Cervicogenic Dizziness and the SCM Muscle: How Mobile Physical Therapy Can Help
Dizziness can be caused by various factors, and one cause is cervicogenic dizziness. Cervicogenic dizziness can be a problem with the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, suboccipital muscles, or the spinal joints themselves. The SCM muscle is located in the neck and is responsible for turning the head. When this muscle is strained or overused, it can lead to dizziness and other symptoms, including off balance sensations. As a mobile physical therapist specializing in treating dizziness, I provide effective SCM muscle dizziness treatment in Akron, Ohio and surrounding areas.
What is Cervicogenic Dizziness?
Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of dizziness that originates from the neck. It is caused by a dysfunction in the neck, specifically the cervical spine or the neck muscles. When the neck muscles are strained, stop moving, or overused, it can cause pain, stiffness, and dizziness.
The dizziness experienced from cervicogenic origin is different from vertigo. Patients normally do not experience a sense of spinning, however more of an off balance, disorientation, or disconnected/spacey sensation. This is often accompanied by neck stiffness, loss of range of motion, or headaches. Because head movement also triggers inner ear dizziness, there is an argument that avoiding neck motion to prevent dizziness can actually increase neck tension and cause cervicogenic dizziness.
SCM Muscle and Cervicogenic Dizziness: The SCM muscle is a large muscle that runs from the base of the skull down to the collarbone and breastbone. When this muscle is strained or overused, it can cause cervicogenic dizziness. The dizziness may be accompanied by neck pain, headache, off balance, and nausea.
Read more about treatment options at our Blog: SCM Therapy
SCM Muscle Dizziness Treatment
As a physical therapist specializing in dizziness, we provide customized treatment plans for each of our clients. The treatment for SCM muscle dizziness and cervicogenic dizziness involves a combination of exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques.
Exercises: We will provide you with exercises to strengthen the neck muscles and improve your balance. These exercises may include head and neck stretches, range of motion exercises, balance training, and proprioceptive training exercises like the Joint Position Error Training.
Manual Therapy: We use manual therapy techniques to help release the tension in the SCM muscle and other neck muscles. This may include massage, trigger point release, and myofascial release. In addition, we may use spinal mobilization and manipulation techniques to restore proper joint mobility and alignment.
Joint Mobilizations: Upper cervical spine dysfunction treatment has been found to be quite effective in treating cervicogenic dizziness. Gentle spinal mobilization techniques like Mulligan Snag techniques like the one below can be incorporated in treatment if appropriate.
Mobile Physical Therapy vs. Medicine for Dizziness
While medication may be effective in relieving dizziness, it does not address the underlying cause of the problem. Mobile physical therapy, on the other hand, provides a holistic approach to dizziness treatment. By addressing the root cause of dizziness, mobile physical therapy can provide long-lasting relief without the use of medication.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing SCM muscle dizziness or cervicogenic dizziness in Akron, Ohio, I can help. As a mobile physical therapist specializing in treating dizziness, I provide customized treatment plans that address the root cause of your dizziness and help you regain your balance. Contact me today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a dizziness-free life.
Find vestibular providers through these directories below:
Dizziness Treatment in Akron, Ohio - ChoosePT1st Directory
Physical Therapy for Dizziness in Akron, Ohio -VEDA health care directory
