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...
A Case of Arm Numbness Improved Through Integrated Upper Cervical Care by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul A patient in their 30s had been suffering from persistent numbness extending from the neck down to the left arm for about four years . The symptoms worsened in daily situations such as: tilting the head backward, bending forward and straining in the bathroom, or simply standing for a while. These limitations caused a significant decline in the patient’s quality of life. Although an MRI of the cervical spine did not show severe findings, the patient reported little to no improvement despite receiving various treatments at multiple clinics . They were eventually referred to our clinic by another patient. Our Treatment Approach We focused on the Craniocervical Mandibular Complex (the functional relationship between the upper cervical spine, cranial base, and temporomandibular joint) . Imbalances in this area can contribute to nerve ir...
Cervicogenic Dizziness and the Cranio-Cervical-Mandibular Complex by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul 1. What is Cervicogenic Dizziness? Cervicogenic dizziness refers to dizziness or imbalance that originates from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine (C0–C2) . When the muscles and joints of the neck send distorted signals to the brain, the delicate balance between the vestibular system, vision, and proprioception is disturbed. Patients may experience dizziness, unsteadiness, headaches, or neck stiffness. 2. The Cranio-Cervical-Mandibular Complex Recent clinical insights show that the head, upper cervical spine, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) work together as one functional unit, called the Cranio-Cervical-Mandibular Complex (CCMC) . Anatomical connections : The suboccipital muscles connect to the dura (the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord). The jaw muscles and the cervical spine also share muscular and fascial continuity. ...
How Do We Diagnose Cervicogenic Dizziness? by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul Dizziness can come from many different causes. Some cases are related to the inner ear (such as BPPV or Ménière’s disease), others to the brain (like stroke or cerebellar disorders). Dizziness may also occur due to general health conditions such as anemia, low blood pressure, heart rhythm problems, or even side effects of certain medications. Among these, cervicogenic dizziness —dizziness related to the neck—requires special attention. The joints, muscles, and nerves in the cervical spine are closely connected with the body’s balance system. When they are strained or not functioning well, they can send abnormal signals and trigger dizziness. Why It Is an “Exclusion Diagnosis” Unlike some other conditions, cervicogenic dizziness does not have a single test that confirms it. Instead, doctors follow a careful process of ruling out other possible causes first : Ruling o...
Why Upper Cervical Syndrome Is Difficult to Treat with Conventional Medicine — and Our Approach by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul The upper cervical spine, especially the atlas (C1) and axis (C2) , is the most delicate part of the spinal column. This area connects the brain and the body, houses vital neural pathways, and influences balance, posture, and even organ function. Despite its importance, conventional medicine often struggles to treat conditions that arise from dysfunction in this region. 1. Structural Complexity and Subtle Movements Unlike other vertebrae, the upper cervical spine has no intervertebral disc and relies solely on small joints and ligaments for stability. Even a slight misalignment can create significant symptoms, but routine imaging such as X-ray, CT, or MRI often fails to capture these subtle imbalances. As a result, there is frequently a mismatch between what the patient feels and what conventional imaging shows. 2. Wi...
The Link Between Neck, Jaw, and Headaches/Dizziness by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul — The Cervico–Cranial–Mandibular Disorders (CCMD) Concept Our body may seem to work in separate parts, but in reality, everything is closely connected. In particular, the upper cervical spine, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and the skull (cranium) move and function together like a team. This integrated unit is often referred to as the occiput–cervical–mandibular complex , and in academic literature, the term CCMD (Cervico–Cranial–Mandibular Disorders) has been used to describe related dysfunctions. What is CCMD? Cervico (cervical spine): The neck vertebrae, especially the upper cervical region (C0–C2) that connects with the skull. Cranial (cranium): The skull and related neural structures. Mandibular (mandible, jaw): The TMJ, essential for chewing, speaking, and overall jaw movement. These areas are not only close anatomically but are also c...
PDRN Injections for Joint and Tendon Pain Management by Son’s Rehabilitation Medicine & Chiropractic Clinic in Seoul What is PDRN? PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is a compound derived from purified DNA fragments, originally extracted from salmon. It has been studied for its potential to support the body’s natural healing process , and is increasingly used as an adjunctive treatment in musculoskeletal conditions such as joint pain, tendon problems, and shoulder injuries. How Does It Work? Research suggests that PDRN may work through several mechanisms: Anti-inflammatory effects It may reduce pro-inflammatory substances while increasing anti-inflammatory mediators, helping to calm swelling and discomfort in affected tissues. Tissue repair and regeneration By stimulating cell activity and collagen production, PDRN may encourage the repair of tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Improved local circulation PDRN has been reported to enhance microcirculat...