Back-Pain-DizzinessIn a previous blog post, we discussed the connection between spine pain and vertigo, as well as how back pain treatment can be used to relieve the symptoms of vertigo. It is very much worth noting at this point that “vertigo” and “dizziness” are not synonymous terms, although they are often used interchangeably. Vertigo is a type of dizziness; however, there are other types of dizziness that are unrelated to vertigo.

For example, if you have ever felt lightheaded or as though you were going to faint, those sensations could be classified as dizziness, but not as vertigo. On the other hand, vertigo refers to the feeling as though you were spinning or as though everything around you was spinning, even though you – or everything around you – were perfectly still.

In addition to being associated with vertigo, spine pain can also result in feelings of non-vertigo dizziness, including lightheadedness and disequilibrium, or the feeling as though one is going to fall while standing or walking. At Frisco Spine, we can diagnose and treat dizziness related to spinal conditions. As experts in spine pain and dizziness, our Frisco physicians provide a full range of both surgical and non-surgical treatments that can restore comfort and function to patients struggling with the symptoms of dizziness.

If you are experiencing dizziness in conjunction with back or neck pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with the team of experts at Frisco Spine today.

What is cervicogenic dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness is a condition in which symptoms of dizziness arise from the cervical spine. This condition can manifest itself as cervical vertigo, a rare condition that we discussed in our previous blog post on spine pain and vertigo. Often, however, cervicogenic dizziness does not produce symptoms of vertigo. It is often accompanied by neck pain, or at least stiffness of the neck.

What are the symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness?

The symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness are not limited to the actual feeling of dizziness, or lightheadedness. Other common symptoms include:

  • Disequilibrium, or the feeling as though one is going to fall when standing or walking
  • A sensation as though one is swimming
  • Sleeping difficulties due to neck pain
  • Posture problems due to neck pain
  • Hearing loss and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Stiffness of the neck
  • Shoulder pain

How is cervicogenic dizziness diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness can be difficult. Usually, other, more common conditions such as whiplash must be definitively ruled out before a diagnosis of cervicogenic dizziness can be reached. However, once the diagnosis is reached, the condition can generally be treated through a combination of therapies. At Frisco Spine, we are able to create individualized treatment plans, usually combining conservative, non-surgical therapies, which effectively treat cervicogenic dizziness.

Learn More about Spine Pain and Dizziness

To learn more about spine pain and dizziness, or to schedule your initial consultation with one of our spinal health experts, please contact Frisco Spine today.

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