Dizziness, also called Vertigo in medical terminology, is the sensation of a twisting or swaying sensation. One sometimes feels fear and the feeling of fainting. In the medical sense, vertigo is the perception of unreal movements between oneself and the environment (e.g. “Everything revolves around me”).
There are different types of vertigo, which can differ in their causes and character. Among the causes are disorders in the vestibular apparatus (organ of balance) and in the central nervous system. Cardiovascular (concerning heart and vessels) and psychological causes also play a role. One of the main causes of dizziness, which is actually quite common, is a disease of the spine.
Diseases of the cervical spine
The human cervical spine comprises seven vertebrae and is located between the head and the thoracic spine. The first two cervical vertebrae, which are called Atlas and Axis, are a special feature. They differ in their structure from the other vertebrae and, together with the occipital bone of the skull, form the upper and lower cervical joints. These joints are secured by a strong ligamentous apparatus and enable important movements of the head against the spinal column.
Whiplash
The cervical spine is very mobile and can easily be injured. The most common injuries to the cervical spine occur in road traffic in car accidents. Whiplash injuries usually occur here, in which the cervical spine, head, brain and spinal cord are not directly damaged.
In the course of the accident, the cervical spine accelerates and consequently overextends, which after 1 to 3 days can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, headaches or neck pain, gait insecurity and speech disorders. Whiplash is an acceleration trauma of the cervical spine. Usually the whiplash heals without any consequences.
However, it can also lead to a chronification, but symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness and neck pain in the acute phase of whiplash seem to have a negative influence on the prognosis. The dizziness is primarily caused by the abrupt and rapid movement of the head during the accident, but also by hyperextension and tension of the muscles of the cervical spine. The therapy consists of active exercise therapy, physiotherapy and physiotherapy.
Resting postures should be strictly avoided, as they can even worsen the symptoms. For this reason, the original practice of immobilizing the cervical spine with a cervical ruff is no longer used. Painkillers such as Diclofenac and Ibuprofen as well as muscle relaxants are also used to relieve muscle tension. Although whiplash is not a very pleasant affair, it is not a life-threatening injury despite some very unpleasant symptoms.
All articles in this series:
