Can Neck Pain Cause Dizziness?
Dizziness can be caused by a range of factors, from inner ear disorders to neurological conditions. One lesser-known but important contributor is the cervical spine. When neck pain or stiffness coincides with dizziness, it may point to a condition called cervicogenic vertigo. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of dizziness is linked to dysfunction in the upper neck and is recognised in physiotherapy as a treatable source of imbalance and light-headedness.
Understanding Cervical Vertigo and Dizziness from Neck Pain
Dizziness is a broad symptom that can stem from multiple systems in the body: the inner ear (vestibular), the brain (neurological), or the neck (cervical). When dizziness is associated with neck pain or stiffness, it may be a sign of cervical vertigo, where poor movement patterns or joint dysfunction in the upper cervical spine disrupt signals to the brain involved in balance and coordination.
Some people experience this as a sense of unsteadiness, light-headedness, or a “floating” sensation. Unlike inner ear causes of dizziness, cervical vertigo is often accompanied by neck discomfort, restricted mobility, or tension.
What Causes Dizziness Related to Neck Issues?
Cervical-related dizziness is thought to be caused by abnormal input from the joints, muscles, and ligaments of the neck to the vestibular system (parts of the inner ear). This mismatch in sensory information can confuse the brain and result in dizziness.
Common contributors include:
- Whiplash or neck trauma
- Prolonged poor posture (e.g. forward head posture)
- Cervical joint degeneration
- Muscle tightness and guarding
- Repetitive strain from work or screen use
Physiotherapy aims to identify which of these factors is at play and tailor a treatment plan that addresses both the dizziness and the underlying neck dysfunction.
Can Neck Pain Cause Dizziness? Here’s What We See in Clinic
At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we regularly see patients who describe dizziness from neck pain, especially after an injury or period of sustained poor posture. In many of these cases, a clear link can be found between neck dysfunction and the patient’s symptoms.
Our clinical assessments focus on:
- Range of motion in the cervical spine
- Joint stiffness and mobility
- Muscle strength and tension
- Balance and proprioception (the ability to sense your body’s movement and orientation)
- Neurological screening to rule out more serious causes
When appropriate, we use natural, drug-free treatments to improve neck function and reduce dizziness symptoms. In many cases, patients notice improvement within 4 to 5 sessions.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Dizziness
Effective dizziness treatment for neck-related causes focuses on restoring healthy movement and reducing abnormal signals from the cervical spine. Treatment options may include:
- Manual therapy to restore joint mobility
- Soft tissue release to reduce muscle guarding
- Targeted exercises to improve neck control and posture
- Vestibular rehabilitation techniques, where appropriate
- Education around postural habits and movement patterns
This multi-faceted approach is designed to provide long-term relief without medication or invasive interventions.
Other Conditions That May Overlap
It’s important to note that dizziness from neck pain can overlap with other types of dizziness, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve), or even migraine-associated vertigo. In some cases, these conditions may co-exist, making diagnosis more complex. This is why a careful, clinical assessment by a trained physiotherapist is so valuable. It ensures all potential sources are explored and any cervical contribution is properly addressed.
For instance, someone with a long-standing history of headaches or jaw tension may not realise that subtle postural shifts and muscle tension in the neck could be feeding into a cycle of dizziness. Recognising these patterns early can prevent chronic symptoms and lead to a faster recovery.
What Helps Dizziness Naturally?
Many people search online for guidance on what helps dizziness naturally, especially when it’s linked to neck pain. While self-management strategies may offer short-term relief, they work best when combined with professional treatment.
- Gentle neck stretches and mobility exercises
- Avoiding quick or jerky head movements
- Correcting posture during sitting, working or driving
- Applying heat to reduce neck stiffness
- Staying hydrated and taking regular movement breaks
However, these tips should complement clinical care and should not replace it. A thorough assessment is key to determining the exact cause and best course of action.
Book an Appointment for Dizziness Treatment in Bangalow
If you’re dealing with dizziness and neck pain and haven’t found answers elsewhere, we can help. At Bangalow Headache Neck & Jaw Clinic, we specialise in natural, physiotherapy-based treatments for dizziness caused by cervical dysfunction.
Our assessments are comprehensive, and our care is tailored to the individual, not just the symptom. Book a consultation today and find out how we can support your recovery.
Visit our page on dizziness treatment for more information.
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Michael Hayward is a physiotherapist with 28 years experience. With 24 years in private practice working in musculoskeletal injuries covering the whole body and special interest in sports injury and headaches, Michael developed a keen interest in new and proven techniques for treating headaches, migraines, jaw pain & dizziness .
