What does Benphysio have to say about Stiff Neck Muscles in relation with Dizziness?

Stiff Neck Muscles in relation with Dizziness and how can Myofascial Release Therapy helps to solve this issue

INTRODUCTION

What is a stiff neck? 

A stiff neck often results from sore muscles due to poor posture, such as spending long hours in front of a computer without proper ergonomic setup or taking frequent breaks. It can also be a symptom of underlying spinal conditions like cervical spondylosis (arthritis affecting the neck), herniated discs, or even more serious issues like meningitis, although the latter is less common.

What is dizziness? 

Dizziness is a disruption in your sense of balance, and it can come in many different forms—as a sensation of unsteadiness, spinning or general disorientation in relation to your surroundings. You may feel lightheaded, nauseated, woozy or like you might faint.(1)

ANATOMY OF NECK

Before we look into the relation of stiff neck muscles to dizziness. We will first look into the anatomy of the neck.

Skeletal                                                Muscles

Arteries                                                        Nerves

CAUSES 

Why do neck muscles become stiff or tight ?

The muscles of the neck can become stiff or tight due to various factors :

1. Muscle Strain and Overuse:

- One common cause of neck muscle stiffness is overuse or strain, often due to repetitive movements or poor ergonomic practices.( 2)

2. Poor Posture:

- Maintaining poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over frequently, can contribute to chronic tension and stiffness in the neck muscles. ( 3)

3. Stress and Tension:

- Psychological stress and emotional tension can cause the muscles in the neck and shoulders to tighten involuntarily, leading to stiffness. (4 )

 Underlying Medical Conditions:

4. Certain medical conditions, such as cervical spine disorders (e.g., arthritis, herniated discs) or fibromyalgia, can also cause chronic muscle tightness and stiffness in the neck.
5. Sleeping Position and Pillow Support:

- Sleeping in an improper position or using a pillow that does not adequately support the neck can strain the muscles and contribute to stiffness.

How can a tight neck muscle cause dizziness?

Tight neck muscles can potentially contribute to dizziness through several mechanisms :

1.  Reduced Blood Flow and Oxygenation:

-  Tight neck muscles can restrict blood flow to the head and brain, which can decrease oxygen delivery to these areas. This reduced oxygenation can lead to symptoms like lightheadedness or dizziness.

2.  Impaired Nerve Function:

-  Tight neck muscles may compress or irritate nerves that travel through or near them. This compression can disrupt nerve signals that are responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation, potentially leading to feelings of dizziness.

3.  Referral Pain and Discomfort:

-   Tight neck muscles can cause referred pain to other areas, including the head and behind the eyes. This referred pain can trigger symptoms that mimic dizziness or vertigo. (10 )

4.  Postural Changes and Vestibular Influence:

-  Chronic tension in neck muscles can alter posture and affect the alignment of structures in the inner ear, which are crucial for balance and equilibrium. This altered posture may contribute to feelings of dizziness.

TREATMENT 

Although there is many treatment for this issue, such as Cold therapy/ice packs that helps relieve most types of neck stiffness by reducing local inflammation , ultrasound, NSAIDs, but in this blog we are seeing how Myofascial release Therapy - hands on skills, can help to reduce the dizziness that caused by stiff neck muscles.

How can Myofascial release solve this problem?

Myofascial release therapy is a type of gentle, constant massage that releases tightness and pain throughout your myofascial tissues. Physiotherapists will locate trigger points, or knots, in your fascial tissues. Then, they’ll gently apply pressure until they feel the tension release. (5)

Myofascial release therapy has many potential benefits. These benefits may include:

1. Pain management: Soreness may be reduced and your tissues may start to recover.

2. Increased movement: The range of motion in your muscles and joints may improve.

3. Improved circulation: Your blood and oxygen may move more efficiently throughout your body.

4. Relaxation: Massage therapy has been shown to help your body relax and loosen knots.

5. Stress management: Tension throughout your body may be released.( 6)

CONCLUSION

Myofascial release therapy addresses dizziness caused by stiff neck muscles by releasing tension, improving blood circulation, normalizing muscle tone, and integrating into comprehensive rehabilitation programs. This holistic approach not only reduces symptoms but also promotes overall musculoskeletal health and functional improvement. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate MFR techniques and treatment plan based on individual needs and conditions.

Created by: Ilaiharasi (Oval Damansara)

References  :

1. Dizzness - Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing ( 27/04/2023 ) https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/tinnitus/dizziness-and-hearing-loss
2. Cleveland Clinic - Muscle strain ( 20023 ) (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/20490-muscle-strain)

3. Harvard Health Publishing. (2022). The importance of good posture. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-good-posture

4.  Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Physical activity reduces stress.from https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/stress/physical-activity-reduces-stress)

5. Myofascial Release: How It Helps Relieve Pain ( 23/10/2022) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-your-body-can-benefit-from-myofascial-release

6. Myofascial Release: How It Relieves Pain – Cleveland Clinic.  reviewed on 08/15/2022 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-your-body-can-benefit-from-myofascial-release/

7. Article - When is a stiff neck  seroius by Richard Staehler, MD, Physiatrist ( 21/03/2017 ) https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/neck-pain/when-stiff-neck-serious

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