The cervical spine is numbered from C1 to C7 beginning from above. C1 to C7 vertebra in the neck conjointly form the cervical spine. This C1 to C7 supports the neck and is called the Cervical Spine.
Each vertebra of the spine is separated from each other by intervertebral discs. These discs work as shock absorbers and maintain the normal curvature of the spine. These intervertebral discs also enable movements of the spine and gradually degenerate with age as a normal process of wear and tear.
The nerve which innervates out vital organs as well as peripheral parts of the body originate from the spine. This is the reason they are called Nerve Roots.
A pinched nerve in any region of the spine is called Radiculopathy. Hence Cervical Rediculopathy is the term used for pinched nerve in the neck.
Cervical radiculopathy can affect people right from adolescents to adults and old age. Out of all the cervical nerve roots, C6 and C7 nerve root are most commonly affected.
1. In the age group of 20-30 years of age, disc herniation and injury are primary causes for a pinched nerve in the neck. About 20-25% of cases occur due to disc herniation.
2. In older patients,
3. Over lifting, smoking, regular prolonged driving and using heavy vibrating equipment are major risk factors for having a pinched nerve in the neck.
4. Tumors of the spine, synovial cyst and spinal joint infections are less common causes for cervical radiculopathy.
5. Repetitive movements of the neck and overextension, lateral bending and sudden flexion can be major causes of cervical radiculopathy in athletes.
A pinched nerve in the neck can present with the following signs and symptoms. However, location and radiation of symptoms entirely depend upon the nerve root affected.
Another prominent presentation apart from neck pain and tingling numbness is dizziness. Plenty of documented researches prove that a pinched nerve in the neck can cause dizziness.
Dizziness or vertigo is the words used by patients to explain the subjective sensation of their surroundings moving or spinning. Cervical vertigo is a term commonly used for dizziness arising due to structural or functional illnesses or abnormalities of the neck. A pinched nerve in the neck can cause dizziness due to certain movements or postures of the neck.
Whiplash injuries of the neck or head injuries are the most common causes of dizziness in patients having a pinched nerve in the neck.
Nearly 28-50% cases of cervical vertigo occur due to trauma or injuries. Other factors for a pinched nerve in the neck are rare causes for dizziness or vertigo.
[Read – Reasons For Lump on Back of Neck Near Spine]
Dizziness is not a disease in itself. It is a feature of a variety of other clinical conditions other than cervical radiculopathy.
About 40% cases of dizziness are due to vestibular dysfunction, 10% due to central nervous system lesions, 25%due to pre-syncope or disequilibrium and 15% due to psychiatric illnesses and nearly 10% is non-specific dizziness.
If you have dizziness without a pinched nerve in the neck, this list of causes for dizziness may help you understand what may have gone wrong.
Although most causes for dizziness are relatively harmless and easily manageable. Dizziness can occasionally also be a presentation of a more severe disturbance of your economy. For this reason, dizziness, even though transient, should not be over looked. Immediate medical attention should be sought for it.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.
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