Osteopathy for Vertigo

19 Mar Osteopathy for Vertigo

Vertigo is a condition where patients experience the sensation that the environment around them is spinning or moving. For some patients their vertigo is barely noticeable, whilst others have severe symptoms that affect their everyday lives. Vertigo attacks can happen suddenly and usually last for a few seconds; however, in some cases, they can last much longer. Severe vertigo can be constant and last for several days.

There are two types of vertigo. The first is known as Peripheral Vertigo, which is the most common type, and is often caused by Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). The second type is known as Central Vertigo. This type is caused by lesions on the brain stem, other issues affecting the brain, migraines, or multiple sclerosis.

BPPV happens when canaliths (calcium carbonate crystals in the ear) loosen and move into one of the fluid-filled canals in the ear and interfere with it. The fluid’s purpose is to sense movement, but disruption to the fluid causes it to send false signals to the brain. The brain is then tricked into thinking that the person is moving when they are not, therefore contradicting the other senses, especially sight. This results in the patient experiencing the spinning sensation known as vertigo.

Symptoms of vertigo include:

• dizziness,
• feeling sick,
• fevers,
• nausea,
• tinnitus – ringing in the ears, and
• hearing loss.

Causes of Vertigo:

Vertigo is usually caused by a complication with the way balance works in the inner ear. However, in some cases, it can be caused by problems in specific parts of the brain. Causes of vertigo include the following conditions.

• Migraines – severe headaches.
• Labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – when head movements trigger vertigo.
• Vestibular Neuronitis – an inflammation of the vestibular nerve which goes into the inner ear and brain to help control balance.

What you can do at home:

Depending on the severity of your vertigo and what is causing it, you can explore several at-home techniques to help alleviate the condition. Seek medical advice as well.

• Add pillows under your head to slightly lift it whilst sleeping.
• When getting out of bed, get up slowly and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before standing.
• Avoiding bending down to pick up items.
• Do exercises that trigger your vertigo in order to help build up resistance to it. Your brain should get used to it, which will help reduce the symptoms (make sure to only do these exercises with assistance to avoid injury).

How osteopathy can help:

• Assessment: The osteopath will determine which type of vertigo you may be experiencing by asking specific questions and using simple positioning techniques.
• Treatment: The osteopath will address any stiffness, tightness, or restricted range of motion in the neck, in order to help restore the equilibrium of the vestibular system.
• Exercise plans and advice: This will include limiting arduous exercise and changing sleeping positions.

At OsteoVision, our practitioners are highly skilled in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your symptoms, book an appointment, or require more information about vertigo, its symptoms or its management.

Call:     03303  904 300
Email:  info@osteovision.life
You can also book an appointment online at www.osteovision.life