Can cervical spondylosis cause dizziness?
Aug 24, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Cervical spondylosis can cause dizziness. This condition may lead to degenerative changes in the cervical spine, resulting in dysfunction of the cervical facet joints. Such dysfunction can stimulate the vertebral artery—located within the transverse foramina—causing adverse symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. As a branch of the cerebral arteries, the vertebral artery may undergo reflexive vasoconstriction due to cervical spondylosis, leading to insufficient cerebral blood supply and subsequent dizziness.
Most people in daily life suffer from cervical spondylosis, a serious condition. Can cervical spondylosis cause dizziness?
Can cervical spondylosis cause dizziness?
Yes, cervical spondylosis can cause dizziness. It may manifest with symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. In cervical spondylosis, degenerative changes in the cervical spine may occur, leading to dysfunction of the small cervical facet joints. This can irritate the vertebral artery—passing through the transverse foramina—and trigger dizziness and nausea. As a branch supplying blood to the brain, the vertebral artery may undergo reflexive constriction due to cervical spondylosis, resulting in cerebral hypoperfusion and subsequent dizziness.
Severe cervical spondylosis may impair vertebral artery blood supply, causing dizziness, as well as numbness in the upper limbs, neck and back pain, and upper-limb weakness. In advanced cases, it may even lead to limb rigidity, gait instability, and eventual paralysis. Treatment primarily involves pharmacotherapy, physical exercise, and manual massage. Diagnosis is typically confirmed via X-ray, CT, or MRI imaging. To prevent progression, avoid prolonged desk work or sustained forward head posture in daily life.
Dizziness in patients with cervical spondylosis may result from intervertebral disc herniation, ligament calcification and hyperplasia, or local osteophyte formation—leading to compression of the vertebral artery. Such patients often respond well to medication aimed at alleviating dizziness; most commonly prescribed are oral vasodilators—for example, silibinin (also known as fluosilicic acid hydrochloride), which proves highly effective. We hope this information has been helpful!
