by Cervical Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Sezim Şafak can be followed to reduce the duration and decrease the vertigo attacks.
Is Cervical Vertigo Dangerous?
Cervical vertigo is usually not a life-threatening possibility, but it can be serious in terms of survival. It can make daily transfers such as head transfer, imbalance and coordinated distribution difficult and can lead to accidents. You can also lead to some serious problems underlying the diseases that cause cervical vertigo.
In Which Cases Can Cervical Vertigo Be Dangerous?
- Falls and Accidents May Be Caused
- Sudden deterioration and imbalance can cause falls and traumas.
- It can lead to serious injuries while climbing stairs or during a vehicle attack.
There May Be a Problem with Blood Flow to the Brain
- Fractures in the cervical spine can cause the vertebrobasilar arteries to relax, which can prevent sufficient blood from reaching the brain.
- Reconstruction of blood flow to the brain ensures long-term reliability.
Chronicity Can Reduce Quality of Life
- Continuous vertigo attacks can negatively affect the person’s social and business life.
- Constant dizziness and loss of balance can cause psychological problems (such as anxiety and endurance).
It May Indicate Serious Underlying Diseases
- Cervical vertigo can sometimes be a symptom of spinal cord tumors, serious disc fractures or nerve damage.
- If there are symptoms such as starting from the beginning to the end, double vision, speech disorder or loss of consciousness along with vertigo, urgent treatment intervention is required.
Can Cervical Vertigo Be Controlled?
Cervical vertigo can be controlled with the right diagnosis and treatment methods. It corrects posture disorders, does appropriate exercises and follows the doctor’s recommendations are effective in reducing attacks.
The treatment methods and physical therapy exercises recommended by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Sezim Şafak for cervical vertigo can help in a wide variety. If individuals continue for a long time or become severe, it is important to consult a specialist.