Hello,
for my back- and nekpain i have good provement, but i feel alot dizzy and have lightheadness.
is this normal in the beginning?
thanks for the replay
valerie
Dizziness and Lightheadedness
August 30, 2014 - 1:25am | 9 posts
#1
Dizziness and Lightheadedness
8 hours 36 min ago
09/10/2008 - 8:36pm
There is an effect called the vasovagal response that can happen with profound postural shifts - if it's this, there is no cause for alarm, just proceed gently and it should cease when the brain figures out what is going on.
I would check with a physician to make sure there isn't anything dire going on with your health. Physicians, with their testing, can usually reassure you with authority on this matter - it's a wonderful function they serve.
6 years 7 months ago
08/04/2016 - 9:06am
Dizziness, Straight Necks, and Vascular Compression...
I've had similar symptoms: dizziness, lightheadedness, etc. In the past few weeks I aggressively stretched and reshaped my neck (and I say "aggressively" because I've had resultant pain around my throat). Over the weekend I went to an in-person group Gokhale course and found out that my movements were probable too exaggerated as well.
Sometimes I think I feel dizzy/lightheaded because my center-of-gravity is off or something obviously related to proprioception, but other times, I feel like I get dizzy just from certain neck movements.
If I tilt my head downward now (like how I used to all the time, especially when eating or texting), I sometimes feel a little dizzy and weird. Also, if I rotate my head side to side, same thing happens. It's kind of scary.
Is it possible that with the "new posture" we can't make some of our old movements? Is it possible that enlarged muscles combined with shifted vertebrae can compress against our arteries? Have you seen anyone with similar problems?
13 hours 47 min ago
08/13/2014 - 3:12pm
The neck is a slow changing area and aggressively stretching and reshaping the neck is never a good idea. Both the skeletal structure, the muscles in the area and the nerves need time to adjust. If the correction is too extreme the muscles will tighten in response and will compress the nerves which could result in dizziness.
Dizziness and lightheadedness is a symptom that should be checked out by a physicican as it could be related to blood pressure or issues in the inner ear. If you have checked out OK with your MD, it might be wise to visit an acupuncturist or massage therapist to see if the scalene muscles are very tight. Releasing these could releieve the dizziness.
With your "new posture" you should be able to move your head in any way that you are used to doing it. If anything you should have improved mobility and a feeling of ease that wasn't there before.
Once you have repositioned your head and neck the way we teach, be sure to scan the area and make sure you are using a minimal amount of muscle to hold it in place. I often ask my students to imagine they have a "bobble head" once the neck is lengthened. The muscles that sustain the lengthened position of the neck are deep inside and should not limit mobility. You're looking for a way for the neck to be in the new position, but be relaxed at the same time. If you're unable to relax it, then back off from your position as it may be too extreme. Then try to relax it once again.
2 years 11 months ago
07/23/2021 - 2:33pm
I'm glad I found your comment about the bobble head. I have been using muscles that I shouldn't I think. It's like I've forgotten how to just hold my head up without tension. I am having issues with scalenes.
Is it the longus capitis and longus colli that are being engaged at all times?
Does the trapezius muscle engage as well?
13 hours 47 min ago
08/13/2014 - 3:12pm
I don't know complete the answer as to which muscles are active, but I do know that there should be a sense of balance between the muscles so that the least amount of muscle contraction is involved, hence the bobble head action. Its not that you want to be "bobbing" your head around but you want to avoid a locked feeling and there should be the the potential for the head to move. When speaking there should be slight movements in the head. For another check in, sometimes I make tiny figure "8"s with my nose.
In the Gokhale Method we talk about strengthening longus colli by putting a weight on the head. I find for myself that when I use our weighted cushion, other muscles relax and step out of the posture. Maybe not 100% but definitely less contraction.
As far as trapezius goes, it is involved in extenion of the neck, such as when we look up. With the head in the correct position(slightly angled down) there should be no involvement of trapezius.
Cynthia Rose
Gokhale Methoid teacher
2 years 11 months ago
07/23/2021 - 2:33pm
Thank you so much for your response. I have a Gokhale Method Head Cushion. I use it and I can move freely when I use it. My head looks left and right, slightly up and down and I'm still feeling tension, tightness, dizziness. With and without the cushion. Some days I feel better than others. Is this because the muscles are very weak and cannot handle the workload?
Have you seen this before and if so what was the solution?
13 hours 47 min ago
08/13/2014 - 3:12pm
Your questions are good ones, but it sounds like you would benefit from working with someone in person as each individual student is different. I would recommend contacting a Gokhale Method teacher in your area for a consultation. Online video consultations are also available.You might also benefit from some manual work from a physical therapist or licensed massage therapist.
Cynthia Rose
Gokhale Method Teacher
2 years 11 months ago
07/23/2021 - 2:33pm
Yes, I have looked into this. There is no one in my area. The online consult was minimal help. I would love in person help.
As for the massage, I will skip massages. I have read that stretching a weak muscle will never help, but make it even weaker and tighter. The only way to fix this is to strengthen. Check out MSK Neurology, the owner has some valuable information in his articles on his website about this.
I will continue trying to find information. Thank you for your feedback.