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Getting Dizzy When You Turn Your Head? Ease the Discomfort with Vestibular Physiotherapy
Do you feel dizzy or lightheaded every time you turn your head? Whether it’s while looking over your shoulder, bending down, or simply rolling over in bed, this kind of dizziness can be both frustrating and limiting. These symptoms often stem from inner ear balance issues or a condition affecting the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining your balance and sense of spatial awareness.
Fortunately, vestibular physiotherapy is an effective way to treat these issues. Through targeted exercises and personalized care, our vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton helps you regain balance, reduce dizziness, and feel more stable during daily activities. In this blog, we’ll explore how vestibular physiotherapy works, the signs of vestibular disorders, and some simple ways to find relief.
You can book your online appointments even now!
What Causes Dizziness When You Turn Your Head?
Dizziness when turning your head can stem from various causes, most of which involve problems in the vestibular system—a part of the inner ear that helps control balance and spatial orientation. Common causes include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common causes of dizziness. It occurs when small crystals in your inner ear shift out of place, causing a sensation of spinning when you move your head.
- Inner Ear Infections: Infections like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis can inflame the vestibular nerve, leading to dizziness and balance issues.
- Vestibular Migraine: These migraines can cause episodes of dizziness, even without a headache.
- Meniere’s Disease: This condition, characterized by fluid buildup in the inner ear, may result in symptoms like vertigo, tinnitus, and loss of hearing.
- Head or Neck Injuries: Trauma to the head or neck can disrupt the vestibular system, resulting in head movement and dizziness.
Regardless of the cause, our vestibular physiotherapy provides effective dizziness relief by retraining your balance system and reducing symptoms.
Signs You Might Need Vestibular Physiotherapy
Not sure if vestibular physiotherapy is right for you? Here are some signs that you could benefit from dizziness physiotherapy:
- Frequent Dizziness When Turning Your Head: If simple movements like looking up, bending down, or turning your head cause dizziness, it’s time to seek help.
- Unsteadiness or Loss of Balance: Feeling wobbly or off balance when walking or standing is a clear sign of vestibular issues.
- Vertigo Episodes: Sudden spinning sensations, especially when lying down or changing positions, may indicate a need for vertigo treatment.
- Motion Sensitivity: Feeling nauseous or disoriented during car rides or while watching fast-moving visuals can point to inner ear problems.
- Difficulty Focusing or Blurred Vision: Trouble focusing your eyes or experiencing visual disturbances could be related to vestibular dysfunction.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult our physiotherapist for a proper evaluation and vestibular disorder treatment.
How Vestibular Physiotherapy Helps
Our vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton focuses on treating balance and dizziness problems by retraining the vestibular system to function properly. Here’s how it works, including the specific techniques and exercises commonly used:
1. Dizziness Assessment and Evaluation
Our physiotherapists begin with a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the root cause of your symptoms. This includes:
- Dynamic Gait Index (DGI): A test to assess balance and walking stability.
- Head Impulse Test (HIT): Evaluates how well your vestibular system responds to head movements.
- Dix-Hallpike Test: Used to diagnose BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) by checking for nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises
These exercises are the cornerstone of vestibular therapy and are customized to address your unique symptoms. They include:
- Epley Maneuver: Repositions displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear to treat BPPV.
- VOR (Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex) Training: Improves coordination between head and eye movements to reduce dizziness.
- Tandem Stance Balance Exercise: Strengthens your ability to maintain balance while standing in a narrow stance.
- Habituation Exercises: Gradually expose you to dizziness-triggering movements to help your brain adapt and minimize symptoms over time.
3. Improving Head and Neck Mobility
Stiff or tight neck muscles often contribute to head movement dizziness. Our physiotherapists use specific exercises and techniques to improve mobility and reduce tension:
- Neck Stretching Exercises: Such as side neck stretches and chin tucks to ease stiffness.
- Thoracic Spine Mobility Exercises: Includes cat-cow stretches to relieve tightness in the upper back and shoulders.
4. Lifestyle Adjustments
Along with therapy, making small adjustments in your daily routine can go a long way in managing dizziness. We recommend:
- Pacing Techniques: Like moving slowly when changing positions to prevent sudden dizziness.
- Postural Adjustments: These include sitting upright and using lumbar support to maintain proper spinal alignment.
- Sleep Position Advice: Avoiding certain head positions during sleep that might trigger dizziness, especially for BPPV patients.
- Hydration and Nutrition Tips: Drinking enough water and maintaining a balanced diet to support overall vestibular health.
Simple Vestibular Exercises to Try at Home!
1. Head Turns While Sitting
- Sit upright in a chair and slowly turn your head from side to side.
- Repeat 10-15 times, gradually increasing the speed as your symptoms improve.
2. Gaze Stabilization
- Hold your thumb at arm’s length in front of you.
- Focus on your thumb as you slowly move your head from side to side, keeping your thumb in focus.
- Perform this for 1-2 minutes twice a day.
Ease Your Dizziness Now With Granville Physiotherapy
Dizziness can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Our vestibular physiotherapy in Edmonton helps you restore your balance, improve your mobility, and find lasting dizziness relief.
At Granville Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists are committed to easing your symptoms and guiding you through a recovery plan that fits your needs. Whether it’s vestibular rehabilitation exercises, gentle head movements, or balance training, we’ll work together to help you feel steady and confident again.
You can book your online appointments even now!
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