Cervical Spine Issues and Their Connection to Dizziness and Nausea

Yes, problems with the cervical spine can indeed lead to symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Cervical spondylosis, or cervical spine degeneration, is a common condition typically associated with aging. While it predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, modern lifestyle habits—such as frequent use of mobile phones and computers, prolonged driving, desk work, and data entry—have contributed to a growing number of younger patients being diagnosed with cervical spine issues.

Types of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spine disorders can be classified into several types based on their underlying causes. These include radiculopathy (nerve root type), myelopathy (spinal cord type), vertebral artery type, and sympathetic type cervical spondylosis. Each type presents with different symptoms depending on the affected structures and nerve pathways.

Common Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

The most common symptoms include neck and shoulder pain, discomfort radiating to the arms, weakness in the legs, a sensation of walking on cotton, and a tight band-like feeling around the chest or abdomen. These symptoms are often the result of pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord due to degenerative changes or disc herniation.

Sympathetic Cervical Spondylosis and Its Effects

When cervical disc herniation affects the sympathetic nerve endings around the vertebrae, it can lead to either overactivity or suppression of the sympathetic nervous system. This can manifest as dizziness, headaches, nausea, vomiting, dry eyes, blurred vision, chest tightness, shortness of breath, palpitations, arrhythmias, and excessive sweating. These symptoms can significantly impact a person's quality of life and should not be ignored.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

To confirm a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI are typically recommended. These tests allow doctors to visualize the spinal structures and identify any abnormalities such as disc degeneration, herniation, or nerve compression. In most cases, conservative treatments—including physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications—are effective in managing symptoms and improving function.