VERTIGO
AND DIZZINESS
Vertigo has many causes, mostly outside the cervical spine. With Dr. Verbitskiy in Maribor, we first recommend a medical exclusion of more serious causes, and only then treat dizziness that is linked to neck tension.
Vertigo and dizziness are a common reason for seeing a doctor. Most often they come from the inner ear, the nervous system or blood pressure. In a smaller share of cases, however, dizziness can be caused or worsened by tension in the cervical spine, which is called cervical (cervicogenic) dizziness. Manual therapy is suitable only when other causes have already been excluded.
When dizziness may be linked to the neck
With cervical dizziness the following are usually present:
- 🔹 Restricted mobility and tension in the cervical spine
- 🔹 Tension in the muscles at the back of the head after prolonged work at a computer
- 🔹 Consequences of a neck injury (for example after a traffic accident)
- 🔹 Altered posture and balance patterns
- 🔹 Accompanying stress and fatigue
- 🔹 Other causes present at the same time that are identified by a doctor (inner ear, blood pressure, nervous system)
How cervical dizziness presents
Common signs are:
- 🔹 A feeling of dizziness or imbalance when turning the head
- 🔹 Dizziness after a prolonged bent-forward posture
- 🔹 Tension and pain in the neck and at the back of the head
- 🔹 Accompanying headache
- 🔹 A feeling of a "heavy head" or fogginess
- 🔹 Worsening with certain neck movements
How we treat dizziness linked to the neck
Treatment is adapted to your condition. The aim is to reduce neck tension and improve mobility, which may contribute to dizziness.
1. Conversation and assessment
A detailed history, examination of the cervical spine and an assessment of whether the cause is musculoskeletal.
2. Gentle manual therapy
Release of the neck and back-of-the-head muscles with gentle techniques.
3. Guidance
Neck exercises, ergonomics and recommendations for further investigations, if needed.
Dizziness we help with
People most often come to us with these problems:
- 🔹 Dizziness when turning the head or getting up
- 🔹 A feeling of unsteadiness linked to a tense neck
- 🔹 Dizziness together with neck or back-of-head pain
- 🔹 Problems after a neck injury
- 🔹 Headache and dizziness during computer work
- 🔹 Balance problems with cervical spine complaints
Signs that require immediate attention
Call emergency medical help (112) immediately if vertigo appears suddenly together with speech disturbances, paralysis or a drooping face, double vision, severe headache, loss of consciousness, chest pain, or after a head injury. These may be signs of a stroke or another emergency.
With recurring dizziness, the first step is always an examination by a doctor (family doctor, neurologist, ENT specialist). Manual therapy is a complement, not a replacement.
What our patients say
Verbitskiy, Manualna terapija - Osteopatija, diagnostika, rehabilitacija, d.o.o. · Maribor
Watch videos about manual therapy and osteopathy on our YouTube channel.
Visit YouTube channel →Frequently asked questions about vertigo and dizziness
Does manual therapy cure vertigo?
It does not treat all forms. It can, however, help with dizziness linked to tension and restricted mobility of the cervical spine, once other causes have been excluded.
When is urgent help needed?
Always when vertigo appears for the first time, with recurring attacks, with neurological signs, or after a head or neck injury.
Can dizziness be a result of sitting at a computer?
In some people, a prolonged slouched posture increases neck tension and contributes to the feeling of dizziness.
What is BPPV?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a common form of vertigo caused by problems in the inner ear. It is treated by an appropriate specialist with special manoeuvres, not by manual treatment of the neck.
Is neck treatment safe?
We adapt the treatment to your condition and use gentle techniques; before treatment we assess whether additional medical investigations are needed.
How many treatments do I need?
It depends on the cause; with a correct indication, improvement often appears after a few visits.
Contact us
Get in touch with any questions or to book an appointment.
Please bring one large towel with you to your appointment.
Please confirm your appointment by phone or WhatsApp one hour beforehand, or two hours beforehand if you are travelling a long way. This way you avoid a wasted trip if an appointment has to be rescheduled at short notice.