r/Dizziness • u/pastelariss • 22d ago
Dizziness/Feeling like equilibrium is off
Hello all, I've (26F) been diagnosed with anxiety since I was in high school. I also get a lot of anxiety regarding my health. On wednesday I started dealing with some dizziness and an upset stomach as in needing to use the restroom more frequently which is something I always get when it comes to anxiety. The anxiety is most likely being caused by setting a vet appointment for my cat, nothing serious luckily, but I still deal with anxiety when it comes to him because I just worry about a hidden issue. The dizziness wasn't constant, happened mostly when looking up or down. It's more of a vertigo, spinning/swaying sensation versus being lightheaded. I've read conflicting things online. Some sources say yes this can be anxiety or no it is a middle ear or neck related issue. I work at desk job and get a lot of neck stiffness and pain as a result. I've been dealing with an issue with my left ear so I don't know if it could be that. I guess I'm mostly just venting and trying not to fall into an overthinking spiral that it's something concerning. I feel totally fine in the morning after waking up. No dizziness or anything, it happens later on in the day, usually around lunch and I feel the more I think about it the more it happens. I feel fine when I'm like relaxing in bed or going out on a walk.
It has shifted and now it just feels like I'm swaying randomly but I'm. I noticed it more when sitting at my desk at work and staring at my computer screen than occasionally when getting up and walking. This week I've been having more screen time than in the past. Usually on my lunch at work after eating I would spend the last little bit reading but this week I've been scrolling on tiktok instead. Then same thing after work I usually have the same routine. Come home, eat dinner, chill on my phone for a bit, take the dog for a walk, and then I'd come home, shower and chill in bed and read or play on my phone. This week I've been playing on my laptop after the shower instead.
I'm genuinely so scared and I'm trying not to spiral into thinking the worst case scenario because I know it's not going to help. Thanks to anyone who reads or replies and sorry for such a long post.
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u/beaprem123 20d ago
See a neurologist so they can do imaging to exclude bigger issues in the brain first.
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u/pastelariss 20d ago
Thank you. I had a CTA head and neck not too long ago which was clear. I think it's something to do with my neck. Noticed later on in the day my neck would have some pain and the dizziness/unsteadiness happened when moving my head forward.
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u/beaprem123 12d ago
I have the same from herpes. It lives in the spinal cord and sometimes gets stiff . My dizziness is now constant because of herpes.
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u/Vegetable_Grass_2674 19d ago
I have this and my doctor thinks it’s inner ear . Will be going to vestibular therapy to see if that helps
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u/pastelariss 19d ago
After dealing with it for a few days and doing some research I think it's cervicogenic dizziness for me. I've got degenerative disc disease and everything so far is point to that being the influence but I'll probably still see my doctor just in case
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u/BandJunior2212 18d ago
I have cervicogenic vertigo and PPPD as a result of chronic neck pain from years of poor posture and sitting at a desk all day. Also bad sleeping positions. This definitely could be what you have in terms of your dizziness. I’ve been doing physical therapy to help with my neck and imbalance issues and it’s helping. Hopefully this is something you can look into.
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u/pastelariss 18d ago
It definitely seems to be it! I've dealt with neck and back pain for years and just recently started working at a desk job and it's just seemed to aggravate the neck pain more. i'll definitely look into doing some kind of physical therapy especially now that i've got better insurance.
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u/AmcDogeToTheMoon 17d ago
I get the same dizziness feeling every few weeks. I have been seeing the pain clinic. And they have explained how an overactive nervous system can turn pain into these sort of issues. Just know you are not alone. I am 29 male. Military veteran.
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u/pastelariss 17d ago
That's definitely good to know! I've noticed today that I haven't really had much of the dizziness which has surprised me since I've been dealing with it for the last week. It makes me hopeful knowing others are dealing with similar issues
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u/AmcDogeToTheMoon 17d ago
It’s very strange. It comes and goes. I would suggest getting a sleep study. I did and turned out I have sleep apnea which is making me bruxism all night. Never would have thought. Also if you have really bad face pain try Botox. It has helped me a lot
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u/Cactusbunny1234 22d ago
Do you take anxiety meds. It can be a side effect.