Vertigo can be debilitating, especially when it appears suddenly. However, there are ways to mitigate this symptom. For long-term solutions, you can receive help from an Avery Ranch physical therapy clinic, and for more immediate relief, consider the following tips.
Techniques for Vertigo Management
Most people experience vertigo occasionally; if it occurs only once, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, recurring vertigo can affect individuals’ ability to work, drive and care for themselves. In the worst cases, patients may experience vertigo every time they attempt to stand.
If you don’t know the underlying cause, it can be difficult to avoid triggering events. As a result, it’s crucial to diagnose the root cause and develop strategies to cope with a sudden onset.
Medical Treatments
If vertigo persists, you may need to search for “physical therapy near me.” A medical professional can determine the root cause of this symptom and address it directly.
While serious conditions can cause vertigo, the most common issue is fairly innocuous. The inner ear controls your sense of balance; when something affects the inner ear, it can disrupt that sense and make you feel as though the world is moving.
Fortunately, there are several medical treatments for inner ear conditions:
- Zuma maneuver
- Semont-Toupet maneuver
- Gufoni maneuver
- Epley maneuver
These maneuvers allow the practitioner to manipulate the fluid within the inner ear. Done correctly, they can move any calcium crystals out of the semicircular canals, which is typically the cause of the problem.
Ear infections can also lead to vertigo. Generally, physicians prescribe antibiotics as treatment.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Certain lifestyle changes may decrease the likelihood of experiencing vertigo. Limiting your alcohol intake is one such adjustment.
You’re probably already familiar with the effects of alcohol on balance, but did you know this stems from changes to the inner ear? Drinking alters the fluid composition, thereby interfering with your sense of balance.
If you get vertigo frequently, you may be prone to calcium crystals in your semicircular canals, a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. If this condition recurs, it may be due to a vitamin D deficiency. Fortunately, you can remedy this by taking a supplement or adding food containing vitamin D to your diet:
- Eggs
- Canned tuna
- Fortified milk
Frequent vertigo may also be a symptom of dehydration. Many adults don’t drink enough water; experts recommend women drink 9 cups daily, while men should drink 13 cups. You can also improve hydration by cutting down on high-sodium foods such as potato chips.
Coping With Onset Symptoms
When you experience an attack of vertigo, there are ways to lessen the dizziness quickly:
- Sit down.
- Find a dark, quiet room to lie down in.
- Breathe deeply and evenly with your eyes closed.
You can also prevent vertigo by moving slowly and carefully, especially when standing up. Keep your head as still as possible, and if you need to turn your head, do so slowly.
If you struggle with vertigo, it’s time to take action. You deserve to live comfortably without worrying about a sudden onset of symptoms. If you’re interested in helping others with this issue, you can even look for “physical therapy jobs near me” to find a clinic hiring in your area.