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Cervical vertigo: causes, symptoms & treatments

Last update on Apr, 26, 2025

Cervical vertigo is a relatively rare condition with symptoms of neck pain and dizziness. It can be difficult to diagnose because of its similarities to other conditions and because its exact mechanism has not yet been determined. For people suffering with its symptoms, it’s important to work with a physician to find a diagnosis and then determine a course of treatment.

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Key takeaways

Cervical vertigo is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition characterized by neck pain and dizziness.
Episodes of cervical vertigo can last for minutes to hours, and the condition can last for years.
Cervical vertigo is caused by neck-related injury (e.g. whiplash) or health conditions (e.g. cervical spondylosis)
Cervical vertigo dizziness is often described as unsteadiness, lightheadedness or a floating sensation, but not the spinning sensation typically associated with vertigo.
Cervical vertigo can be treated with medication, physical therapy, exercises and posture training.
Because of its complexity, cervical vertigo should only be diagnosed by physicians.*

What is cervical vertigo?

Cervical vertigo, or cervicogenic dizziness, is a condition characterized by neck pain and a sensation of dizziness. “Cervical” in this case refers to the upper part of the spine — the cervical spine — which includes the C1-C7 vertebrae. The condition can be caused by injury or various neck-related conditions.

If you’re experiencing both vertigo and cervical spine pain, it’s a good idea to talk to a physician to get to the bottom of your symptoms.

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What are symptoms of cervical vertigo?

If you suspect you might have cervical vertigo, take note of which of these symptoms you have, which you don’t, and when and how long they’re present. Cervical vertigo symptoms are wide-ranging, and dizziness and neck pain can be linked in a number of ways, so a full and accurate assessment is crucial. Be sure to share your list of symptoms with your physician, as this will help them rule out other conditions and make an accurate diagnosis.

Dizziness is understood and described in many different ways, but in general, it refers to feelings of unsteadiness. In the specific case of cervical spine vertigo, dizziness is typically a feeling of clumsiness, lack of coordination, floating or unsteadiness — but not the sensation of spinning that is commonly associated with vertigo. The dizziness might also be triggered by neck movements.

Feeling pain and stiffness can be a sign of cervical vertigo, and both can be connected to the injury or condition that is affecting the cervical spine. Simple stiffness in the neck, without pain, is not typically a symptom.

One way that people with cervical vertigo describe their dizziness is as a floating sensation, or feeling like they’re on a boat.

Another way that people describe the dizziness associated with cervical vertigo is as a feeling of lightheadedness — the sensation you might get before fainting.

Feeling like you aren’t fully able to control your movements can be another sign of the dizziness associated with cervical vertigo. This is a disruption in what’s called “proprioception”, which is your body’s ability to sense its own motion or location in space. The neck’s complex anatomy is connected to proprioceptive functions that manage balance in the head and throughout the body.¹ Injury or problems with the neck can therefore affect coordination.

Cervical vertigo nausea is when feelings of dizziness associated with the condition lead to nausea and, in more severe cases, vomiting.

A cervical vertigo headache typically occurs on just one side of the head, generally starting at the back of the head and moving forward. It can be very intense, steady pain that lasts for hours or even days.

How long does cervical vertigo last?

Individual episodes of cervical vertigo can last anywhere from minutes to hours. However, the condition that causes the episodes can last for years, with or without treatment.

What causes cervical vertigo?

Cervical vertigo causes can include physical injury, congenital conditions and even poor habits. It’s important to consult with your physician to determine the official cause.

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disease that causes the bones of the neck and spine to wear down. This can lead to a number of related problems, and there is an association between cervical vertigo and cervical spondylosis.² When the bones of the neck wear down, it can put pressure on the spine and surrounding nerves and arteries.³

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful movement of the head and neck. It often happens in car accidents, but it can also be caused by falls or other sudden impact incidents.

Whiplash can cause misalignments of the bones, ligaments or other anatomical parts of the neck, which can lead to cervical vertigo. As many as 25-50% of patients who suffer whiplash experience vertigo or dizziness.⁴

Poor posture habits can lead to weakened muscles, strains and spinal compression. This can put pressure on nerves, restrict blood flow and lead to cervical vertigo.

When the gel-like cushion that sits between vertebrae slips or is pushed out of place, it’s called a herniated disc. The disc can put pressure on surrounding nerves, arteries and muscles, causing significant pain and cervical vertigo symptoms.

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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) vs. cervical vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is vertigo that happens with certain movements of the head, especially when changing positions. It’s the most common form of vertigo and is characterized by a spinning sensation. However, it is different from cervical vertigo, which can be caused by neck movements and feels more like general unsteadiness. Though sometimes it’s difficult to find an exact cause for BPPV, head trauma or damage to the inner ear are possibilities.

Let’s take a closer look at the difference between BPPV and cervical vertigo.

BPPV

Dizziness as spinning sensation
Can be triggered by moving the head
Episodes are relatively short but intense
Can be caused by inner ear damage or head injury
Not associated with pain

Cervical vertigo

Dizziness as a feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness
Can be triggered by moving the neck
Episodes can be longer lasting (minutes to hours)
Caused by injury or conditions affecting the neck
Associated with neck pain and stiffness

Cervical vertigo tests and diagnosis

Cervical vertigo is considered difficult to diagnose because the exact mechanism of the condition isn’t fully understood. There is also overlap with other conditions that make it challenging to pinpoint. Physicians will likely perform a range of tests while working to make a diagnosis. The following are common cervical vertigo tests:

To diagnose cervical vertigo, MRI can be an option. These scans produce detailed three-dimensional images of bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and organs that physicians can use to look for problems in the neck.

MRA scans are similar to MRIs, but produce images that show blood vessels throughout the body. An MRA can help with cervical vertigo diagnoses by showing problems that neck injuries might be causing with arteries in the neck.

Cervical vertigo X-rays can also help with diagnosis. These images are produced using radiation and show problems with bones and tissues that could be causing the problem. X-rays are often better at showing bones, while MRIs are better for showing soft tissue.

Doppler ultrasound is used to examine how well blood is flowing through your veins. In the case of cervical vertigo, it can help detect whether neck injuries are causing reduced blood flow that might lead to dizziness.

Vertebral angiography is a more invasive test, in which dye is injected into the vertebral arteries before X-rays are taken. The dye shows up in the X-rays and can indicate where there might be problems which are causing cervical vertigo.

What kind of doctor treats cervical vertigo?

Because of the difficulty in diagnosing cervical vertigo and the range of possible causes, a few different physicians and medical specialists might be involved in treating it, including: neurologists, otolaryngologists (ENTs), orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. Miracle-Ear does not diagnose or treat cervical vertigo.

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Cervical vertigo treatment

Treatment for cervical vertigo will vary depending on your diagnosis and where the problem is stemming from. There are a range of medical interventions used to treat cervical vertigo, as well as some things you can do at home to help manage the condition.

Medical treatment

Medical treatment for cervical vertigo can involve medication, non-invasive therapies and invasive procedures.

Muscle relaxers and pain-relieving medications can help with the discomfort associated with cervical vertigo, while anti-dizziness medication can help relieve the sensation of unsteadiness.

Physical therapy for cervical vertigo can take the expected form of strengthening and stretching exercises that are designed to offset the problems leading to the condition. However, it might also involve vestibular rehabilitation, which involves exercises designed to help overcome dizziness and restore balance.

A chiropractor may use tools or manual manipulation to make adjustments to the spine or neck muscles to correct any issues that are leading to cervical vertigo or its associated symptoms. However, it’s important to talk to your primary-treating physician before seeking chiropractic treatment for cervical vertigo.

Cervical vertigo surgery is not common. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a surgical procedure used to treat herniated discs, and involves removing the disc and fusing spinal bones together. There is some evidence that this surgery can also help relieve cervical vertigo.⁵

Cervical vertigo treatments at home

There are a few ways in which you can try cervical vertigo treatment at home. If you want to try specific exercises, it’s best to first discuss them with a physical therapist who can guide you in doing them safely and effectively.

With the approval of a physical therapist or physician, you can try cervical vertigo exercises such as:

Neck flexion: Tilting the head down to bring your chin toward your chest (as far as it can comfortably go), then slowly raising your chin upward to extend the neck.
Lateral flexion: Tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder. Repeat on the other side.
Rotation: Turn your head slowly to look over each shoulder.
Chin tucks: Bring your chin back toward your throat in a gentle retraction of the neck.

Simple postural correction can help with managing cervical vertigo. Work on sitting up straight, with your shoulders rolled back and feet on the ground, as well as keeping your neck from extending (what’s often called “tech neck”). Posture training braces can also help you maintain your posture as you gradually build muscle strength.

Placing warm compresses on your neck can help relax muscles and reduce the pain of muscle tension.

Many people find that anxiety can be a trigger for cervical vertigo episodes. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety that often lead to physical tightness in the neck and shoulders.

A supportive pillow can help with keeping your spine in alignment and preventing strain on your neck. Make sure that your pillow supports the natural curve of your neck, whether you sleep on your side or your back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.

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Preventing cervical vertigo

Neck injuries like whiplash and some other conditions aren’t necessarily preventable, but you can take action to avoid some problems that lead to cervical vertigo. Work on maintaining good posture, do neck-strengthening exercises and use ergonomic supports where necessary.

FAQs on cervical vertigo

No. Cervical vertigo is not inherently dangerous on its own. However, its symptoms can sometimes overlap with other conditions that are more dangerous, so it’s important to talk to a physician if you experience them.

Yes. Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. It causes compression of the tissues, arteries and nerves around the spine which can lead to cervical vertigo.

Yes. Dystonia is a neurological condition that causes involuntary contractions in the muscles of the neck. It can lead to neck movements and contortions that trigger cervical vertigo.

Yes. Cervical neck problems such as herniated discs, arthritis — or even general wear and tear that comes with age — can cause the irritation that triggers cervical vertigo.

No. Cervical vertigo is not a direct cause of high blood pressure (hypertension), but some conditions that are associated with cervical vertigo are also linked to high blood pressure, including nerve compression and stress.

*Miracle-Ear does not diagnose or treat cervical vertigo.

Sources

¹ Brandt T, Bronstein AM. Cervical vertigo. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 2001;71:8-12. https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/71/1/8.

² Li Y, Yang L, Dai C, Peng B. Proprioceptive Cervicogenic Dizziness: A Narrative Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. J Clin Med. 2022 Oct 26;11(21):6293. doi: 10.3390/jcm11216293. PMID: 36362521; PMCID: PMC9655761. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9655761/.

³ A.S.M. Al Amin, Abdur Rahman, A.H.M. Ataullah, Ivan David Lozada-Martinez, Md Ziauddin, Md Moshiur Rahman. A commonly overlooked cause of vertigo: Cervical spondylosis. International Journal of Surgery Open, Vol. 35, 2021; 100370. doi: 10.1016/j.ijso.2021.100370. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405857221000619.

⁴ Endo K, Ichimaru K, Komagata M, Yamamoto K. Cervical vertigo and dizziness after whiplash injury. Eur Spine J. 2006 Jun;15(6):886-90. doi: 10.1007/s00586-005-0970-y. Epub 2006 Jan 24. PMID: 16432749; PMCID: PMC3489433. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3489433/#Sec3.

⁵ Zheng H, Li B, Song S, Chen P, Jiang L and Jiang S (2023) Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to treat cervical instability with vertigo and dizziness: A single center, retrospective, observational study. Front. Surg. 9:1047504. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.1047504 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/surgery/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2022.1047504/full.