Your neck is a pretty critical part of the body – it is, after all, the main connection between your brain and every other part of you.

As I’ve explained before neck pain can be a big part of

• Migraines and other Headaches
• TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder)
• Tinnitus
• Carpal Tunnel
• Tennis or Golfers Elbow

As well as a host of other symptoms.

But it can also play a large part in Vertigo.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is often characterised as “dizzy spells”, the world feels as if it’s spinning and you often lose your balance.

This sensation can be caused by a variety of reasons:

1. Meniere’s disease – an inner ear disorder often associated with tinnitus and hearing loss
2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis – when an infection causes inflammation around the nerves in the inner ear.
3. Migraines – vertigo is often a symptom of migraine . . . or vice versa!
4. Head or neck problems

What to do

If you are suffering from dizzy spells there are 3 key things to get checked:

1. Blood pressure and blood sugar – a simple test from your doctor will eliminate this
2. Hearing – see an audiologist to check for signs of damage to the inner ear
3. Physical – see a physiotherapist to be assessed for cervical spine issues and nerve inflammation

Physical Therapy for Vertigo

A recent study showed that gentle physiotherapy to increase range of motion in the facet joints of the cervical spine and reduce muscle tension resulted in reduced dizziness and less frequent spells of vertigo. This in as little as 2 sessions! And the effects lasted for over a year.

At The Bodyworks Clinic I am fortunate to work with Peter Ormrod, an experienced audiologist who can work with me to reduce the inner ear issues, as well as tinnitus and hearing loss while I address the physical aspects of the cervical spine and nerve inflammation.