Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance. If you experience vertigo, you might feel like you are spinning or that the world around you is spinning. Patients with vertigo typically describe it as feeling like they are also tilting, swaying, or being pulled to one direction. Other symptoms that may accompany vertigo may include feeling nauseated or vomiting, headaches, ringing in the ears or hearing loss, abnormal eye movements.
Our balance system is incredibly complex and allows us to walk around obstacles without thinking. However, it can be challenging to perform daily tasks and activities you enjoy when your balance is affected. If you’ve been feeling dizzy, or you think you may have some of the symptoms of vertigo, call Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physical therapists. We can help you figure out what is causing your vertigo and/or dizziness and, more importantly, how to resolve it!
What is causing your vertigo?
Vertigo is the result of an issue in your inner ear, also known as the “vestibular system.” Your vestibular system helps you maintain your balance and center of gravity by sending messages to your brain regarding your movement. When the vestibular system is impaired, the messages to your brain are altered, and your movement becomes affected. This is when you can feel as if the world is spinning around you, you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods, or you can’t stand or move appropriately without feeling like you’ll topple over. Some common causes of vertigo include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when the tiny calcium crystals located in your ears break apart and move around to different parts of the ear that they are not supposed to be in.
Meniere’s disease. This occurs when fluid builds up in your ear(s). This typically includes ringing sounds in the inner ear and sudden waves of vertigo that may last for hours. You may also experience momentary hearing losses.
Vestibular neuritis. This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
Migraines. Migraines can impact your vestibular system and may be coupled with sensitivities to light or sound or may also impair your vision.
Stroke. A stroke can affect movement in your whole body. If you recently suffered a stroke, you may experience waves of vertigo which may linger for extended periods of time.
How physical therapy can help your balance?
Vertigo can hinder your balance and limit your ability to perform even the simplest of tasks. Luckily, no matter the cause, physical therapy for vertigo can help. At Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers, our therapist has some of the most advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating vertigo, including vestibular rehabilitation. Our physical therapists will perform a proper physical examination and take a thorough medical history to ensure we provide a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. The primary goal of the assessment is to identify the specific cause of your vertigo and use a combination of manual therapy, balance exercises, posture corrections, and education to help you resolve your condition. The most common treatments will focus on:
Reducing vestibular symptoms through specific head and body movements and positions. These movements help restore the calcium deposits to alleviate your dizziness.
Balance exercises and vestibular rehabilitation. Specific balance exercises and particular activities focus on decreasing nerve sensitivity and reducing the effects of vertigo.
Postural education to optimize function. If you believe you may be experiencing vertigo, contact us today. We’ll provide relief for all your symptoms. Physical therapy is essential to identify the correct exercises to relieve dizziness and vertigo to improve balance.
Contact Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers today to get started! 704-780-1558