Use of Translatoric Mobilization in a Patient with Cervicogenic Dizziness and Motion Restriction: A Case Report

Abstract

Some physical therapists consider the report of dizziness at end-range cervical extension when coupled with side-bending and rotation to the same side (coupled lower cervical rotation in extension) to be a positive sign of vertebral artery compromise. However, degenerative changes and associated movement abnormalities in cervical motion segments may also produce dizziness. The use of mid-line translatoric joint mobilization in the presence of limited active cervical motion that is accompanied by dizziness during cervical extension, rotation, and coupled rotation in extension has not been addressed in the current literature. This case report describes the examination, evaluation, diagnosis, intervention, and outcomes for a 64-year-old woman who presented with limited cervical mobility and the complaint of dizziness during performance of these movements. Examination included a clinical differentiation process to determine the cause of the movement-related dizziness. Examination findings included increased translatoric joint play, tenderness, and reproduction of dizziness at the C4-C6 segments and decreased translatoric joint play at the C1-C4 and C7-T4 motion segments. Intervention included movement re-education and application of translatoric joint mobilization to the hypomobile segments. After 8 visits, there was complete resolution of dizziness during all active cervical movements and improved cervical mobility, as documented with the CROM. This case report demonstrates that clinical symptoms consistent with cervicogenic dizziness and limited cervical mobility may be treated safely and effectively using translatoric joint mobilization techniques. Confirmatory diagnostic ultrasound analysis of the vertebral artery revealed no compromise in flow velocity during the application of these translatoric mobilization techniques.