People who experience vertigo typically report an overwhelming sensation of feeling “off balance.” It can make someone feel dizzy, which can lead to nausea, tunnel vision, or even fainting spells.
Imagine standing still and feeling as if the rest of the world is spinning around you – remember those fun-houses with the uneven floors you used to go in as a kid? That’s essentially what vertigo feels like. But what exactly causes it?
Vertigo is typically a response to a physiological factor that is causing a literal imbalance in your body. Those experiencing vertigo have reported feeling as if they are “rocking” or “spinning,” even when they are sitting still.
If you believe you may be experiencing the symptoms of vertigo, don’t hesitate to contact us today to speak with one of our experienced physical therapists in Fremont, NE and let us help you figure out what is causing your problem and how to resolve it.
Am I experiencing vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly caused by an imbalance in the 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 this is impaired, the necessary messages become blocked from your brain, and your movement becomes affected.
You may feel as if the world is spinning around you, you can’t focus your vision for prolonged periods of time, or you can’t stand/move properly without feeling like you are going to topple over. Some common causes of vertigo include:
Meniere’s disease
This occurs when fluid builds up in your ear(s). This typically includes “ringing” in your ear and sudden waves of intense dizziness that may last for hours. You may also experience momentary hearing losses.
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, where they are not supposed to be. This can cause sudden spinning sensations (vertigo) and inner-ear discomfort.
Migraines
Migraines can impact your vestibular system, thus causing episodes of vertigo which may be coupled with a sensitivity to light or sound. Vision may also be impaired.
Stroke
A stroke affects 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.
Vestibular neuritis
This is an inner-ear infection that can cause vertigo.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be living with vertigo:
- Double vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Inability to focus or remain alert
- Difficulty seeing or speaking
- Arm or leg weakness
- Abnormal eye movements
- Sweating
How can physical therapy help?
Physical therapy is a standard treatment for vertigo, and our therapists are trained to help alleviate any dizzying, lightheaded, or physically unstable symptoms you may be experiencing.
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 dizziness and use a combination of manual therapy, balance exercises therapy, 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 that 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 of your symptoms.
Call our clinic today
Diagnosing the root cause of vertigo is found with physical therapy. Our expert physical therapists in Fremont, NE have the knowledge needed to identify and treat the source of a patient’s dizziness problems. Contact Nebraska Orthopaedic Physical Therapy today to request an appointment and learn what steps you can take to alleviate your dizziness and prevent further episodes!