Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
The Upper Cervical Triad: Pain, Headache, and Dizziness
The combination of neck pain, headaches, and dizziness is a common presentation in physiotherapy clinics. In many cases, all three symptoms originate from upper cervical dysfunction -- problems with the joints, muscles, or nerves at C1-C2-C3. This is because the upper cervical region has rich connections to the brain's pain processing, balance systems, and cranial nerves through the trigeminal-cervical nucleus.
Cervicogenic Dizziness
Cervicogenic dizziness (CGD) is dizziness that originates from the cervical spine rather than the vestibular (inner ear) system. It is caused by: disturbed proprioceptive input from upper cervical joints and muscles (the cervical spine provides important postural stability information to the brain's balance system), vertebral artery irritation from upper cervical dysfunction (requires careful assessment), and altered sensorimotor integration. Symptoms typically include: non-rotatory dizziness or unsteadiness, associated with head and neck movement, often with neck pain and headache.
Important Safety Assessment
Before treating, we carefully assess for serious causes of dizziness: vertebrobasilar insufficiency (arterial compromise -- a contraindication to cervical manipulation), upper cervical instability (requires imaging before manual therapy), and central causes (neurological symptoms suggesting brain rather than neck origin).
Physiotherapy Treatment
Upper cervical joint mobilisation (when safe), sensorimotor retraining exercises, gaze stability exercises, and postural correction address the cervical causes of dizziness and headache effectively in most cases.
Neck Headache Dizziness Treatment in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we safely assess and treat complex cervical presentations. Book your assessment today.