Réhabital
Vertigo Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Vertigo and dizziness are among the trickiest complaints to untangle, because several systems — vestibular, cervical, visual and cardiovascular — can all produce a similar sense of imbalance. Some dizziness stems from an imbalance in the neck's mechanoreceptors after trauma or prolonged muscle tension, while other cases result from displaced crystals in the inner ear. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, our assessment first aims to recognize the clinical pattern at play and direct you to the right care, including a prompt medical referral when red flags are present.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Cervicogenic dizziness is associated with restriction or irritation in the joints and muscles of the upper neck, whose proprioceptive receptors normally contribute to the sense of balance. It typically presents as a feeling of imbalance or light-headedness, rather than true spinning, triggered or worsened by neck movement, often with neck stiffness and sometimes headaches. There is usually no hearing loss or clear nystagmus. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), by contrast, arises from displaced otoconia crystals in a semicircular canal of the inner ear; it is characterized by brief episodes of true spinning, lasting seconds to under a minute, triggered by specific position changes such as rolling over in bed, bending forward, or looking up, with a characteristic nystagmus observable on the Dix-Hallpike test. Other causes of dizziness include Ménière's disease, vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine, orthostatic hypotension, and, more rarely, a central cause (stroke, brainstem involvement) that requires immediate medical evaluation. Distinguishing between these presentations relies on a precise history of triggers, episode duration, the presence of auditory or neurological symptoms, and targeted clinical tests — this is the essential first step before any treatment.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Upper cervical joint restriction
Reduced mobility of the upper cervical vertebrae disrupts the proprioceptive signals sent to the balance system, producing a feeling of imbalance often linked to posture or neck movement.
Displaced crystals in the inner ear (BPPV)
Small calcium carbonate crystals detach and migrate into a semicircular canal, causing a false sensation of internal fluid movement with specific position changes.
Cervical trauma or whiplash
A collision or a sudden movement can irritate the deep joints and muscles of the neck, generating cervicogenic dizziness that sometimes appears several days after the initial trauma.
Chronic muscle tension and prolonged posture
Sustained screen posture or ongoing stress maintains tension in the suboccipital muscles, altering the sensory information transmitted from the neck.
Non-mechanical vestibular or systemic causes
Ménière's disease, vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine, or low blood pressure can also cause dizziness; these conditions require medical evaluation and are not addressed by manual therapy alone.
Our Treatment Approach
Our assessment begins with a detailed history of triggers, duration and type of sensation (true spinning versus imbalance), followed by an examination of cervical mobility, palpation of the suboccipital tissues and, when relevant, the Dix-Hallpike test to distinguish BPPV from a cervical source. When neurological red flags are present, we refer immediately to a physician or a vestibular specialist to rule out a central cause. When the presentation is consistent with a cervical origin, osteopathy, with Shahram Ghasemi, aims to restore mobility of the upper cervical joints and release the fascial and muscular tension around the suboccipital region that disrupts cervical proprioception. Physiotherapy, with Colin Teghen Tamuton, complements this with cervical proprioceptive re-education exercises, progressive postural strengthening and, if BPPV is identified, guidance toward the appropriate repositioning maneuver. Massage therapy can relieve the chronic neck muscle tension that often accompanies these presentations.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first visit lasts about 60 minutes and includes a detailed history of your episodes, a postural and cervical examination, and specific tests to guide the diagnosis. You leave with a clear explanation of the likely source of your symptoms, a management plan, or an appropriate referral if needed.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Track the duration, triggers and frequency of your dizziness episodes.
- Avoid sudden head movements during an acute episode.
- Rise slowly from bed or after sitting for a long time.
- Reduce prolonged screen time with the head tilted down.
- Stay well hydrated, especially if low blood pressure is a factor.
- Practice gentle cervical mobility exercises between episodes.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Cervicogenic dizziness generally improves within a few weeks once cervical mobility and muscle tension are properly addressed. BPPV often responds very quickly, sometimes in a single session, to an appropriate repositioning maneuver performed by the right professional. Follow-up is recommended if symptoms recur or change.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come see us if your dizziness is linked to neck tension or stiffness and develops gradually. Seek immediate medical or emergency care for sudden vertigo with double vision, slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, an unusually severe headache, or sudden hearing loss, as these can signal a serious central cause.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our team takes the time to distinguish cervical from vestibular causes before treating, avoiding ineffective generic approaches. We work alongside physicians and vestibular specialists when needed.
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Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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