Experiencing Chronic Dizziness and Other Symptoms Since December 2023 — Musculoskeletal Considerations?
Hello everyone, I'm seeking some advice and insights regarding my health situation. I am a 34-year-old female, measuring 5 feet tall and weighing 112 pounds, and I do not smoke or consume alcohol. My troubles began abruptly in December 2023 when I found myself in a situation at work—being a data scientist, I frequently work at a computer. That particular week was quite demanding, necessitating 12-hour shifts to support my team, which contributed to elevated stress levels. It was in the serene environment of a computer lab that I unexpectedly experienced a loss of hearing in my right ear, adding to my anxiety. Later that night, I sought help at an urgent care facility. Their examination didn’t reveal any significant issues; they merely indicated a possible accumulation of fluid behind my ears. The following day brought with it severe vertigo, making it difficult for me to drive safely. I decided to visit the emergency room, where I was treated with dexamethasone, and thankfully, my hearing improved almost instantly. However, the provider warned that this relief might be temporary, and indeed, after three days, the muffled hearing and dizziness returned. I consulted with an ENT specialist, who started me on a Medrol dose pack, which alleviated my symptoms slightly, but I had to discontinue it after a few days. We then attempted a course of prednisone; unfortunately, it proved ineffective, leading to another early termination of that regimen. I have since been consistently using Flonase with little noticeable change. The ENT conducted several vestibular function tests, revealing that I barely failed one of them. Considering my symptoms, he recommended a low sodium diet as a precaution against early Ménière’s disease, but I did not observe any improvements. In fact, I fared better when I spent increased time outdoors in sunlight. Since December, my ongoing symptoms have included: - Constant feelings of dizziness—not spinning, but a sense of imbalance and mental fog. - Frequent migraines, often accompanied by pain or pressure behind my right eye. - Persistent tightness in my right shoulder, upper back, and neck, which I have dealt with for several years. - Intermittent numbness in the outer part of my right hand. - Alternating states of muffled hearing in my right ear. - Variations in my symptoms linked to stress, poor posture, and inadequate sleep. Most recently, I visited the ER due to an uncontrollable migraine that over-the-counter medications couldn't alleviate. I was treated with a migraine cocktail, providing temporary relief, but I again felt pressure behind my right eye the next morning, alongside sporadic pain throughout the day. Since then, I have felt on edge, as if another migraine could occur at any moment, compelling me to pay close attention to my posture. I attended my first physical therapy session today, where the therapist identified significant tightness in my suboccipital muscles and upper trapezius on the right side. She suspected that one of my upper cervical vertebrae, possibly C2, might be misaligned and pressing on nerves, which could be a factor in my ongoing symptoms. She aims to assist me in retraining those muscles to maintain proper alignment. For many years, I have been storing tension in my shoulders and upper back, and I am finally taking steps to confront this issue. However, I am uncertain of the next steps. My primary care provider has not been particularly responsive—she prescribed sumatriptan but has not since followed up with me. I've never utilized a chiropractor and feel hesitant about that approach. The earliest I can see a local DO is mid-July, but I am willing to travel if needed. I have a few questions I hope to explore: 1. What type of specialist should I consult for a thorough evaluation and treatment? Should I consider a DO, a neurologist, or someone focusing on cervicogenic dizziness or upper cervical conditions? 2. Can a misalignment in the cervical spine genuinely lead to such a broad range of symptoms? 3. Besides physical therapy, what other actions can I take to facilitate my healing and return to normalcy? I am open to any and all suggestions, as my goal is to understand the underlying causes of my issues and find a pathway to recovery. Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Your input is greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 1:10:48 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your comprehensive health story. It sounds like you've been dealing with a complex set of symptoms that have significantly impacted your life, and I appreciate your proactive approach to seeking help. Here are the main points to consider:
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Consult a Specialist: Seeing a neurologist can be beneficial to evaluate the neurological symptoms, such as migraines and dizziness. Additionally, a physical medicine specialist or an osteopathic physician (DO) could provide insights on musculoskeletal issues and their relation to your symptoms. Since cervical misalignment can potentially cause a variety of symptoms, a specialist in this area may also be useful.
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Cervical Spine Misalignment Impact: Misalignment in the cervical spine can indeed lead to a range of symptoms, including neck pain, headaches, dizziness, and neurological symptoms like numbness. The tightness you've described may contribute to headaches and discomfort, and it's commendable that you’re undergoing physical therapy to address this.
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Self-Care and Supportive Actions: Aside from physical therapy, here are some prioritized steps you can take to support your recovery:
- Posture Correction: Focus on maintaining good posture, especially while working at your computer. Use ergonomic supports (like a lumbar roll for your chair) to reduce strain.
- Regular Movement Breaks: Take breaks to stretch and move every hour to relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.
- Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga can help manage stress that may be exacerbating your symptoms.
- Hydration and Diet: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and consider a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, which can support overall health.
- Track Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to identify patterns related to your migraines, dizziness, and other symptoms. This can help you make connections to triggers, such as stress or posture, and provide valuable information to your healthcare providers.
- Sleep Hygiene: Prioritize sleep by establishing a relaxing bedtime routine and ensuring you are getting quality sleep, as lack of sleep can aggravate migraines and dizziness.
Your journey is understandably challenging, but by addressing these aspects, you can create a supportive environment for your healing. I encourage you to continue seeking care and remain in tune with your body and its needs. If you have any more questions or specific concerns, feel free to ask.
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