How to Get Rid of Cervicogenic Dizziness | Cervical Dizziness Exercises | Dr. Jon Saunders

Summary

Dr. Jon Saunders, a chiropractor from Newmarket, Ontario, shares helpful solutions to manage chronic dizziness and vertigo at home. He discusses three main causes: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular ocular issues, and cervicogenic dizziness stemming from the upper cervical spine. Through exercises like the Epley maneuver, vestibular ocular rehabilitation, and deep neck flexor strengthening, he offers practical strategies to regain balance and reduce dizziness. Dr. Saunders emphasizes patience and persistence, encouraging viewers to seek professional care if needed and assuring that improvement is possible with consistent effort.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dizziness and vertigo can be debilitating, but there are at-home solutions to manage and eliminate these symptoms.
• 😀 The three primary systems that contribute to dizziness are the inner ear, the visual system, and the upper cervical proprioceptive system.
• 😀 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common cause of dizziness, caused by dislodged crystals in the inner ear, which can be treated using the Epley maneuver.
• 😀 Vestibular ocular rehabilitation helps retrain the vestibular ocular system and can be done at home with specific exercises.
• 😀 Cervicogenic dizziness arises from the upper cervical spine and can occur due to injury, arthritis, or poor posture.
• 😀 Strengthening deep neck flexors (longus colli and longus capitis muscles) can help alleviate cervicogenic dizziness.
• 😀 A simple test for deep neck flexor strength involves tucking your chin and lifting your head off the surface while holding for at least 25 seconds.
• 😀 Isometric exercises for lateral flexion and rotation of the neck help improve neck mobility and retrain the mechanoreceptors involved in cervicogenic dizziness.
• 😀 If dizziness persists or is related to neck issues, it may be necessary to consult a chiropractor experienced in cervicogenic dizziness treatment.
• 😀 Be patient with your recovery process, as it takes time to retrain the muscles and joint receptors in the neck.
• 😀 Consistent practice of the recommended exercises, such as deep neck flexor strengthening and full range of motion exercises, is key to managing dizziness effectively.

Q & A

What are the three main systems that help maintain balance and posture?

The three main systems are the inner ear, the visual system, and the upper cervical proprioceptive system. These systems work together to provide accurate information to the brain to maintain balance and posture.

What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and how can it be managed?

BPPV occurs when crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the posterior canal, causing dizziness. It can often be managed using the Epley maneuver, which is a series of movements designed to reposition the crystals.

What is vestibular ocular rehabilitation, and how can it be performed at home?

Vestibular ocular rehabilitation involves exercises designed to retrain how the eyes move in relation to head movements. This can be done at home with the help of a PDF guide that provides instructions on the proper exercises.

What is cervicogenic dizziness, and what causes it?

Cervicogenic dizziness is dizziness originating from the upper cervical spine. It can be caused by poor posture, neck injuries, or conditions like arthritis, which affect the mechanoreceptors in the neck that help relay information about the head’s position in space to the brain.

How can you test the strength of your deep neck flexors?

To test your deep neck flexors, lie down and tuck your chin while lifting your head off the bed or floor. If you can hold the position for at least 25-45 seconds, your deep neck flexors are likely strong. If not, you need to strengthen them.

How can you strengthen the deep neck flexors to help with cervicogenic dizziness?

To strengthen deep neck flexors, perform the chin tuck and head lift exercise multiple times a day, gradually increasing the duration until you can hold the position for at least 25-45 seconds. This exercise targets muscles like longus colli and longus capitis, which are key for neck flexion and posture.

What are the key exercises to improve neck motion and alleviate cervicogenic dizziness?

Exercises that focus on lateral flexion and rotation of the neck can help. These should be done with isometric contractions (pushing the head into the hand) followed by movements to the end range of motion, on both sides for each direction.

What should you do if neck exercises cause dizziness?

If neck exercises bring on dizziness, back off slightly, but continue through the movements slowly and carefully. The goal is to retrain the mechanoreceptors in the neck to send proper signals to the brain.

How long does it take to see results from exercises aimed at cervicogenic dizziness?

The process of retraining the neck and alleviating cervicogenic dizziness is slow. Be patient and focus on improving your range of motion without overdoing it. Consistent practice of the exercises is key.

When should you seek professional help for cervicogenic dizziness?

If your dizziness persists despite following exercises or if you experience limited success with the Epley maneuver, it’s advisable to consult a chiropractor with experience in treating cervicogenic dizziness, especially if you suspect it’s linked to your neck.