Vertigo is a sensation that is characterised by dizziness and spinning, which is quite often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and difficulty with balance. This condition can be caused by many things however common causes include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular neuritis
- Meniere’s disease
- Certain medications
Vertigo can affect people of all ages but more commonly seen in older patients. There are certain factors that increase the risk of experiencing vertigo which include:
- Age: Due to the structures within the inner ear and vestibular system deteriorating over time
- Gender: Conditions such as Meniere’s disease that is more common in women
- Medical Conditions: People that experience conditions such as migraines, inner ear infections or disorders that affect the inner ear or vestibular system are more predisposed to developing vertigo
- Medications: Certain medications can affect the inner ear and lead to vertigo
- Head injuries: Traumatic head injuries can damage the inner ear and vestibular system which can lead to vertigo
- Environmental Factors: Certain factors within the environment and trigger the onset of vertigo e.g. changes in air pressure or motion sickness inducing activities etc.
How can osteopathy help with vertigo?
Since osteopathy is a holistic approach that focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its relationship to overall health and well-being, there are several osteopathic manipulative techniques that can be utilised to target vertigo directly and indirectly.
Here are some components that osteopathy can help with regarding to vertigo:
- Alignment and Circulation: restoring proper alignment and function to the musculoskeletal system can potentially improve blood flow, nerve function, and the function of the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in balance and spatial orientation.
- Reducing Tension: osteopathic care may help with releasing tension in muscles and soft tissues around the neck, shoulders, and head. Tension in these areas can potentially contribute to vestibular dysfunction and exacerbate vertigo symptoms.
- Improving Body Awareness: Osteopaths can help with providing guidance on posture, ergonomics, and movement patterns to help individuals develop better body awareness and proprioception. This helps with enhancing balance and reduce the risk of falls, which are common concerns for individuals with vertigo.
If you think you may have vertigo or a condition that is similar to this, and think that Osteopathy may be a beneficial for you, then it may be time to come down and visit an Osteopath at Canterbury Health Hub. Here we can provide a thorough assessment, treatment and management plan to get you back to living a happy and healthy life.