Freedom from Dizziness

Upper Cervical Dizziness

If you experience persistent lightheadedness that worsens in the evening, you may be dealing with upper cervical dizziness.

Misalignment in the upper cervical spine, specifically in the C1 (atlas) or C2 (axis) bones, can cause symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance, and sometimes even tinnitus or headaches.

To evaluate this condition, I begin by providing a thorough exam to identify the cause of your dizziness. Part of this evaluation would include assessing the range of motion in the neck during the initial exam. I also use specific Chiropractic tests to determine if there is a cervical component contributing to the dizziness. If a patient is unable to turn their head 90 degrees to the right and left or extend their neck 75-90 degrees, it’s possible that the dizziness stems from the neck. When there is neck pain, stiffness, tightness and trigger points, it's possible that the dizziness stems from the neck. When these tests indicate that the neck is the source of dizziness, I provide patients with self-care techniques and implement with them, specialty methods in upper cervical care. 

Indicators of Upper Cervical Dizziness Does your neck make crunching, clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you turn your head? These noises could be a sign that your dizziness is related to the upper cervical spine. Even if you don't hear neck noises, you might still experience tension in the neck.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

Persistent dizziness,

lightheadedness, or a "floaty" feeling that may worsen at times.

Tenderness or pain behind the earlobe, on the bone behind the ear, or near the jaw on either side.

Crunching, cracking, clicking, or grinding noises when turning your head.

Limited ability to turn your head fully from side to side.

Dizziness symptoms that improve with ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications.

Intermittent pressure or fullness in the ears.

Occasional ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Pulsating dizziness at night, often changing with neck position.

Increased anxiety, which may coincide with the onset of dizziness.

General neck tension.

Headaches.

Recurrent episodes of vertigo.

Upper cervical dizziness may also occur alongside headaches, including migraines, vestibular migraines, tension headaches, or headaches at the base of the skull.

Anxiety can also develop due to the neurological strain caused by cervical issues.

Treatment for Upper Cervical Dizziness

We take a comprehensive approach to upper Cervical Vertigo. Some modalities that have been very helpful for upper cervical vertigo include:

Trigger point therapy

Cold laser Therapy

Ultrasound Therapy

Acupuncture

Chiropractic Cervical realignment

Heated Stone cervical massage

Chinese cupping 

Postural restoration exercises

If you're experiencing these symptoms, a specialist in upper cervical care can help identify and treat the root cause of your dizziness. Call Dr. Janell Matz for a free phone consultation. 651-292-8072