Can An Osteopath Help With Vertigo
If you have vertigo, you may have experienced a sensation that your surroundings are spinning or moving or that you are swaying or dropping when neither is actually occurring. It can be unsettling and uncomfortable and can lead to decreased functionality depending on its frequency and duration.
This surprisingly common issue can result in a variety of accompanying symptoms and be due to several causes, which can affect people in different ways. Understanding the reasons behind your vertigo can help to find an appropriate treatment plan.
Osteopathy is a form of treatment that may assist in improving vertigo. Our team of experienced osteopaths at the Whole Body Clinic utilise various techniques and methods to help improve this potentially debilitating condition.
What Are The Symptom Of Vertigo?
Vertigo can present in different ways and changes from person to person. An episode generally lasts for a few minutes. This may be on an ongoing basis or can occur for a period of time, such as a few months, stop for few months, and then return for a few months.
The symptoms of vertigo depend on the cause. Some may include:
- Dizziness.
- A feeling of movement when there is none.
- Decreased coordination.
- Loss of balance.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headaches.
- Numbness, tingling, and pins and needles.
- Hearing loss.
- Speech difficulties.
What Causes Vertigo?
There are several reasons vertigo can occur. Sometimes, symptoms like those experienced by vertigo sufferers can be part of a different condition, so it is important to be assessed by a medical professional to diagnose vertigo or identify other issues that may need further investigation.
The most common cause of vertigo symptoms is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This involves the tiny crystals that inhabit the complex chambers of the ear. These send messages to the brain about the movement that you are performing and what your eyes are seeing. If these crystals detach and move about freely in the fluid within the ear canals, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo can occur because the messages the brain receives no longer match the movement that is actually occurring.
Some other causes of vertigo include:
- Head injuries.
- Certain medications.
- Inner ear degeneration.
- Labyrinthitis (inner ear inflammation).
- Ménière’s disease.
- Various viruses.
- Issues within the neck involving structures such as muscles, joints, blood vessels, and nerves.
Which Osteopathic Treatment Options Can Help With Vertigo?
Osteopathy, which is a drug-free, hands-on, non-invasive method of treatment, may help to relieve the symptoms of vertigo. Osteopathy focuses on the concept that the body functions as one, rather than as separate parts, so care includes an integrated and holistic approach.
Our osteopaths will discuss with you your medical background and the history of your vertigo and develop a personalised plan to support you.
Treatment will depend on the way your vertigo is presenting and why, but can include options such as:
- Determining the type of vertigo by producing the sensation and assessing the symptoms.
- Performing canalith repositioning (CRP), which is also known as the Epley manoeuvre. This involves a variety of head movements with the goal of shifting debris away from the sensitive areas of the ear. This method can be done in about fifteen minutes.
- Relieving tightness or stiffness that may be decreasing your neck mobility. This may be done with manual therapy such as massage, joint manipulation, and stretching.
- Providing specific exercises for you to do at home. These may focus on balance, mobility, and functionality.
- Lifestyle recommendations, such as sleeping adaptations and exercise guidance.
- Advice on how to reduce symptoms, such as avoiding quick and sudden position changes or head movements.
- Guidance on how to improve safety while experiencing a vertigo episode. This may include how to promptly get into a safer position that may prevent you falling or bumping into objects.
Osteopathic Care Can Provide Relief From Vertigo
Our osteopaths are highly skilled and qualified professionals who are experienced in treating vertigo that occurs due to a variety of reasons with differing symptoms. We will perform a thorough assessment to confirm a diagnosis of vertigo or identify other issues that may be causing the symptoms. We will develop the appropriate course of action depending on your situation.
Contact our friendly team for an appointment with one of our experienced osteopaths to find out how we can help you towards improving your vertigo.