Some people will deal with vertigo their entire lives, while others may suffer from acute bouts of dizziness. A problem with the sensory nerve pathway is usually the culprit, albeit the issue may be caused by a problem with the brain or inner ear in some cases.
In some instances, vertigo may only last for a few seconds. In more severe cases, it can last for several days. The root cause of the problem will determine the severity of the condition.
Here, we will focus on how to treat vertigo and dizziness effectively so that you can go back to enjoying your life.
What Causes Dizziness and Imbalance?
Dizziness involves feeling unbalanced, and lightheaded acutely or chronically. The ears and eyes are adversely impacted, as are other sensory organs, so patients may faint due to dizziness spells.
It should also be noted that dizziness is a symptom of an underlying medical condition and is not a disease in and of itself. Both disequilibrium and vertigo may trigger dizziness in some patients.
A patient suffering from vertigo may feel like the room is moving. Most describe a spinning sensation that can be very disorienting. With disequilibrium, the patient will usually report a loss of balance.
Balance is regulated in the inner ear. As such, an inner ear problem or infection may cause dizziness. Dizziness can also be caused by excess alcohol, certain medications, and migraines.
Acute dizziness is usually not a cause of concern. However, frequent bouts of dizziness can indicate a serious underlying problem and should be investigated by a doctor.
What is the Best Exercise for Vertigo and Dizziness?
The Epley maneuver can help treat vertigo if it is caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. The goal of the Epley maneuver is to transfer calcium carbonate particles from the semicircular canals to the vestibule component that involves the otolith organs.
Sit on the bed and move your head to the left by about 45 degrees. Place a pillow under your shoulders. Lie down on your back and wait for half a minute. Proceed to turn 90 degrees to the right and wait for thirty seconds.
Turn your body and head to the right for thirty seconds to face the ground. Sit up slowly and wait for a few minutes. If the vertigo is caused by issues with your right ear instead of your left, simply reverse the directions above.
Brandt-Daroff exercises help use the benefits of gravity to loosen crystals from the semicircular canal in the patient’s ear. Start in an upright position, but remain seated. Tilt the head around a forty-five-degree angle away from the area triggering the issue.
Slowly move into a lying position on your side and remain in said position for half a minute. Afterwards, revert to a seated stance and repeat on the other side.
The Semont maneuver is also sometimes used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.
It takes less time to complete than most Brandt-Daroff exercises. However, most experts recommend that patients perform the Semont maneuver under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Sit on the edge of the bed and move your head forty-five degrees to the right. Lie down on the left side and remain in this position for half a minute. Move to the opposite end of the bed while keeping your head in the same 45 degrees, right-facing position.
Hold for thirty, and then revert to the sitting stance from earlier.
The Foster maneuver is arguably the easiest exercise to treat vertigo. It is sometimes referred to as a half somersault. You don’t need the help of another person to perform the Foster maneuver, nor do you have to be in bed to complete it.
Place your hands on the floor. Tilt your head up. Place your forehead on the floor once the dizziness has dissipated. Turn your head forty-five degrees and hold for thirty. Elevate the head until it is level with your shoulders and back and hold for thirty seconds.
Finally, elevate your head to a completely upright position.
Another popular treatment for vertigo is the marching-in-place exercise. It is designed to help patients improve their balance while standing upright. It also serves as a gateway or stepping stone for more complicated movements down the line.
Place a chair in front of you and stand your back in front of a wall. Stand as you normally would, with your hands placed on your sides. Proceed to march, lifting your knees as high as you can. Begin by doing this exercise twenty times.
Repeat twice a day, and, when you are ready, increase to 30-per session. You can try doing the exercise while your eyes are closed for an extra layer of challenge. As can be seen, there are many exercises to fix vertigo. Please speak to a healthcare expert to determine which activities are best for you.
What Are Your Other Options for Treating Vertigo?
There are many other exercises and online practices that you can implement if vertigo mentioned above movements are not effective.
The treatment modality that is administered will depend on the underlying cause of your condition, so you will need to go in for an initial consultation before a course of treatment can be provided.
Your doctor may recommend certain exercises that restore optimal balance, or they may provide you with certain medications to help treat your vertigo.
Taking the First Step
Balance retraining exercises can help accelerate your recovery. It is important to eat a balanced diet, visit your doctor for medical exams, and exercise regularly to keep fit and help reduce the risk of vertigo.
