Cervicogenic Dizziness vs Other Types of Dizziness

by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul

Dizziness is a very common complaint, but the cause can vary greatly.
In general, it can be divided into peripheral dizziness, central dizziness, and cervicogenic dizziness, which is the main focus of my clinical practice.

🌀 Peripheral Dizziness

  • Cause: Problems in the inner ear (vestibular system)

  • Examples: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Vestibular Neuritis, Meniere’s Disease

  • Features: Spinning vertigo, triggered by head movements, sometimes with tinnitus or hearing loss

  • Specialty: Usually treated in ENT (Otolaryngology) clinics

🧠 Central Dizziness

  • Cause: Problems in the brain (especially cerebellum and brainstem)

  • Examples: Cerebellar stroke, brainstem lesions, multiple sclerosis

  • Features: Vertical or direction-changing nystagmus, often accompanied by neurological symptoms such as slurred speech, imbalance, double vision

  • Specialty: Managed by Neurology or Neurosurgery departments

🌿 Cervicogenic Dizziness (My Area of Focus)

  • Cause: Imbalance or dysfunction of the upper cervical spine (C0–C2), muscle tension, or neural irritation

  • Features:

    • Not a true “spinning vertigo,” but more like lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or difficulty maintaining balance

    • Often associated with neck stiffness, shoulder tension, or jaw problems

    • May be accompanied by headache and fatigue

  • Treatment in my clinic:

    • Upper cervical chiropractic adjustment: Corrects cervical imbalance and stabilizes sensory input

    • Myofascial release therapy: Relieves tension in neck, occipital, and jaw muscles, improving blood flow and nerve function

    • IMS and injection therapy: Reduces inflammation and muscle spasm around the cervical nerves

👉 At Son Cheol-Ho Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic, I especially focus on the cranio-cervical-mandibular complex (the functional connection between the skull, cervical spine, and jaw). By restoring balance here, many patients experience relief not only from dizziness but also from related musculoskeletal complaints.

✅ Summary

  • Peripheral dizziness → Inner ear problem → ENT specialty

  • Central dizziness → Brain/neurological problem → Neurology/Neurosurgery

  • Cervicogenic dizziness → Neck-related problem → Rehabilitation Medicine / Chiropractic approach

Accurate diagnosis is essential.
If your dizziness is related to the cervical spine, upper cervical adjustment, myofascial release, IMS, and injection therapy may help restore balance and improve your quality of life.

👍Consultation and Appointment Information

Son PMR & Chiropractic Clinic( 2nd floor, 229-1 Gucheonmyun-Ro, Gangdongu, Seoul, South Korea) 

by  Dr Son MD & DC 
Contact: 02-482-8875 in Seoul( +82-2-482-8875)

chson@daum.net

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