Cervicogenic Dizziness Exercises Handout

What is cervicogenic dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness is a condition in which dizziness or vertigo arises from issues within the cervical spine—the neck region. It's not a primary form of dizziness but rather a symptom stemming from neck disorders or injuries. This type of dizziness central vertigo is often perceived when there are changes in neck position or sudden neck or head movements together.

Unlike other forms of vertigo that involve the inner ear, cervicogenic dizziness is directly linked to the neck's mechanical and neurological connections to the vestibular system, which helps regulate balance.

Symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness

The symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness can vary but typically include a sensation of movement or spinning that is exacerbated by neck movements or specific neck positions. Patients may also experience other symptoms of:

• Imbalance or difficulty in maintaining an upright posture.
• Nausea, which is less intense than that caused by inner ear disorders.
• Neck pain or stiffness, often accompanying the dizziness.
• Headaches, particularly at the base of the skull. These symptoms can lead to difficulties in performing daily activities, especially those involving head and neck movements.

Causes of cervicogenic dizziness

The causes of cervicogenic dizziness are primarily related to disorders or dysfunctions in the cervical spine. Common causes include:

• Whiplash injuries, often resulting from car accidents
• Cervical spondylosis, which involves age-related wear and tear affecting the neck vertebrae and cushions
• Herniated discs in the neck that press on nerves
• Poor posture that strains neck muscles and ligaments over time. These issues can impair proprioceptive signals (which help in sensing body position and movement) from the neck to the brain, leading to sensations of dizziness when the neck is moved or held in certain positions.

3 Cervicogenic dizziness exercises

Physical therapists can guide patients through specific exercises to reduce cervicogenic dizziness by improving neck stability, mobility, and proprioceptive feedback. Here are three effective exercises:

Isometric neck strengthening

Patients are instructed to place their hands against the left side of their heads. They should then try to turn their heads into their hands while keeping their hands firm to resist the movement. This action should be held for 5-10 seconds before relaxing. Repeat on the other side and both sides. This exercise strengthens the neck muscles without extensive movement, minimizing the risk of dizziness during the exercise.

Deep neck flexor training

Patients perform this exercise by lying on their back with a small pillow under their head. They are then taught to gently tuck their chin towards their left shoulder and chest, engaging the muscles at the front of the neck. They hold this position for about 5 seconds before releasing it. This exercise helps stabilize the cervical spine and improves proprioceptive control.

Cervical rotation exercise

Seated or standing, patients are encouraged to slowly turn their heads from one side to the other, aiming to look over their shoulders. They should pause briefly at each extreme to rest and enhance proprioception and flexibility. This exercise should be performed slowly and to a comfortable range to avoid provoking neck pain and dizziness.

How to use our Cervicogenic dizziness Exercises Handout

This handout is designed to guide your patients through exercises that help manage symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness. Each exercise targets neck stability and flexibility aspects to reduce discomfort and improve balance.

Step 1: Explain the basics

Before beginning any exercises, read through the introduction and explain what cervicogenic dizziness is and how these exercises can help alleviate symptoms.

Step 2: Understanding the exercises

Explain that each exercise has a specific purpose and how it will benefit them. Encourage patients to ask any questions they may have before starting.

Step 3: Set up for success

Make sure your patient is in a comfortable position, either sitting or standing with good posture. Remind them to move slowly and carefully during the exercises.

Step 4: Perform the exercises

Go through each exercise one by one, demonstrating proper form and providing verbal cues as needed. Encourage your patient to focus on their breathing and listen to their body's limits. Remind them to stop if they experience any pain or discomfort.

Step 5: Repetition and progression

Explain the importance of repetition and consistency in seeing results. Encourage your patient to continue doing these exercises on a regular basis, gradually increasing the number of repetitions or difficulty level as tolerated.

Benefits of practicing and performing these exercises

Practicing and performing the described exercises for cervicogenic, dizziness, and neck pain can offer several health benefits, primarily enhancing neck stability and improving balance. These exercises specifically aim to:

1. Strengthen neck muscles: Regularly performing these exercises helps build stronger muscles around the neck and upper back, which supports better posture and reduces strain that can contribute to dizziness and discomfort.
2. Improve proprioception: Enhanced proprioception, or the body's ability to sense its position in space, can significantly decrease episodes of dizziness. These exercises train the neck's proprioceptive nerves to relay position information more accurately to the brain, aiding in balance maintenance.
3. Increase flexibility and range of motion: Gentle stretches and rotational exercises increase the mobility of the cervical spine, allowing for smoother and more pain-free movements. This can lead to less stiffness and reduced occurrences of vertigo-like symptoms when turning or tilting the head.
4. ‍Alleviate associated symptoms: These exercises can reduce dizziness and mitigate related symptoms like neck pain and headaches, improving one's quality of life.

How do professionals benefit from using this handout?

This handout is immensely beneficial to professionals, particularly physical therapists and healthcare providers specializing in musculoskeletal and vestibular disorders. It serves as a standardized tool that ensures consistency in treating cervicogenic dizziness. Providing a clear, step-by-step guide on specific exercises helps professionals efficiently communicate exercise protocols to patients, ensuring that they perform each movement correctly and safely.

Furthermore, the handout empowers professionals to educate patients about their condition, fostering a better understanding and engagement in their treatment process. Additionally, the handout can be used as a reference during consultations, saving time and enhancing the effectiveness of patient interactions, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction rates and optimized clinic operations.