Feeling dizzy and off balance? You might be experiencing vertigo. If you have vertigo, it’s important to seek effective treatment services to restore your sense of balance. Vertigo is usually described as a sudden spinning sensation. You may feel like you are whirling in circles even while sitting or standing still. This sensation can be uncomfortable and often makes it hard to stay on your feet. It can also lead to other symptoms like headaches and nausea.
In some cases, vertigo does not have a medical cause. For example, you might experience brief vertigo after spinning in circles. Persistent or recurring vertigo, however, is generally indicative of a larger issue. Learning more about the most common causes of vertigo can offer insight into the possible nature of your own condition. By learning more about your condition and symptoms, you can take the next step toward getting treatment that works for you.
Common causes of vertigo
- Vestibular migraines — A migraine is a specific kind of headache that tends to be localized around one side of the head. Migraines are usually more intense than other headaches, and may persist or recur over time. In addition to head pain, migraines can make you feel nauseous and more sensitive to light. Another common aspect of migraines is vertigo. If you experience vertigo or other balance issues during your migraines, you may be experiencing vestibular migraines. Vestibular migraines are a particular category of migraines that cause episodes of dizziness. When it comes to vestibular migraines, professional treatment is important. In addition to medication, personalized physical therapy exercises can be highly beneficial.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) — BPPV is one of the most common causes of vertigo. According to one study, a minimum of 20% of patients presenting to the provider with vertigo will have BPPV. BPPV is an inner ear condition caused by the clumping of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear. This can affect the way fluid moves through the ear canal, disrupting the body’s equilibrium. Generally, vertigo associated with this condition is triggered by sudden head movements. If you feel like each head turn throws you off balance, you may be experiencing BPPV. Fortunately, BPPV can typically be managed with physical therapy.
- Meniere’s disease — Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear. In some cases, Meniere’s disease is the underlying cause of BPPV. Vertigo is one of the key signs of Meniere’s disease. Other common signs include temporary hearing loss and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ear. This pressure can lead to headaches and other associated symptoms, such as jaw pain. Tinnitus is another common sign of Meniere’s disease. Tinnitus refers to a persistent buzzing or ringing noise in the ears. If you are noticing any of these signs along with your vertigo, you may have Meniere’s disease. When it comes to addressing Meniere’s disease, physical therapy can play a crucial role. A skilled physical therapist can offer vestibular rehabilitation treatment, which is focused on restoring balance. One study shows that patients who underwent vestibular physical therapy demonstrated significant improvement in balance function.
- Ear infections — Infections that reach the inner ear can have a profound impact on your sense of balance. If you have an ear infection, you may notice the sudden development of symptoms such as ear pain, difficulty hearing and increased pressure in the ear. Fluid discharge from the ear is another key sign of infection. In some cases, an ear infection can make you feel sick. You may get a fever and notice a lack of energy. When an infection affects the inner ear, other symptoms, such as lightheadedness and vertigo, may develop. If you have an ear infection, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. Antibiotic medications can help eliminate the infection, providing relief. Physical therapy can also help you manage the symptoms as you recover.
- Head injury — Have you recently sustained a head injury? The lingering effects of a head injury often include vertigo. Concussions, one of the most common kinds of head injury, frequently lead to vertigo and nausea. This kind of vertigo is sometimes called post-traumatic vertigo. While it generally goes away as you recover, treatment can still be important. The right treatment can help ensure that you make a rapid and complete recovery. After a head injury, your physical therapist can develop a comprehensive treatment plan designed to promote healing and offer relief from your symptoms as you recover.
Can lack of sleep cause vertigo?
Sleep disturbances can lead to a wide range of physical effects. If you are not getting enough sleep each night, you will likely experience exhaustion as well as some level of cognitive impairment. As you continue to experience disturbances in your sleep pattern, the risk of experiencing new symptoms can grow. Continuous lack of sleep is often linked to symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo.
If your vertigo is related to insufficient sleep, it’s essential to start getting more consistent rest. For many people, lack of sleep is caused by insomnia or other conditions like sleep apnea. Identifying and addressing the cause behind your lack of sleep can be a great way to find relief from your vertigo. Sleep disturbances can have many causes, ranging from an inconsistent schedule to chronic pain. If your sleep disturbances are associated with a physical symptom like chronic pain or discomfort, physical therapy can be highly beneficial. Physical therapy can also help address many other root causes behind vertigo. Learning more about some of the most effective PT techniques for treating vertigo can demonstrate why physical therapy may be the right path for you.
Top physical therapy treatments for vertigo
- Functional rehabilitation — Having trouble functioning in your day-to-day activities due to vertigo? Functional rehabilitation can help. Functional rehab is a form of physical therapy that focuses on restoring your functional capabilities. Your course of treatment will be tailored to your particular condition, needs and rehab goals. The particular abilities that your rehab emphasizes will depend on your typical activities. If you are an athlete, for example, your course of treatment will likely focus on restoring your ability to participate in your sport. From restoring balance to promoting injury recovery, functional rehab can offer many benefits. The balance training often involved in functional rehab can be especially helpful for people who experience vertigo.
- Head and neck exercises — Vertigo can be caused by injuries and other conditions centered around the head and neck. Neck strain, for example, can lead to headaches and other symptoms like vertigo. To address this kind of issue, your physical therapist can guide you through targeted exercises. Exercises might include neck stretches and focused strengthening exercises. You can work with your physical therapist to develop an exercise plan that matches your capacity and needs. By engaging in a personalized exercise regimen, you can take an active role in your recovery.
- Manual therapy — Looking for a hands-on form of treatment? Manual therapy is a kind of physical therapy that involves your physical therapist using their hands to apply gentle pressure and facilitate controlled motions. When it comes to addressing vertigo, manual therapy can offer many benefits. Specialized manual techniques can help alleviate restrictions that contribute to headaches. Manual therapy can also alleviate tension in the neck, another factor commonly associated with vertigo. Effective manual therapy techniques include state-of-the-art methods such as Active Release Techniques® (ART). ART is a form of soft tissue mobilization designed to address scar tissue and other adhesions that might be causing tension and pain. For many people, releasing adhesions around the upper neck can lead to relief from other symptoms such as headaches and vertigo.
SOL Physical Therapy can help address the cause of your vertigo
At SOL Physical Therapy, our team is committed to helping each patient experience lasting relief. With a range of treatments including Active Release Techniques and functional rehabilitation, we can help restore your sense of balance. We will work with you each step of the way on your recovery journey.
Call us or request an appointment today to start treating your vertigo with physical therapy.