Cervicogenic Dizziness Assessment and Management

Cervicogenic dizziness is a clinical syndrome characterised by spatial disorientation or unsteadiness arising from dysfunction of the cervical spine’s proprioceptive and musculoskeletal structures. Patients typically report dizziness in conjunction with neck pain or stiffness, often worsened by head movements. Assessment relies on a thorough clinical history to exclude vestibular, neurological and vascular causes, complemented by focused physical tests such as the cervical torsion test, posturography and instrumented gait analysis. Imaging may be used to rule out structural lesions but offers limited specificity for cervicogenic origins. Management strategies centre on conservative, non-invasive approaches: manual therapy techniques (spinal mobilisation and manipulation) to restore cervical joint mobility, vestibular rehabilitation to recalibrate sensorimotor integration, targeted exercise to enhance deep cervical muscle control, and patient education to promote self-management. Emerging evidence supports multidisciplinary care pathways integrating physiotherapy, otoneurology and pain management to address both biomechanical dysfunction and neurosensory conflict. Early identification and tailored interventions can alleviate symptoms, improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, underscoring the global significance of this often under-recognised condition.

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Cervicogenic Dizziness Assessment and Management publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in cervicogenic dizziness assessment and management across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Cervicogenic dizziness: Dizziness arising from dysfunction of the cervical spine proprioceptive and musculoskeletal systems.

Proprioception: Sensory perception of the position and movement of the body and its parts.

Vestibulo-ocular reflex: Reflex evoking eye movements that stabilise vision during head motion.

Manual therapy: Hands-on treatment techniques such as mobilisation and manipulation to restore spinal function and alleviate symptoms.

Cervical torsion test: Clinical manoeuvre rotating the body beneath a fixed head to isolate cervical proprioceptive contributions to dizziness.

References

1. Impact of proprioceptive cervical dizziness in chronic neck pain syndromes on gait and stance during active head-turn challenges. Journal of Neurology (2024).
2. Manual therapy with and without vestibular rehabilitation for cervicogenic dizziness: a systematic review. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (2011).
3. Therapeutic patient education and exercise therapy in patients with cervicogenic dizziness: a prospective case series clinical study. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation (2016).
4. Proprioceptive Cervicogenic Dizziness: A Narrative Review of Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022).
5. Suboccipital Muscles, Forward Head Posture, and Cervicogenic Dizziness. Medicina (2022).