Cervicogenic Dizziness After Self-Manipulation of the Cervical Spine

Abstract

Patients with pre-existing cervical pathologies who experience dizziness and related neck pain are referred to as having cervicogenic dizziness. We describe a case of a 49-year-old female who presented with acute onset of vertigo and imbalance following self-manipulation of the cervical spine. Examination revealed a restricted cervical range of motion, muscle hypertonicity, and positive neurological signs. Radiographs demonstrated loss of normal cervical lordosis. The patient was diagnosed with cervicogenic dizziness and prescribed chiropractic treatments that included spinal manipulation, soft tissue release, and rehabilitative exercises. After four weeks of care, her symptoms had improved. At the six-month follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic with a full cervical range of motion. This case highlights the risks associated with neck manipulation and the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment for cervicogenic dizziness. Patients should be counseled to seek evaluation and treatment from appropriate medical professionals for neck issues or dizziness/imbalance.

Keywords: cervicogenic dizziness; chiropractic therapy; chiropractor; self spinal manipulation; spinal manipulation.

Figure 1. Demonstration of manual self-manipulation of the cervical spine

The patient exhibits self-manipulative movement by turning the head left to rotate the cervical spine by tiling the head side to side to laterally flex the cervical spine.

Figure 2. Cervical radiograph in lateral view

(A) Cervical alignment demonstrates reduced cervical lordosis. Marginal osteophytes of cervical vertebral bodies and narrowing of C5/C6 disc space were also identified. (B) On the sixth-month re-evaluation, normal bony alignment and articulations were noted.