Neck compression and lightheadedness

[Joanne1982]

I have had chronic back and neck pain for 5 years, had a basilar migraine, trapped nerves in my neck and back and now my neck feels compressed. It hasn't been diagnosed and i am worried as to what it could be. I think it may be compressed neck arteries which make me lightheaded and dizzy. Any ideas? I am currently seeing a chiropractor who works wonders for the back and neck pain, but the lightheadedness remains.

[Joanne1982]

Thanks again!

I will see a neurologist hopefully this week and get the scans done after that. I'll keep you posted.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Compression of the veins of the neck can cause lightheadedness because the blood supply to the brain is compromised.Other reasons can be cervical spondolysis and vertebrobasilar insufficiency.I feel that MRI neck and MRA(magnetic resonance angiography) can confirm if there is any compression of the neck veins.

Apart from these,the other causes of lightheadedness are hypoglycemia,orthostatic hypotension,TIA,impending stroke,inner ear diseases,meniere’s disease, endocrine disorders like thyroid, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland disorders and carotid sinus syndrome.Pls discuss these possibilities with a neurologist and get yourself thoroughly examined.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing.