Cervical spondylosis is a condition involving the wear and tear of cartilage and bone, affecting the joints and discs in the cervical spine. This can lead to compression of nerves and blood vessels in the neck, impacting blood circulation to the brain and resulting in headaches and dizziness.

Master, Doctor Dong Thi Thuy Quynh, from the Department of Musculoskeletal at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, highlights specific characteristics of headaches and dizziness caused by cervical spondylosis.

Radiating pain from the neck to the head typically starts at the back of the neck, spreading along the forehead, around the eyes, temples, and ears. Initially, the pain may be intermittent, but it can progress to become continuous, usually affecting only one side.

Loss of balance, lightheadedness, and dizziness often result from impaired blood circulation to the brain. When cervical disc degeneration occurs, the discs lose water, flatten, and become less elastic. These changes can irritate or compress nerve roots, leading to neck, shoulder, and arm pain.

Degenerated vertebrae can also form bone spurs or misalign, pressing on the vertebral artery. This reduces blood flow to the brain, causing lightheadedness, dizziness, and a loss of balance.

Headaches accompanied by numbness and fatigue in the arms, shoulders, and neck, along with a stiff neck, often present as a crawling sensation from the shoulder down the arm. This typically occurs due to cervical nerve root compression.

Bac si Quynh tu van cho nguoi benh dau dau do thoai hoa dot song co. Anh minh hoa: Benh vien Da khoa Tam Anh

Doctor Quynh notes that individuals experiencing headaches and dizziness due to cervical spondylosis often feel fatigued, struggle with concentration, experience reduced work performance, and are prone to irritability. Patients, especially older adults, face an increased risk of falls and injuries, particularly when standing up, sitting down, or changing positions suddenly.

As degeneration worsens, bone spurs or structural misalignment of the vertebrae can compress the vertebral artery, further reducing blood flow to the brain. This may cause blurred vision, tinnitus, and nerve damage.

Doctor Quynh advises that individuals with persistent headaches and dizziness that do not subside after rest, accompanied by neck and shoulder pain, arm numbness, or muscle weakness, should seek diagnosis at a specialized hospital department for musculoskeletal, neurosurgery, or spine conditions.

Depending on the condition, doctors may prescribe medication, physical therapy, or rehabilitation. Surgery is considered when conservative treatments are ineffective, involving the removal of a herniated disc or bone spurs to decompress nerves and the spinal cord.

Thanh Long