We see so many clients with complaints of dizziness! But it can be overwhelming to find answers.

If you are someone that has ever experienced dizziness of any kind, keep reading.

In this we are going to discuss everything you need to know about vertigo including what it is, the different types, common symptoms, and how manual physical therapy can help. 

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning, or dizziness, where a person feels as though they or their surroundings are moving or rotating, even though there’s no actual movement. Unlike ordinary dizziness, vertigo gives a specific, intense feeling of imbalance that can make it difficult to stand or walk without feeling unsteady. It may or may not be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, sweating, or abnormal eye movements (nystagmus).

Although the root causes of vertigo vary, it typically results from issues in the inner ear, which is the primary area responsible for balance. The symptoms can range from mild and manageable to severe, disrupting daily life. With the help of manual physical therapy, however, many individuals can find relief and regain control over their symptoms. If you're experiencing vertigo, consider seeking out PT Works in Jacksonville for a customized approach to vertigo treatment.

Types of Vertigo

There are two primary types of vertigo: peripheral and central. Each has distinct causes and affects the body differently:

1. Peripheral Vertigo:

   • Originates from issues within the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which helps control balance.

   • The most common form is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), often triggered by head movements, such as rolling over in bed or looking up.

   • Other causes include vestibular neuritis, an infection of the vestibular nerve, and Meniere's disease, which involves fluid buildup in the inner ear.

2. Central Vertigo:

   • Linked to problems in the brain, particularly in the cerebellum or brainstem.

   • Conditions such as migraines, multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke can cause central vertigo.

   • Unlike peripheral vertigo, central vertigo symptoms may not be as closely linked to head movements and are often associated with more severe neurological symptoms.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo presents with several unique symptoms that differentiate it from simple dizziness or imbalance. Here are some common symptoms experienced across both peripheral and central types:

• Spinning Sensation: A feeling that the surroundings are moving or spinning.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Often accompanies intense vertigo episodes, particularly with BPPV.

• Balance Issues: Difficulty walking or standing steadily.

• Sweating and Pallor: Can occur due to the body's response to the spinning sensation.

• Abnormal Eye Movements: Known as nystagmus, where the eyes move uncontrollably in specific directions.

Identifying the type and intensity of symptoms is essential for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

Manual Physical Therapy for Vertigo

Manual physical therapy can be highly effective in managing vertigo. In manual physical therapy, a trained physical therapist uses hands-on techniques to directly manipulate the body, whether it is to perform a repositioning technique or reduce tension to restore alignment.

The specific treatment varies based on the type of vertigo and underlying cause. For cases like BPPV, specific repositioning techniques are often effective. In other cases, manual therapy techniques like soft tissue mobilization, trigger point dry needling, and joint mobilizations are more appropriate.

Here are a few examples of how manual physical therapy can help.

1. Canalith Repositioning for BPPV

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common types of vertigo. It occurs when the tiny calcium carbonate crystal in your inner ear dislodge from its usual location and moves into a different area. These fluid-filled structures detect head motion so when the crystals enter them, they create a false sense of movement, or dizziness. 

• Symptoms are described as room spinning, come on suddenly, usually triggered by changing position (looking up, rolling over in bed, etc) and can be very intense in nature. 

• The most effective treatment for this involves the Epley maneuver, a repositioning technique which involves a series of specific head and body movements designed to shift the crystals back to their proper location in the ear, alleviating the spinning sensation and improving balance.

2. Reducing Tension for Cervicogenic Dizziness

• Dizziness that originates in the neck, also known as cervical vertigo, is commonly related to increased tension in the neck/upper back. Usually associated with neck pain, this type of dizziness originates from the neck.

• Symptoms with the condition are described more as lightheaded or faint, feeling unsteady or off-balance on their feet. Anxiety and stress can also be triggers for this.

• Manual physical therapy techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue manipulation can alleviate muscle tension, improve neck flexibility, and enhance blood flow to the area. A combination of these hands-on techniques with a home exercise program for postural retraining and cervical stability can have significant positive impacts on symptoms. 

Stay tuned for a blog on a similar condition, cervicogenic headaches, which we see a lot when someone has this condition.

3. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for a Vestibular Hypofunction

• A vestibular hypofunction is a condition in which one side of the vestibular system is not working properly. When this happens, one side no longer detects head movements and positions, making it challenging for the brain to process information accurately. 

• Symptoms as a result of this misinformation, are usually described as dizziness, unsteadiness, and difficulty with activities that require coordination and body awareness. 

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy includes more active techniques to retrain the vestibular system. These exercises involve gaze stabilization exercises, balance training, and laser retraining.
  

If vertigo is impacting your life, don’t let it hold you back any longer. There is a licensed physical therapist who can provide a thorough evaluation and work with you on a plan tailored to your unique needs. Take the first step toward a vertigo-free life today by booking a consultation and exploring the benefits of manual physical therapy!