Cervical Dizziness Diagnosis & Management with Physical Therapy

03/29/2026

The sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles are interconnected and play a significant role in neck movement and posture. ⁠
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These muscles work together to facilitate coordinated movements and maintain proper alignment and function of the neck and upper body.⁠
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Too much activity and boom, not feeling good!⁠
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You can learn more about these muscles, how to treat them and improve other neck musculature with our books and course.⁠
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Learn more at www.cervicaldizziness.com⁠
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03/27/2026

This is ONE reason why I recommend GENERAL exercise for my dizzy patients.

A 2025 study looked at how physical activity levels relate to dizziness --- huge population of 6,800 people!

3 categories of activity levels were marginalized.

Key finding is that people who were physical activity, either moderately or vigorously - were LESS likely to report dizziness vs those who were sedentary.

Find a movement and exercise that works for you. Then build on it.

03/24/2026

Some crazy stats about Cervical Dizziness:

It could affect between 3.8% and 17.6% of the population.

Nearly 50% of individuals with cervical spondylosis report vertigo symptoms.

65-66% of dizziness in older adults may be attributed to the spine.

Don't ignore it.

Enjoy!

03/22/2026

A bit wordy, but here is the mic drop reason of getting cervicogenic dizziness!⁠
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03/20/2026

What is head motion-induced vestibular symptoms??

This is a broader term for Cervicogenic Dizziness.

It can be classified alongside vestibular migraine, as well.

It is broad and unspecific. So, we need to be able to break it down.

Look at the pictures in the carousel. Where do you FEEL it?

This is the data and metrics we need. Not just range of motion.

03/17/2026

What does cervical paralysis mean in relationship to cervical dizziness?

In TCM, sometimes cervical vertigo is categorized as cervical paralysis.

This stems from a deficiency in qi, blood and brain medulla that leads to symptoms.

Enjoy!

03/16/2026

Using the Misery Scale can help you guide your patients on VR treatments. ⁠
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Those with neck pain are more susceptible to motion sickness.⁠
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03/13/2026

Can the internal jugular vein cause vertigo?

Short answer, yes!

Muscular compression of the internal jugular vein can occur and it is by the sternocleidomastoid and omohyoid muscles. This is a complex fascial region that with restrictions, can lead to symptoms.

You can't necessary diagnose this on your own. You need imaging.

But, just learn how to treat the neck properly!

This can then help the overall structure and function of the neck.

03/10/2026

Bridging Traditional Chinese Medicine & Western Perspectives.

These squares discuss some differences between the philosophies and thought processes of treating vertigo and dizziness of cervical origin.

Enjoy!

03/08/2026

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons for consultation in adult patients!⁠
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It is an umbrella term used to describe various sensations, including vertigo, disequilibrium, lightheadedness, or presyncope.⁠
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Cervicogenic dizziness is a subtype of these 4 categories⁠
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03/06/2026

Does Manual Therapy help with Dizziness? New research.

We continue to show in systematic reviews that is does, including a new one in 2025 showing only high quality randomized control trials (above or equal to 7 out of PEDro score).

It helps with reduced dizziness and increased cervical range of motion.

These are short term --- anything manual is short term.

Heck, drinking water and eating lunch is short term. Duh.

In order to get more long term results, we need to figure out the why.

More improvement in lordotic curve can be a reason. More symmetry in the atlas moving. More stability in the upper cervical spine and less reliance on superficial muscles to control the head.

All of these can be the why.

But, learn manual therapy too. People need short term relief first.

03/06/2026

Starting with the end in mind -

In chess education, beginners are often taught the endgame first. By simplifying the board and showing what checkmate looks like, players gain clarity on what earlier moves are meant to accomplish.