Dizziness and vertigo
What is dizziness and vertigo?
Neck related dizziness:
Neck injury, stiffness or disruption of the neural structures can lead to dizziness as a symptom of the neck issue itself. As there are many reasons you can develop dizziness, including some more sinister than others, it is important to see an experienced therapist to diagnose the causal factor. Once diagnosed they can be treated successfully.
Vertigo:
Vertigo is similar to, but not the same as, dizziness, and it describes a spinning sensation of a person’s surroundings, usually caused by head movement or positioning. It can be caused by problems with the organs of the inner ear, or even due to a fast or abnormal head movement. This can cause something called a Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or (BPPV).
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can be triggered by movements or changes in head and neck positions. for example if you move your head very quickly from a laying down position to standing, it can lead to an immediate spinning sensation spinning sensation (vertigo), light headedness, loss of balance and nausea. It can last anywhere from a few minutes to months if left untreated.
How we may treat it.
- Diagnose the cause of the pain and what area is the likely cause of your dizziness or vertigo
- Carefully choose which methods of treatment will suit your particular symptoms
- If the condition allows for it, we may perform some soft tissue work on your back, neck and head
- Release and restore function to the problem area
- Perform specialised movements such as the hallpike and epley maneuver
- Monitor symptoms in order to ensure it does not return
- Prescribe exercises to prevent it happening again and follow up advice to keep symptoms at bay
