dizziness, in medical terminology too Vertigo called, is that Sensation of spinning or swaying. Sometimes you feel fear and the feeling that you are going to pass out. In the medical sense, dizziness is the perception of non-real movements between oneself and the environment (e.g. “everything revolves around me”). There are different types of vertigo, which can differ in their causes and character.
To the causes belong among others Disturbances in the vestibular apparatus (Balance organ) and in central nervous system. Cardiovascular (affecting the heart and blood vessels) and psychological causes also play a role. One of the main causes of dizziness, which is quite common, is one Spinal disease. The following article takes a closer look at diseases of the spine, especially the cervical spine, and how these are related to the symptom of dizziness.
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The human Cervical spine includes seven vertebrae and is located between the head and thoracic spine. The first two Cervical vertebraewhich one Atlas and Axis called, represent a special feature here. They differ in their structure from the other vertebrae and together with the occipital bone of the skull form the upper and lower head joint. These joints are secured by a strong ligament and enable important movements of the head against the spine.
The Cervical spine is very agile and can slightly injured become.
The most common injuries to the cervical spine occur in road traffic in car accidents. It usually comes here to Whiplashwhich does not directly damage the cervical spine, head, brain and spinal cord. There is a Acceleration and consequently hyperextension of the cervical spinewhich then lead to symptoms like after 1 to 3 days dizziness, Headache or neck pain, Unsteadiness and Speech disorders being able to lead.
Whiplash is a Acceleration trauma to the cervical spine. Usually heals the whiplash without consequences from. But it can also become a Chronification, sp
Symptoms seem like the prognosis Tinnitus, Attacks of dizziness and Neck pain in the acute phase a whiplash injury.
The dizziness is primarily caused by the sudden and abrupt head movement during the accident, but also by overstretching and tension in the muscles in the cervical spine.
The therapy consists of one active exercise therapy, Physiotherapy and physiotherapy. Relieving postures should be strictly avoided as they can even worsen the symptoms. Therefore, the originally practiced immobilization of the cervical spine with a cervical brace is now abandoned. Also Pain relievers like diclofenac and ibuprofen such as Muscle relaxants are used to relieve tension in the muscles.
Whiplash is not a very pleasant affair, but despite some very unpleasant symptoms, it is no life threatening injury.
Should the Ligamentous apparatus of the head joints can be injured Instabilities between the head and neck occur. Injury to the ligament apparatus can also occur in the context of an accident or other violence. Such instabilities not only lead to pain but also to, among other things dizziness, Impaired consciousness, Drowsiness and Disorientation. The dizziness is then mostly no vertigo but rather a persistent feeling of lightheadedness and malaise.
Serious injuries in the course of an accident can lead to death.
The ligaments that are injured here are usually the Alar ligaments (also called wing band), which secure the head joint. Other ligament structures and joint capsules in the head joint can also lead to the symptoms described above in the event of overstretching, rupture and lesions.
Depending on which structures are affected and how severely injured, different therapies are indicated. In the case of very severe injuries to the bony structures and injuries to the ligamentous capsule apparatus, operations are necessary. Otherwise the therapy consists of a Stabilization of the spine through bandages and active exercises such as Painkillers to alleviate the discomfort.
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$config[ads_text3] not foundAt very severe injuries to the ligamentous apparatus and one complete tear of the joint capsule threatens one Subluxation between the first two cervical vertebrae (Atlas and Axis). this is a incomplete dislocation of the joint. There is a very great instability between the head and the cervical spine, which leads to a basilar impression can lead. The cervical spine shifts in the direction of the skull base because it is no longer adequately secured and presses on the brain stem. A typical so-called Brain stem symptoms, from dizziness, Drowsiness, Visual disturbances and pronounced Impaired consciousness consists.
Also Metastases and rarely Primary tumors (Tumors that have developed in the cervical spine) can lead to masses in the area of important structures such as the head joints and cause instabilities and the associated dizziness. Therapy includes depending on the type and extent of cancer Operations, chemotherapy and Irradiations.
There are other diseases like Osteomalacia, osteoporosis and Herniated discs of the cervical spinein which the cervical spine can be involved. The therapy here is primarily based on the previous illness
Dizziness can also be quite easy Tension and overstretching in the neck muscles be due. These can, for example, have the consequence more static (e.g. for office work) or lack of exercise and stress be. This is often noticeable in everyday life with extreme movements of the cervical spine, for example when the head is overstretched backwards.
Also Neck pain and tension at rest are an indication that the cause of the vertigo lies in the cervical spine.
Here it is advisable to avoid static head positions and the Strengthen the spine with exercises. You can do these exercises alone at home or, if you have very severe symptoms, discuss them with a physiotherapist or physiotherapist. On the one hand, it is Exercises that strengthen and relax the muscles and on the other hand to those who Stretch and relieve the ligaments. Bad posture must be eliminated in everyday life.
Especially in very static working postures, it is advisable to stretch your neck from time to time or to change your sitting posture.
At acute pain in the neck and dizziness warmth do very well. A heat pad can relieve the symptoms for a short time. Working overhead should generally be avoided, especially during a painful phase, so as not to overstretch the neck even more. A suitable neck pillow can also relieve and relax the neck in everyday life.
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In the Examination of the cervical spine the doctor has several options. First of all this is Patient talk very important, in which the symptoms are asked exactly. In the event of an accident, the exact procedure is important. In this way, first suspicious diagnoses can be made. To be able to pinpoint the cause of the dizziness is one Inspection and palpation of the spine essential. Also different Movement tests are important. In this way, the examiner can determine whether, for example, painful tension exists in the patient. Last standing imaging procedures to choose from like that roentgen, MRI and CT. These can accurately depict injuries and damage to the cervical spine and thus enable targeted therapy.
