Understanding Vertigo
Vertigo is a distressing symptom characterized by a false sensation of spinning or movement, either of oneself or the surrounding environment. Often mistaken for general dizziness, vertigo is more intense, causing significant balance disruption that can interfere with daily activities like walking, driving, or standing. Symptoms may last from seconds to days, accompanied by nausea, unsteadiness, or difficulty focusing. At Elite Performance Therapy, we specialize in identifying and treating the underlying causes of vertigo to restore balance and improve quality of life.
What Triggers Vertigo?
Vertigo is not a condition but a symptom arising from disruptions in the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear and brain regions controlling balance and eye movements. The most common cause is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), where tiny calcium crystals dislodge and float into the semicircular canals, triggering vertigo with head position changes. Other causes include:
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often viral, causing prolonged vertigo.
- Labyrinthitis: Inner ear inflammation affecting both balance and hearing.
- Ménière’s Disease: A rare condition involving fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Vertigo as a migraine symptom, with or without headache.
- Cervicogenic Dizziness: Neck muscle or joint dysfunction affecting balance signals.
- Head Trauma or Concussion: Injuries disrupting vestibular function.
Vertigo may also stem from medications, stress-induced muscle tension, or, rarely, neurological issues. Identifying the precise cause is critical for effective treatment, as approaches vary significantly.
Initial Steps for Relief
Vertigo episodes can be disorienting and frightening. Immediate self-care strategies include:
- Rest in a Quiet Space: Lie still in a dark, quiet room to reduce the spinning sensation.
- Move Slowly: Avoid rapid head movements or sudden position changes.
- Hydration and Rest: Dehydration or fatigue can worsen symptoms.
- Avoid Triggers: Refrain from activities like bending over or looking up until symptoms subside.
If vertigo persists, recurs, or is accompanied by symptoms like hearing loss, severe headache, or difficulty speaking, seek professional evaluation promptly. Sports therapists at Elite Performance Therapy can assess vertigo without a referral, offering tailored interventions to address the root cause.
Treatment Approaches
At Elite Performance Therapy, our accredited therapists provide personalized care to manage vertigo and its associated symptoms. Treatment plans are designed to address both the primary causes and secondary effects of vertigo, promoting holistic recovery. Approaches may include:
- Sports Massage: While not a direct treatment for vertigo itself, sports massage can be beneficial for individuals experiencing vertigo by addressing underlying issues like muscle tension and pain that can contribute to or exacerbate symptoms.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage targeting neck and shoulder muscles relieves tension that may contribute to cervicogenic dizziness or secondary symptoms like headaches.
- Medical Acupuncture (Dry Needling): Applied to specific points (e.g., neck, head, or feet), acupuncture reduces muscle stiffness and associated pain, enhancing balance recovery.
- Balance and Proprioceptive Training: Exercises to improve coordination and reduce fall risk, especially for older adults or those with persistent unsteadiness.
For patients with secondary symptoms—such as neck pain, fatigue, or muscle stiffness from altered movement patterns—here at Elite Performance Therapy we address these to support comprehensive recovery. Low-impact activities like walking or yoga may be recommended to maintain fitness during treatment. In rare cases, such as Ménière’s Disease or post-surgical complications, referral to a specialist for further medical management may be advised.
Sports therapy focuses on alleviating discomfort and improving function through non-invasive techniques. We work closely with patients to ensure treatments are comfortable and effective, adjusting approaches based on individual needs and progress. For example, addressing muscle tension in the neck or shoulders can significantly reduce symptoms like cervicogenic dizziness, which often accompanies vertigo. By combining targeted therapies, we help patients regain stability and confidence in their daily activities.
Preventing Recurrence
Preventing vertigo recurrence involves maintaining overall health and addressing risk factors:
- Regular Exercise: Balance and core-strengthening exercises to enhance stability.
- Postural Awareness: Correcting forward head posture or shoulder tension to reduce cervicogenic triggers.
- Stress Management: Techniques like mindfulness to minimize muscle tension.
- Medication Review: Consulting a GP to assess medications with dizziness side effects.
- Environmental Adjustments: Avoiding busy visual environments (e.g., crowded stores) that may provoke symptoms.
Conclusion
- Vertigo is a symptom of vestibular or neurological dysfunction, with BPPV being the most common cause.
- Symptoms include spinning sensations, nausea, and unsteadiness, often triggered by head movements.
- Sports therapy, including supportive techniques like soft tissue therapy may offer effective relief.
- Preventive measures like exercise and stress management reduce the risk of recurrence.
At Elite Performance Therapy, we provide personalized care to help you regain stability and confidence. Want to know more or take advantage of our complimentary initial chat ? Contact us here 🙂