Treating Vertigo With The Help of Physical Therapy
Vertigo, dizziness, and balance-related conditions are among the most common health problems in adults. Nearly 40 percent of U.S. adults experience vertigo at least once in their lifetime, with women slightly more likely to get it than men. Vertigo and dizziness are common issues that lead patients to seek medical care. The cause of dizziness can be something complex like a neurological disorder or something small like a change in medication or improper glasses prescription.
Vertigo is experienced even when someone is perfectly still. It is a sense of rotation, rocking, moving, or spinning. The movement of the head or body can worsen the symptoms of vertigo, which include lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. When vertigo occurs, it may last for hours, days, or even weeks before resolving.
What Are The Causes of Vertigo
There are dozens of causes of vertigo, including:
- Inner-Ear Infections
- Vascular Impairment
- Cervical spine issues
- Vascular impairment
- Meniere’s disease
- BPPV or “loose crystals”
One of the most common causes of Vertigo that we treat at Gina V. Physical Therapy in Papillion, is “loose crystals” or commonly known as BPPV. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or “loose crystals,” is due to a mechanical change in the inner ear. When crystals become dislodged and travel into one of the semicircular canals, it disrupts the fluid creating a false sense of movement. This is why alterations in head position such as looking up or down, lying in bed, or rolling over will cause vertigo sensation.
Not all forms of vertigo come from BPPV, but it is very easy for Gina V. to diagnose and treat. One of our physical therapists can determine if you have BPPV by performing the Dix-Hallpike test. This simple test takes only minutes to confirm if your vertigo is coming from crystals in the inner ear through simple head movements and watching the eyes for involuntary movements. The direction of eye movements will indicate where crystals are loose in the inner ear so one of our therapists can treat you.
How Is BPPV Treated?
Physical Therapy is the No. 1 treatment for BPPV. It can usually be completely resolved in just a few visits through the use of specialized non-invasive treatments.
Patients often do not need to come back for additional treatments for BPPB once it has been resolved.
Do You Suffer From Vertigo and Live Near Papillion, Nebraska?
Our team of therapists at Gina V. Physical Therapy is experienced in treating Vertigo and can often resolve the issue within just a few visits. To get the relief you need from Vertigo, schedule an appointment with Gina V. Physical Therapy.
Tags: Dizziness Vertigo
