Cervical vertigo — also referred to as cervicogenic dizziness — is a condition that causes both neck pain and dizziness. Cervical vertigo is associated with certain neck conditions. Cervical vertigo is also associated with cervical spine injuries. In most cases, symptoms do not appear for months or years after the initial injury.

As your cervical spine – or, your neck – plays a critical role in your balance and coordination, it can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, and unsteady when it is inflamed, arthritic, or injured.

Is there a difference between vertigo and cervical vertigo?

The term vertigo refers to the sensation that you are spinning, even when you are not moving. Cervical vertigo is a type of vertigo that is related to an injury or inflammation of the neck.

Who is affected by cervical vertigo?

It is possible for anyone to develop cervical vertigo, but the condition is more common in individuals with the following conditions:

• There has been severe head trauma.

• An arthritic condition of the neck (cervical spondylosis).

• Disk herniation.

• A whiplash injury.