Cervicogenic Dizziness

Dizziness

Dizzy, unsteady or off balance? It may be coming from your neck

Dizziness can be unsettling. It can affect your confidence, your movement and your ability to get through the day normally. While dizziness can have many causes, some people experience symptoms that are linked to the neck. This is often referred to as cervicogenic dizziness.
GB Physiotherapy provides assessment and treatment for neck-related dizziness and vertigo-like symptoms from the Joondalup clinic.

Book a dizziness assessment

cervicogenic dizziness

What is cervicogenic dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness describes dizziness, imbalance or disorientation that may be associated with dysfunction in the cervical spine. The neck contains joints, muscles and sensory receptors that help your brain understand where your head is in space. When this information is disrupted, some people can feel dizzy, unsteady or disoriented.

Because dizziness can have different causes, a careful assessment is important. Physiotherapy may be suitable when symptoms appear to be linked to neck movement, neck tension, posture or upper cervical restriction.

Signs

Signs your dizziness may be neck related

Cervicogenic dizziness may be worth investigating if you experience:

A feeling of imbalance, unsteadiness or disorientation
Dizziness associated with neck pain, stiffness or upper neck tension
Symptoms triggered by certain neck movements or head positions
Headaches that worsen with certain neck movements
Vertigo-like episodes without a clear vestibular cause
Dizziness after whiplash, neck strain or prolonged poor posture
Symptoms that have not responded as expected to common vertigo exercises

Is it my neck?

How GB Physiotherapy assesses dizziness

Your appointment will include a detailed history and assessment of your neck movement, upper cervical joint mobility, muscle tone, posture and symptom triggers. The aim is to identify whether the neck may be contributing and whether physiotherapy treatment is appropriate.

If your presentation suggests another cause that needs medical review, you will be advised to seek the appropriate care.

Treatment

For cervicogenic dizziness

When neck involvement is identified, treatment may include gentle manual therapy, mobility work, soft tissue treatment, posture advice and targeted exercises. Treatment is designed to improve neck function, reduce symptom triggers and help you feel steadier and more confident.
GB Physiotherapy does not use forceful cracking or manipulation for this treatment approach.