Spondylolisthesis & Cervicogenic Dizziness
In Feb. 2025, I had my first episode of vertigo. I tried the Epley maneuver myself, per my Dr but I made it worse, so I went to PT to have it treated. My Dr said it was crystals in my ear. 6 months later, my 2nd episode. Same treatment. My 3rd episodes was different. My cat was rubbing on my face and when she pushed, not hard, my head back I got sooooo dizzy. I did do the pt again.which works, but takes a few days. I went to an ENT a couple weeks ago and he tested me, but because I wasn't having issues, he couldn't confirm it, but he suspects it's more the Cervicogenic Dizziness. He said there is no treatment, but I'm hoping there is! Any suggestions. Oh yeah, I did have a fusion at C5-C6
I also have spondylolisthesis and have had 2 fusions - L5-S1 & L3-L4 but I found out the L4-L5 is a PSEUDOARTHROSIS. I have been living with such awful pain between the neck and back for a long time. The neck more recent. Any help would be soooo appreciated. Thank you.
California
05/07/2026
Hi Debra,
Icing of the neck can help some people to relieve the associated inflammation and pain when used 3 times per day for 3 days in a row. Check with your doctor before using to make sure it will be safe and compatible with all that he is dong or plans to do.
The use of Stopain roll on in combination with melatonin lotion applied to the back of the neck is also worth discussing with your doctor.
I describe how to make melatonin lotion here :
https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/melatonin-lotion.html
This is what Google AI says about topical melatonin lotion and Cervicogenic Dizziness :
- Reduced Inflammation: Melatonin is a strong anti-inflammatory agent. It can inhibit inflammatory markers like NF-κB and NLRP3, which are often involved in chronic pain conditions. Because cervicogenic dizziness can be linked to inflammation in the neck muscles or joints, reducing this inflammation may help alleviate dizziness symptoms.
- Antioxidant Support: Topical melatonin helps neutralize free radicals, which reduces oxidative stress in tissues. This can support tissue health in the neck area.
- Targeted Application: A lotion allows for direct application to the cervical area (neck muscles), potentially providing targeted relief to tissues that are tense, inflamed, or damaged, which may be contributing to the dizziness.
- Vertigo Reduction: Research indicates that melatonin, in general, can help manage vertigo attacks by controlling inflammation.
- Complementary Approach: It is often used as a complementary tool alongside other treatments like physiotherapy, neck exercises, and stress management.
Stopain roll on is available at Walmart and Amazon :
Check with your doctor to make sure they will be safe and compatible with all medications you are taking. This triple combination should offer you significant pain relief and the melatonin lotion is beneficial for cervical spine health with long term application.
If you have arthritis in the neck, you might also consider adding Borax lotion which I describe how to make here :
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/borax-lotion.html
Please keep us posted on how you make out, if the doctor approves these 4 for you.
Art
North Chili, NY
05/07/2026
Thank you for this information. I do ice daily, but not enough. I also do stretches. I'm going to try the melatonin lotion. I have started taking borax orally for the sciatica pain and have gotten relief almost 100% but I'm so much better than I was with the sciatica. I will discuss with my Dr, but honestly, I've done soooo much on my own, cuz I don't think the Drs know what they are doing. I asked them what the difference between Spondylolisthesis and Retrolithesis was and she told me Retrolithesis is a symptom of spondylolisthesis. But it is not. She also said I could do manual decomPression on my lower back for sciatica, but the chiropractor said you can't do manual decompression on an area that's been fused. So, I may just do it myself. I've been dealing with the initial injury since 1993.
