Exercises for dizziness include a variety of movements from different positions. There are exercises just for your eyes, some for your head and eyes or just your head, and others involving your entire body. Exercises are done seated, lying down, standing and with moving exercises such as walking. The neck and head exercises are fairly simple and may be effective depending on the severity of the condition. Dizziness from vertigo may be particularly responsive to these types of exercises. Be sure to consult your physician or physical therapist before attempting these neck exercises.
Neck Rotations
Rotating your neck and shoulders is one exercise prescribed for overcoming dizziness, according to the Head and Neck Surgery Department of Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Oakland. This exercise is done sitting in a chair without armrests. You will slowly rotate your head 20 times. Then, rotate your head 20 times quickly. Perform the rotations with your eyes open. This exercise may also be done with the eyes closed when the patient is ready. Shoulder circles are recommended as well.
Up and Down
Another exercise to try is to tilt your head forwards and then all the way backwards 20 times. The eyes are open. Begin slowly and then increase speed as you go. Closing your eyes will make this exercise more difficult and should be done only when your dizziness lessens.
Side to Side
The neck should be rotated to turn the head from left to right and right to left for this exercise. Like with the up and down exercise, start slowly and then increase the pace for 20 reps. Do this exercise with your eyes open until you are able to handle the exercise with your eyes closed.
Thumb-Tracking
The thumb-tracking exercise requires only the use of your thumb as an object to focus on as your neck moves. It is a balance exercise that may be done seated of standing, but it may be safer to try it seated first. Hold your thumb in front of your face about one to two feet away from you to begin. Focus on your thumb and maintain that focus as you turn your head to the left and then to the right. Remain looking at your thumb as you then turn your head from the right to the left. Next, tilt your chin up and then down while still keeping the thumb in view. Repeat looking side-to-side and then up and down for a total of 90 seconds.
Target-Change
The target-change exercise requires you to choose two objects to look at, one to your right and one to your left. These objects should be fair enough away that you will have to turn your head to see them. Begin by looking at the first object to the left. Blink your eyes. Then, turn your head quickly to the right to look at the second object. Continue to turn your head back and forth to look at each object a few times in a row.
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