Tackling Cervicogenic Dizziness with Vestibular Rehabilitation 

Cervicogenic dizziness, a condition often stemming from cervical neck pain, can lead to disorienting sensations such as vertigo and imbalance. In Edmonton, individuals experiencing these symptoms have found relief through vestibular physiotherapy. This therapeutic approach, through vestibular rehabilitation, specifically targets the connections between cervical disorders and balance issues. Vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton utilizes a series of exercises and manual techniques designed to alleviate the root causes of dizziness and improve neck function. By addressing both the vestibular system and cervical spine alignment, vertigo physiotherapy offers a comprehensive treatment plan that reduces dizziness symptoms and enhances overall neck mobility and stability.

Cervicogenic Dizziness

Cervicogenic dizziness arises when neck disorders or dysfunctions interfere with the sensory information processed by the brain, leading to dizziness, unsteadiness, and sometimes vertigo. Common causes include cervical spine degeneration, which involves age-related cervical spine wear and tear; neck injuries such as trauma from a car accident; poor posture from prolonged sitting or improper ergonomics; and cervical arthritis characterized by inflammation and degeneration of cervical joints. These conditions disrupt normal neck function and result in dizziness.

Symptoms of Cervicogenic Dizziness

The symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness include sensations of unsteadiness or imbalance, lightheadedness or feeling faint, vertigo (a spinning sensation), neck pain or stiffness, headaches often accompanying neck pain, and difficulty concentrating or feeling “foggy.” These symptoms can markedly affect daily activities and overall quality of life.

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Physiotherapy Techniques for Cervicogenic Dizziness

Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises

Eye-Head Coordination Exercises

These exercises are designed to improve eye coordination and head coordination, thereby enhancing the vestibular system’s response to movements. The patient focuses on a stationary object while moving the head from side to side or up and down. This helps the brain to focus on a target despite head movements, which is crucial for reducing dizziness symptoms.

Gaze Stabilization Exercises

Gaze stabilization exercises, particularly VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex), are crucial for stabilizing vision as the head moves, reducing dizziness. The patient fixes their gaze on a single point, then turns their head from side to side or up and down while keeping their eyes focused. This exercise helps reinforce the vestibulo-ocular reflex, which keeps vision stable despite head movement.

Balance Training

Static Balance Exercises

These exercises aim to improve the body’s sense of positioning, reduce dizziness and enhance overall stability. The patient practices standing in various postures, such as on one leg or with feet together, on different surfaces to challenge and train their balance.

Dynamic Balance Exercises

Dynamic balance exercises involve movement and are designed to progress balance skills further, decreasing the risk of falls and improving stability. Tasks include walking along a line, turning around, or walking while simultaneously performing head movements. These exercises challenge the vestibular system and improve proprioceptive control.

Integration of Cervical and Vestibular Systems

Integrating exercises that simultaneously engage the cervical and vestibular systems can promote better overall function and reduce dizziness:

• Exercise: An effective exercise to integrate these systems involves walking while turning the head side-to-side or up-and-down. This activity challenges the body’s ability to maintain balance and spatial orientation while the head is moving.
• How to Perform: Start by walking in a straight line in a safe, open area. As you walk, slowly turn your head to the left and then to the right or nod up and down. Initially, perform this under supervision to ensure safety and correct form.
• Frequency and Duration: Practice this exercise for about 5 minutes, two to three times a day, gradually increasing the complexity and duration as dizziness symptoms improve and balance is enhanced.

This exercise helps the brain process changes in position and movement more effectively, reducing episodes of dizziness and improving spatial orientation. It is a crucial component of exercises for cervical dizziness in vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton.

Manual Therapy

Cervical Spine Mobilization

This manual therapy technique involves gentle manipulations and mobilizations of the cervical vertebrae. It is aimed at alleviating stiffness and enhancing neck function, which can reduce dizziness symptoms.

• The physiotherapist uses their hands to apply a gentle force to the neck vertebrae, moving the joints slightly beyond the normal range of movement but within a safe limit.
• This can include rotations, lateral bends, or gentle stretches designed to increase mobility and decrease pain or discomfort in the neck area.

Soft Tissue Massage

Soft tissue massage targets the neck muscles to relieve tension that may contribute to dizziness by impairing neck motion.

• Using various massage strokes to target deep tissue, the therapist works to relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and promote healing in the neck.
• The focus is on releasing tension in key muscle groups such as the trapezius, scalenes, and suboccipital muscles, often tight in individuals experiencing cervicogenic dizziness.

Postural Education

Neck Posture Training

Maintaining a neutral neck position can alleviate and prevent the strain contributing to cervicogenic dizziness.

• Practical Exercises: Simple exercises such as chin tucks or neck retractions are demonstrated. For a chin tuck, the patient gently pulls the chin straight back, creating a “double chin,” to strengthen neck muscles and promote proper alignment.
• Real-time Feedback: During initial training sessions, therapists provide real-time feedback, correcting patients’ posture as they engage in various activities.
• Daily Reminders: Patients are encouraged to set up reminders around their homes or workspaces to check and correct their posture regularly.

A physiotherapist specializing in vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton should continuously monitor vestibular rehabilitation therapy to ensure the exercises are effective and adjust them as the patient’s condition improves.

Securing Stability

In conclusion, tackling cervicogenic dizziness with vestibular rehabilitation offers a promising pathway for disorienting patients. At Momentum Physiotherapy, vestibular physiotherapy has been instrumental in helping patients regain balance and reduce symptoms associated with cervicogenic dizziness. If you are experiencing cervicogenic dizziness symptoms, consider contacting Momentum Physiotherapy for guidance and treatment. Our dedicated physiotherapists specializing in vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to help you achieve a more stable life. Contact us and live a vertigo-free life.