Is Manual Therapy Effective for Cervical Dizziness? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Cervical dizziness is a condition characterized by non-vertiginous dizziness and disequilibrium, which are thought to be secondary to neck pain and/or injury. This condition is somewhat controversial, as there is no standardized or widely accepted test for its diagnosis.

The pathophysiology of cervical dizziness is also poorly understood, although it is thought to arise from alterations in the perception of head/body verticality following damage to proprioception in the cervical spine. This change in proprioception gives the central vestibular system conflicting information about stability and an individual’s place in space.

Cervical dizziness is often treated with manual therapy in an attempt to correct underlying damage in the neck. In an interesting study by Corrasco-Uribarren et al., a meta-analysis of nine articles was conducted to analyze the efficacy of manual therapy in the treatment of cervical dizziness. These researchers found measurable improvement in dizziness following manual therapy when compared to a placebo. However, no improvements in neck pain or discomfort were observed.

Reference

Carrasco-Uribarren, A., Ceballos-Laita, L., Pérez-Guillén, S. et al. (2025). Is manual therapy effective for cervical dizziness? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 26, 659. l