Tag Archives: neck pain treatment

neck pain, Neck pain Treatment Mississauga, Physiotherapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation, Vestibular Rehabilitation

Cervicogenic Dizziness: Can Physiotherapy Help Vertigo?

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What is cervicogenic dizziness?

Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of vertigo or imbalance that originates from dysfunction in the neck, particularly the cervical spine. Unlike inner ear (vestibular) or neurological dizziness, this form of dizziness is related to how your brain interprets signals from the muscles, joints, and nerves in your neck.

Key characteristics include:

  • A sensation of unsteadiness or disorientation
  • Dizziness triggered by neck movements or poor posture
  • Often accompanied by neck pain, stiffness, or headaches

What causes it?

People who have cervicogenic dizziness will complain about issues with their neck as well.

The upper cervical spine has rich sensory input that communicates with your brain to help control balance and spatial awareness. When there’s an injury (like whiplash), chronic poor posture (like from prolonged screen use and/or desk work), or joint dysfunction, the brain may receive conflicting signals — leading to dizziness.

Common causes include:

  • Whiplash injuries (common from motor vehicle accidents)
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Cervical spondylosis
  • Muscle tension or strain

How does Physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in both diagnosing and treating cervicogenic dizziness. A comprehensive assessment will include a detailed history, postural evaluation, and specific tests to rule out vestibular or neurological causes.

Treatment typically includes:

1. Manual therapy

Gentle joint mobilizations and soft tissue techniques can help restore normal movement and reduce muscle tension in the neck

2. Postural retraining

Improving posture through targeted exercises and ergonomic advice can reduce strain on the cervical spine. This includes things like reducing sedentary time, taking regular breaks from desk work, or adjusting the setup of your work station.

3. Vestibular rehabilitation

In cases where the inner ear also plays a role, vestibular exercises may be incorporated to improve balance and coordination

4. Neck strengthening and mobility exercises

Gradual strengthening and stretching of the neck muscles help support proper function and reduce symptoms over time

5. Education and self-management

Understanding the condition and learning strategies to manage flare-ups empowers our patients and promotes long-term recovery and maintenance

What can I do to manage cervicogenic dizziness at home?

  • Maintain a neutral neck position, especially when using screens
  • Take frequent breaks from sitting to stretch and move
  • Use a supportive pillow that keeps your neck in alignment at night
  • Avoid quick or jerky head movements
  • Practice stress management techniques to reduce muscle tension

Looking for help with dizziness or neck pain?

Look no further than PhysioNow! Our expert Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists, and Manual Osteopaths can help you recover from your problems, whether it is a pain, injury, or other. With 10 locations across the GTA and free parking, we are the right location for you! Book with us today for your first assessment and treatment!

Headaches: Neck Pain, neck pain, Neck pain Treatment Mississauga, Physiotherapy

Cervicogenic Headaches: Is your Headache Coming from Your Neck?

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What is a cervicogenic headache?

Firstly, the term “cervicogenic” means produced by the neck. Thus, cervicogenic headaches arise from structures in the neck. Namely, the upper cervical and atlanto-occipital joints are affected, and the resultant pain is perceived in the head and face. 

The main symptoms of a cervicogenic headache are a combination of unilateral pain (more or isolated pain on one side), and diffuse shoulder and arm pain on the same side of the headache. 

Why do these headaches happen?

A cervicogenic headache is thought to be a referred pain from irritation in cervical structures. Specifically, it is the structures that are supplied by the C1, C2, and C3 nerves. Therefore, any of the structures supplied by the C1–C3 spinal nerves could be the source for a cervicogenic headache. 

Oftentimes, it is hard to pinpoint the exact structure. This may include the joints, disc, ligaments, and musculature. Additionally, the lower cervical spine may play an indirect role in pain production if it is dysfunctional, In fact, this finding is more common in patients with a history of whiplash.

How do we differentiate cervicogenic headaches from other types?

Stiffness and pain in the neck joint and musculature is found in cervicogenic headaches

Cervicogenic headaches usually have a unique set of symptoms and when tested in clinic, have a clear relationship with the neck. If you are interested in other headache types you may find more information at headache.org. The following is the clinical presentation of a cervicogenic headache:

  1. Unilateral dominant headaches, usually start at the back and wrap around to the front
  2. Decreased neck range of motion and reports of stiffness
  3. Headaches are increased by neck movements or certain postures 
  4. Tenderness to the touch on the upper cervical spine 
  5. Weakness in the deep neck flexor musculature
  6. Patients have increased tightness and trigger points in upper trapezius, levator scapulae, scalenes and suboccipital extensors 

It is rare to have other symptoms with cervicogenic headaches like light and noise sensitivity, visual disturbances, or vomiting, which helps to differentiate it from other headache types like a migraine.

How do I treat my headache?

Luckily, Physiotherapy Treatment has been shown to be effective in managing cervicogenic headaches. The following are potential types of treatments and exercises that may be used during a session:

  • Cervical spine manipulation or mobilization
  • Strengthening exercises including deep neck flexors and extensors 
  • Thoracic spine thrust manipulation & exercise 
  • C1-C2 Self-sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG) shown to be effective for reducing cervicogenic headache symptoms
  • Re-education of good posture habits 
  • Trigger point therapy 

Having issues with headache and neck pain?

Look for relief with PhysioNow! With 10 locations across the GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Etobicoke, we have many experienced clinicians ready to help you feel better. Our Registered Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists are all experts at working with headaches and neck pain. Get started with your pain relief journey and book with PhysioNow today!

Motor Vehicle Accidents, neck pain, Neck pain Treatment Mississauga

Whiplash and Car Accidents: What You Should Know

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According to the Ministry of Transportation, 2023 saw a total of 49 106 drivers involved in collisions. Of these thousands, it is estimated that up to 83% of individuals will develop whiplash after a car accident. Unfortunately, this makes whiplash the most common injury developed after a car accident and something Physiotherapists see all the time in practice. If you have had a recent car accident and are experiencing neck pain, read on to find out more about whiplash.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash injuries, also known as Whiplash Associated Disorder or WAD, is an injury of the neck’s soft tissues. The cause is due to a rapid acceleration and/or deceleration movement, exactly like a car accident. For example, some of the tissues that may be affected include the vertebral joints, discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and more. The whiplash movement puts a lot of force through these tissues resulting in a strain, sprain, or tear type of injury.

What does a Whiplash injury feel like?

Sometimes, the symptoms after a car accident may not manifest until a couple hours or even days later. Symptoms may last days, weeks, or even months depending on the severity. The most common signs and symptoms include

  • Difficulty with movements involving the neck
  • Difficulty checking your blind spot
  • Pain and stiffness in the neck
  • Headaches, may be worse on one side
  • Dizziness or disequilibrium
  • Difficulty finding a comfortable position to sleep or difficulty falling asleep due to neck pain

Physiotherapy Treatment for Whiplash injuries

Luckily, treatment exists after a Whiplash Injury. If your injury was sustained from a car accident, Motor Vehicle Accident Rehabilitation with Physiotherapy is the most common form of treatment afterwards. However, no matter the mechanism of injury whether it be a car accident, falls, other traumas, sports injuries or more, Physiotherapy treatment is available. This includes a comprehensive assessment with a Registered Physiotherapist and the development of a personalized treatment plan for your Whiplash injury, and other impairments you may have. Treatments that may be included are:

  • Manual therapy on the neck
  • Therapeutic exercises including stretching and strengthening
  • Retraining neck proprioception
  • Electrotherapy for pain relief
  • Cryo and heat therapy
  • Individualized back to work/sport/activity plan

Your Physiotherapist will work closely with you to treat your pain and bring you relief from your symptoms.

How do I get Physiotherapy Treatment for my Whiplash injury?

Depending on whether your source of injury was a car accident or not, there are several paths available. Anybody is welcome to come into our PhysioNow clinic and a doctor’s note is only necessary if your insurance requires it for reimbursement. It is not necessary to have insurance to have Physiotherapy treatment either, and you may choose to pay out of pocket. Please check our Fees and Financing page for more detailed information.

If you have sustained this injury due to a car accident, then after reporting your accident you should have received a claim number. In this case, your adjustor will usually provide your contact information to the clinic and we will give you a call to set up your first appointment. Additionally, you will be covered under Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance as well as any extended health benefits you may have.

If you’re ready to get started with Neck Pain Treatment and Whiplash Injury Treatment today, look for PhysioNow. We have 10 clinics across the GTA to choose from with free parking, extended hours, and private treatment rooms. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!