Could neck tension be causing my dizzy spells and visual symptoms?

[Jade313]

Have I just figured out what’s wrong with me ? So for a good few months I’d been experiencing some on and off dizzy spells that typically would only last about 10-15 minutes. I would see zigzag lines in my vision along with feeling a bit rubbish afterwards. A GP mentioned possible ocular migraines and I’m still yet to see neurologist however I have been suffering with some neck discomfort especially upper neck. It’s pretty tender and when pushing around my upper neck earlier I then had the sudden dizzy spell come on ! So now I’m sat here wondering if my neck is actually the culprit ? There is a lot of tension in neck and shoulders!
anyone else experienced this before ?

Absolutely! I know nearly all my migraines are neck related. Tension in my neck often causes vestibular migraines either dizziness. I think using my phone is the main culprit as my head hangs forward 😬

The zig zagging is classic for a migraine aura, but dizziness can be cause by neck issues yes. Seeing an osteopath might help.

@LilacLemur I’m also guilty of doing this while using my phone ! But I’m also a contracted cleaner doing deep cleans so I suspect this is also adding to it and adding a lot of strain and tension in those areas.
@MabelAnderson thank you , I’ll mention that to my GP

My neck issues caused horrific migraines. I had to get a cervical vertebrae support pillow and that has mostly solved it. I think they are also called butterfly pillows? It has a neck support area and a dip in the middle for my head. Literally improved me no end.

My neck pain are a sympton of my migraines. They do not cause my migraines but I get them as a sympton of migraines. Neck pain is a pretty common migraine sympton.

neck pain migraines

Op you issues sound like classic migraine

Neck pain for my migraine is actually a symptom, not the cause.

I spent years chasing relief - pain killers, physical therapies, acupuncture, pillows, mattress, exercise, rest.... The cure turned out to be getting my migraine under control and Botox in my neck and shoulders.

I only get the neck pain now as a symptom, not a constant background pain.

@All so just wanted to let you know that yes this was diagnosed as ocular migraines after seeing a neurologist today , the pattern of visual disturbance followed by auras and grogginess afterwards is the classic symptoms. They can come and go throughout life but are nothing to be worried about Glad to finally get some answers :)

I have neck and shoulder tension and pain and am just recovering from Tuesday’s migraine with aura. Have dizzy spells that I put down to my first pair of varifocals, which don’t fit very well (new glasses on the way, hope that will help).

I’ve had the neck problems from teenage years, like a constant low-key clutching at the back of my neck and top of shoulders, not caused (or improved lol) by phone use. I can relax when I’m aware but not for long. Have used every pillow in existence, recently went back to a rolled up towel to reset.

Recently saw a physio for my neck and did the exercises for a month and saw no improvement. I’m hyperflexible, is that an issue for you too?

Do you have a treatment plan?

Could be two separate issues, migraines and neck issues. Look up cervicogenic headaches and see if any symptoms apply to you.