Can a Pinched Nerve in the Neck or Back Cause Dizziness?

Understanding Pinched Nerves and Dizziness

Experiencing dizziness along with symptoms like pain, numbness, and tingling can be caused by a pinched nerve in some cases. Pinched nerves occur when surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles, or tendons, put pressure on a nerve. This pressure irritates the nerve and leads to the characteristic symptoms.

What is a Pinched Nerve?

Nerves act as messengers between the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. They carry electrochemical signals back and forth. Nerves that get compressed or irritated by surrounding structures are known as pinched nerves.

Some of the most common places for a pinched nerve to occur include:

• In the spine, when a vertebra, disc, or other structure puts pressure on a nerve extending from the spinal cord
• In the wrist, when a nerve gets compressed within the carpal tunnel
• In the elbow, when tissues surround the funny bone put pressure on the ulnar nerve

Common Pinched Nerve Symptoms

The symptoms of a pinched nerve depend on the location, but frequently include:

• Sharp, shooting, burning or tingling pain
• Numbness or weakness in the distribution of the affected nerve
• Muscle cramps or spasms

In many cases, moving or positioning the limb in a certain way makes the symptoms better or worse. So symptoms may come and go.

Can a Pinched Nerve Cause Dizziness?

Dizziness refers to sensations of lightheadedness, feeling faint, feeling off balance, vertigo (spinning sensation), or unsteadiness. Dizziness can sometimes occur if a nerve in the upper neck/head region gets pinched.

For example, the vertebral arteries run through the transverse foramina (openings) of the cervical vertebrae in the neck. If nerves associated with these arteries get compressed due to injury, arthritis, or disk issues, it interrupts blood flow. This can trigger dizziness along with other characteristic symptoms like:

• Headaches
• Visual changes
• Ringing in the ears
• Poor coordination or balance

Pinched Nerve vs Other Causes of Dizziness

There are various neurological and cardiovascular conditions that can also lead to dizziness, so getting an accurate diagnosis is important.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurs when calcium carbonate particles collect in the inner ear canals. Moving the head in certain directions causes dizziness and vertigo spells.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is inflammation in the inner ear causing dizziness along with hearing changes and ear pain/pressure. It usually occurs due to viral infections.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease stems from abnormally high inner ear fluid pressure. Attacks cause severe vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and nausea/vomiting.

Heart Rhythm Disorders

Abnormal heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation can induce dizziness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.

Getting Properly Diagnosed

To determine whether a pinched nerve is responsible for your dizziness, your physician will start with a detailed history and physical exam. They will check your coordination, balance, muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory function.

If a pinched nerve seems likely based on your symptoms, they may order imaging tests like:

• Spinal X-rays to assess bone alignment
• MRI scans to look at spinal cord, discs, nerves, etc.
• CT scans
• Electromyography to analyze nerve electrical signals

Bloodwork and cardiac testing may also be undertaken to rule out other causes. In some cases, referral to a neurologist or ENT specialist for specialized testing may be needed as well.

Important Related Questions

Some frequently asked questions related to pinched nerves and dizziness include:

1. What’s the difference between vertigo and lightheadedness? Vertigo causes a perceived spinning sensation, while lightheadedness induces duller sensations of nearly fainting or head “swimming".
2. Can neck arthritis cause vertigo? Yes, cervical spine arthritis or compressed vertebrae can pinch nerves leading to vertigo and dizziness.
3. Can anxiety cause vertigo? Yes, anxiety activates the sympathetic “fight-or-flight” response which causes sensations mimicking vertigo.

Treating a Pinched Nerve

To alleviate compressions on nerves causing dizziness, common treatments include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to re-align the spine
• Physical therapy exercises to decompress nerves and strengthen muscles
• Prescription anti-inflammatory medications
• Ultrasound therapy
• Surgery in severe pinched nerve cases

The specific approach depends on the nerve location and severity. Lifestyle measures like weight loss, proper posture, and using ergonomic equipment also helps take pressure off compressed nerves.

Preventing Pinched Nerve Reoccurrence

Some ways to potentially prevent future pinched nerves include:

• Stretching and core exercises to improve posture
• Massage to relax muscles putting nerve pressure
• Braces or straps to stabilize vulnerable joints
• Avoiding repetitive forceful motions
• Taking occasional movement breaks if deskbound

Implementing healthy spine habits early helps mitigate compression issues down the road. Listening to your body and addressing symptoms promptly aids recovery as well.

The Bottom Line

Dizziness related to pinched nerves results from nerve signal interruption. Susceptible nerves are in the cervical spine or base of the skull near blood vessel passages. Getting properly diagnosed via neurological exams and imaging can confirm a compressive issue versus other causes of dizziness. Treating the underlying nerve irritation with modalities like adjustments, therapy, medication, or sometimes surgery can diminish distressing vertigo and unsteadiness episodes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.